It is important to be particular about you, and your child’s food and hygiene habits as babies and young children are particularly at risk of getting an infection from bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Food and hygiene watch out tips

  • Make a habit of washing your hands before preparing food and after touching raw vegetables, eggs raw meat, chicken, fish and shellfish. 
  • Ensure that your child's hands are clean before eating.
  • Teach your child to wash hands after touching pets and going to the toilet and before eating.
  • Ensure that surfaces are clean.
  • Keep your pets away from the surfaces where you eat food
  • Thoroughly wash all bowls and spoons with hot soapy water and ensure that chopping boards and utensils are also clean.
  • Keep raw meat and eggs covered and away from other food items in the fridge.
  • Cook all food properly.
  • Don't store and reuse half-eaten food by your child.
  • Consider washing and peeling fruit and vegetables, e.g., apples and carrots.
  • Avoid giving food or drink when they're sitting on the potty.

Reference

  1. Children's food: safety and hygiene[Internet]. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/food-safety-hygiene/. Accessed on Feb 26, 2020.