Finally! After two months of COVID-19 lockdown, the little ones can go out. The time has come to make up for lost playtime, races, and freedom, but it is very important to do so by taking all safety measures. We need to acquire new routines so that parents and children get used to a series of hygiene and sanitation measures that make their walks more pleasant and safe. What can we do to minimize the risk of contagion? Here are some tips:
- STEP 1, AT HOME: Add a disinfectant gel to your walk backpack, so if your children touch something, you can disinfect their hands before they put them in their mouths or on their faces. You should also set up a small corner at the entrance where you can leave gel and disinfectant spray and three baskets or boxes: one for shoes, one for the clothes you wore outside, and another for small items (keys, phone, wallet...).
- STEP 2, BEFORE LEAVING: Get dressed and wash your hands. You can bring a toy to make the walk more fun. Before leaving, take a few minutes to remind the little ones about safety measures*
*Trick: instead of listing everything they can't do, also remind them of everything they can do: "You shouldn't get close to children we don't know, but you can dance, ride your bike, watch birds, and jump." You can also invent a song or a story to make it more appealing.
- STEP 3, ENJOY: Make the outing a unique experience. Try to go to less crowded places and take the opportunity to rediscover corners of your city.
- STEP 4, BEFORE ENTERING THE HOUSE: On the way back, remind your child of the routine they should follow when entering the house, it will make it easier to acquire the habit.
- STEP 5, LET'S GET TO WORK: Once at home, try not to touch anything. Disinfect the toy, focusing on the areas that have been in contact with any surface. Take off your shoes, disinfect them, and leave them in the box at the entrance. Likewise, take off your clothes and any items you had contact with outside (phone, wallet, keys...) and leave them in their respective boxes ready to be disinfected or washed. Finally, shower or thoroughly clean all exposed areas.
- STEP 6, THE FUN CONTINUES: Keep playing games at home that promote their psychomotor skills and imagination. Did you know that a ride-on toy is a great option to enhance children's psychomotor skills? In this article, you can see all the benefits it provides (link to ride-on benefits post)
