How to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Babies

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that is quite common in babies and young children.

It’s usually caused by the coxsackievirus and can leave you feeling stressed, frustrated, and exhausted. While it’s not usually serious, HFMD can make your baby uncomfortable. However, there are ways to prevent this disease so that you can keep your little one safe and healthy.

Today, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in babies. We’ll start by explaining what HFMD is and how it’s transmitted, and then we’ll move on to the most important thing: prevention.

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, also known as HFMD, is a contagious viral infection that commonly affects babies and young children.

The CDC reports that it is caused by a group of enteroviruses, most commonly coxsackievirus. It can spread through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of HFMD can include fever, sore throat, fatigue, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks.

Although the illness can be painful and uncomfortable for children, the CDC states that it typically goes away on its own within 7 to 10 days.

Washing hands frequently and disinfecting commonly shared surfaces are effective methods to help prevent the spread of HFMD.

The virus spreads easily through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces and objects. HFMD is most commonly spread in places where children congregate, such as daycare centers, preschools, or playgrounds.

Symptoms of HFMD

The most common symptoms of HFMD include:

• Fever

• Red, sore spots in the mouth (which may lead to mouth ulcers)

• A rash on the hands and feet that may develop into blisters

• Irritability or fussiness in babies

Complications of HFMD

In rare cases, HFMD can lead to serious complications such as viral meningitis, encephalitis, or heart complications.

Who Is at Risk of Developing HFMD?

According to the Mayo Clinic, children under 5 years of age are at greatest risk. Child care facilities like daycare centers, preschools, and nurseries are common environments for HFMD because children tend to play in groups, putting them in close proximity and increasing the chance of germs spreading via toys and other items.

As well, children who are young have not built up immunity to the viruses that cause HFMD. Older children and adults can contract HFMD, but symptoms are generally milder and immunity is gained after repeated exposures.

How Does HFMD Spread?

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease spreads easily through close personal contact and exposure to bodily fluids from an infected person. The virus is commonly transmitted through saliva, nasal discharge, fluid from blisters, and stool.

It can also spread when children touch contaminated toys, doorknobs, or surfaces and then put their hands in their mouths.

The WHO notes that people are most contagious during the first week of illness, but the virus can remain in the body for days or even weeks after symptoms disappear, allowing it to continue spreading silently. This is why outbreaks are common in childcare settings and why strict hygiene practices are essential.

HFMD spreads primarily through contact with an infected person’s saliva, nasal secretions, or feces. It can also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. The virus can live for a period of time on surfaces and objects, so it’s easy for babies to pick up. HFMD can even spread before visible symptoms appear, and the infected person may continue to spread the virus for a few days after they recover.

Transmission of HFMD occurs in several ways, including:

• Direct contact with an infected person (for example, kissing or hugging)

• Airborne transmission (such as by sneezing or coughing)

• Fecal-oral transmission (by contact with contaminated hands or surfaces)

• Contact with contaminated objects or toys (especially those that are shared in group settings)

How To Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Babies

While there is no vaccine and no sure way to prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, the CDC says that maintaining good hygiene and routinely disinfecting surfaces can lower your child’s chances of contracting the virus.

You can help prevent the spread of HFMD by washing your hands often with soap and water. Handwashing is especially important after changing diapers and using the toilet and before eating.

Make sure to frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are commonly touched, as well as toys that are shared among children, pacifiers and feeding utensils. The virus can survive on surfaces for hours or days.

Keep infected kids out of school or daycare until the fever is gone and try to avoid close contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils with them when they’re sick. These steps should be part of your daily routine since babies and toddlers tend to put their hands and toys in their mouths.

Thus, to prevent HFMD, do the followings:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

One of the best ways to prevent HFMD is to practice good hygiene. This means washing your baby’s hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after they’ve been outside or before they eat.

