Toddlers have developing immune systems, which means they can get sick more often. They also learn through new environments such as:

• childcare
• public playgrounds
• libraries 

As a result, your toddler comes into contact with new germs and bacteria that can easily spread and make them sick. 

Your child may have habits such as sucking their thumb or biting their nails. This increases the risk of dirt and germs getting into their body. Good hand hygiene and handwashing can prevent many infections.  

To help your child with hand hygiene: 

• wash hands often: teach your child when to wash their hands- after using the toilet, before and after eating, after playing outside or with pets
• use soap and water: show they how to wash all part of their hands for about 20 seconds
• make it fun: singing a song or using engaging soap can also help with building habits 

Bathing your toddler helps keep them clean and hygienic.  

Most toddlers only need a bath 2 to 3 times per week. However, some families may enjoy more regular baths as part of a bedtime routine, water play, or bonding experiences.  

Always supervise your child in and around water. Make sure to clean your toddler’s face and genitals daily, even if they aren’t having a full bath.  

Tips for bath time: 

• use a gentle cleanser instead of harsh soaps to avoid drying or irritating your child’s skin
• wash their hair about once or twice a week- more often if it’s dirty, oily, or they are always active
• avoid bubble baths for as long as possible- they can increase the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) in some children 
• for girls, wipe the vulva from front to back with water only. You don’t need to use soap or cleanser- the vagina cleans itself
• for boys, wash the penis and scrotum as normal. Do not force the foreskin back as it can cause pain and injury
• as your child gets older, teach them more independence to help wash themselves 
• give your child warning before bath time and when it’s about to end to avoid resistance.
• dry your child gently and completely to avoid rashes on their skin 

Always stay within arms’ reach of your child and supervise even in the smallest amount of water. Toddlers can scald themselves on hot water or can drown quickly and silently. 

See Water safety - Bath time for more information. 

At this age, your toddler will likely know the names of many body parts, like their eyes, nose, arms, and legs. Being curious about private body parts and asking questions is a normal part of their development too.  

It’s normal for children to touch their private parts as a self-soothing strategy when they are anxious or excited. This may happen during bath time, nappy changes, or toileting. 

Support your child’s learning by teaching:  

• the correct names for all body parts, including their penis or vagina 
• the differences between male and female bodies  
• which body parts are private and which can be public 
• what different body parts do. 

You can also teach your toddler that their private parts are their own and to speak up if something feels uncomfortable to them. 

When babies start to roll and crawl, they will often try to escape from you, which can be dangerous and dirty depending on your stage in the cleaning process. If your child is becoming too active to change on their back, try standing them up and using nappy pants. To ensure your nappy-changing routine is safe and hygienic, you can:

• never leave your baby unattended on a changing table, even if they are secured with a strap
• always wash your hands before and after changing a nappy
• move any dirty wipes and nappies out of the way of your baby
• dispose of dirty disposable nappies by sealing them in a plastic bag or nappy bin – out of the way from curious pets and siblings
• remove any solid waste from reusable nappies before washing by scraping it away with a tissue or toilet paper and flushing down the toilet
• follow wash routine instructions for cloth nappies; wash in hot water (at least 60°c) and make sure they are completely dry before using them again

Nappy rashes are common and usually happen when your child has been in a dirty nappy for too long. Some children have more sensitive skin and can get nappy rashes more often. You can prevent and manage nappy rash by:

• changing nappies regularly, including every time you see or smell poo or the nappy feels heavy with wee; otherwise, check every 2-3 hours
• avoiding plastic nappy covers that can trap moisture inside
• using barrier creams containing zinc oxide or ones that are suitable for cloth nappies
• not using talcum powder, soap or products that have fragrances
• giving your toddler lots of nappy-free time at home to air out their skin
• checking any rashes and seeing your local doctor if you are concerned