Questions and Answers!
Your Training Resource

Healthy Childcare 6-3
April-May 2003

Sickness and Health : Toy Cleaning

How should mouthed items be cleaned? Mouthed items such as teething rings should be only for individual children to use. Once a toy has been in a child's mouth, it should be placed in the "dirty toy" tub to be cleaned before next use.

Are stuffed toys allowed? All stuffed toys, puppets, and other cloth toys should be constructed of washable materials and laundered weekly and when visibly soiled.

What about nonwashable items? First, decide if they are essential to the childcare environment. If so, then try wiping items (books, keyboards) lightly and quickly with alcohol-based wipes.

Can children help with cleaning? Children can wash baby dolls or other toys with soap and water as long as the toys are not contaminated with body fluids. You may still need to rehash or sanitize the toys later.

Safety First: Check it Once, Check it Twice . . .

What are three safety checks for indoor play areas? Electrical outlets covered; appliances and shelves secured to walls; no thumbtacks or staples; check for peeling paint; carpet secure and floors clean?

What are three safety check for eating areas? Tables and chairs are child-sized; no choking foods; no Styrofoam plates or plastic utensils; high chairs have safety straps; all bottles and cups are labeled and dated?

What are three safety check for toileting areas? No unlocked cleaning supplies; hot water temperature is safe; secure, nonslip step stool; clean up spills or water?

What are three safety checks for sleeping areas? Appropriate space between cots; clear pathway and visual supervision of all children; blankets and sheets clean and labeled for individual children?

Nutrition Action: Stomach Virus or Foodborne Illness?

What is the cause of most food borne illness? Mishandling of food and/or bad hygiene habits of food workers.

How can I prevent salmonellosis? Salmonella bacteria are easily killed by heat. Thoroughly cook foods, and avoid cross-contamination by raw eggs, meat, or poultry. Wash hands, especially after handling turtles or reptiles.

What foods are most commonly contaminated with E.coli? Raw ground beef, unpasteurized milk, and unpasteurized juices and ciders.

What are three general tips to safe food? Wash hands; keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold; thoroughly cook food; keep everything clean.

Medicine Chest: Product Awareness and Recalls

Where can I find current recall information? The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Safe Kids Campaign, and the Food and Drug Administration are some of the best resources.

Is there a resource that will keep me up to date on all recalls? You can subscribe to a free email newsletter from SafetyAlerts.com.

What should I do if I find out a product has been recalled? Remove the product from your childcare environment immediately, and contact the CPSC or the manufacturer for recommendations on replacement products.

Health and You: Pain and Fever Medications

What are the main ingredients in pain relievers? The four main products are aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Do they all do the same thing? All four ingredients will reduce fever and reduce pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen also reduce inflammation.

Are brand name medications better? Generic or store-brand medications should contain the same ingredients. Read the label and check the ingredient list.

Are these drugs safe for children? Aspirin is not recommended for children less than age 19. Naproxen has not been tested for children less than 12 years old. For all medications, check the label for dosage and make sure you give the correct amount of medication.