Teach Your Baby About Hand Hygiene

Instilling the basics of hand hygiene in babies, even from an early age, is one of the most effective ways to keep them from developing this disease.

• Frequent handwashing: As babies start crawling and exploring, teach them to regularly wash their hands with soap and warm water, especially after they’ve been outdoors, after going to the potty, or before meals. Make sure they wash their hands thoroughly, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing with water.

• Hand sanitizer: Babies may not be able to effectively use soap and water, but you can apply alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) on their hands. You can also use hand sanitizers when you’re outside or in public places where there are a lot of people around. Just be sure to wipe your baby’s hands with a clean, damp cloth after sanitizing to prevent them from ingesting the sanitizer.

• Cleaning pacifiers and toys: Make sure that your baby’s pacifiers, toys, and feeding utensils are sterilized regularly, especially if your baby is teething and putting objects in their mouth.

Children under the age of 6 months are at the highest risk of contracting HFMD because they are more likely to touch their faces and put objects in their mouths.

Related: Thrush in Babies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

2. Disinfect Common Areas

HFMD can also be spread through contaminated surfaces and objects. To reduce the risk of your baby coming into contact with the virus, be sure to disinfect common areas frequently.

• Frequently clean your baby’s toys: If your baby plays with toys that are shared by other children, wash them often with soap and warm water or a baby-safe disinfectant.

• Clean high-touch surfaces: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, and baby-changing tables with disinfectant wipes.

• Laundry: If your baby comes into contact with someone with HFMD, wash their clothes and bedding with hot water to help eliminate the virus.

3. Avoid Contact with Infected People

Avoid contact with sick individuals as another way to prevent HFMD from spreading. If your baby or child is sick, keep them home from daycare or school until they recover. Avoid hugging or kissing other children if your baby or child has HFMD, as this can spread the disease quickly.

Steps to take if your baby or child is infected:

• Stay home: Keep your baby or child at home if they’re sick and avoid contact with others.

• Wash hands often: Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently, especially after changing diapers or if they’ve been coughing or sneezing into their hands.

• Clean surfaces: Disinfect surfaces regularly, including toys and doorknobs.

• Wash bedding: Wash your child’s bedding in hot water if they have HFMD.

• Keep hydrated: Make sure your baby or child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if they have a fever.

• Contact your doctor: If your child’s fever persists or they seem unusually irritable or lethargic, contact your doctor.

If your baby or child comes into contact with a sick individual, take the following steps:

• Isolate your baby or child: Keep your baby or child away from other people until they’ve recovered from the illness.

• Monitor your baby or child: Watch for signs of HFMD in your baby or child, such as a fever, rash, or mouth sores. If they develop symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

• Keep your baby or child at home: If your child or baby has HFMD, keep them at home until they’re no longer contagious.

• Clean surfaces: Disinfect surfaces regularly, including toys and doorknobs.

• Wash bedding: Wash your child’s bedding in hot water if they have HFMD.

• Monitor the sick individual: If someone in your household is sick, keep an eye on them and take steps to prevent them from spreading the illness to others.

If your baby or child has been in contact with someone who has HFMD, it’s important to watch for signs of the disease. This includes a fever, rash, or mouth sores. If your child develops any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Tips to Avoid Getting Infected With HFMD

• Stay away from large crowds, if possible.

• Avoid hugging or kissing other children when you or your baby is sick.

• Don’t share cups, utensils, towels, or bedding with a sick person.

• Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning the sick child’s room or preparing their meals.

• Dispose of the sick child’s soiled clothes and diapers immediately.

• Cover your baby or child’s nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze.

• Wash your baby or child’s hands after they use the bathroom and before they eat.

Related:10 Things Not to Do with Babies

4. Boost Your Baby’s Immune System

While babies’ immune systems are still developing, you can help boost their natural defenses by providing them with a healthy diet and good sleep.

• A healthy diet: A healthy, balanced diet is essential for your baby to maintain a strong immune system. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and other minerals that support the immune system.

• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding provides babies with important antibodies that help boost their immunity. If possible, breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months of life.

• Good sleep: A good night’s sleep is important for everyone, including babies. Make sure your baby gets plenty of rest so that their body can fight off infections.

5. Be Careful With Daycare and Playgroups

Daycare centers and playgroups are some of the most common places where babies and children can contract HFMD because they often involve close contact between children. When your baby is old enough to start attending daycare or playgroups, make sure the facility follows proper hygiene and cleanliness standards.

• Ask the daycare center or playgroup about their policies: If your child or baby attends daycare or a playgroup, ask them about their policies for dealing with sick children.

• Inform the facility: If your child or baby has been exposed to HFMD, be sure to inform the daycare center or playgroup immediately.

• Watch for symptoms: Keep an eye out for signs of HFMD in your child or baby, such as a fever, rash, or mouth sores. If they develop symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

• Encourage good hygiene: Make sure your child or baby practices good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently, especially after going to the potty.

Related: What To Do When Your 3 Year Old Won’t Poop On The Potty

6. Educate Family Members and Friends

Family members, friends, and other caregivers should also be aware of the risks of HFMD. Make sure they wash their hands often and avoid touching their faces. If they are sick with HFMD, they should avoid contact with your baby until they have fully recovered.

• Talk to other parents about HFMD: Educate your baby’s caregivers about HFMD and its risks. Make sure they wash their hands often and avoid touching their faces.

• Ask family members and friends to wash their hands before they touch your baby or child.

• If they are sick with HFMD, they should stay away from your baby or child until they have fully recovered.

7. Monitor Your Baby’s Health

Even with all these precautions, it’s still possible for your baby to contract HFMD. If they do, it’s important to act quickly.

• Keep a close eye on your baby or child and look for any early signs of HFMD. Contact your pediatrician immediately if you suspect your baby may have the disease.

If your baby or child does contract HFMD, there are some things you can do to help them feel more comfortable. Try to:

• Keep them hydrated: Babies with HFMD may not want to eat or drink because it hurts their mouth. Offer them small sips of water or breast milk frequently to prevent dehydration.

• Control their fever: If your child or baby develops a fever, contact your pediatrician for advice on how to control it using medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to a baby because it can cause Reye’s syndrome.

• Keep their skin clean: Gently bathe your baby or child with soap and water to help keep their skin clean and free of bacteria that could cause infection.

• Use medicated ointments: You can use ointments specifically designed for babies with HFMD to help relieve pain and discomfort.

Related:10 Ways to Keep Your Baby’s Skin Healthy

When to Consult Your Doctor

In most cases, HFMD is a mild disease that will go away on its own with no treatment needed. However, you should see your pediatrician if:

• Your baby or child develops a fever over 101°F that lasts more than a few days.

• The rash is severe or spreads to other parts of the body.

• Your child or baby develops difficulty breathing.

• The symptoms of HFMD persist for more than a week or seem to be getting worse.

Related: How to Bathe a Baby

Treatment for HFMD

As mentioned, HFMD is usually mild and will go away on its own within a week. However, there are some things you can do to help your baby feel better and prevent further spread of the disease. If your baby is uncomfortable and needs help, see a doctor who will recommend the best treatment option.

The NHS states that HFMD normally gets better by itself in 7 to 10 days and there’s usually no specific treatment required. However, a child’s symptoms can be managed by ensuring they are comfortable and giving them plenty of fluids.

Pain relief medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be used to help reduce symptoms if your baby is old enough to take them.

Parents should contact their doctor if their baby is refusing to drink, showing signs of dehydration, has a fever that will not subside with medication or if their symptoms appear to be getting worse rather than better.

In most cases, treatment for HFMD is supportive care, which includes:

• Hydration: Babies with HFMD may not want to drink or eat due to mouth sores, so it’s important to keep them hydrated. Offer your baby small sips of water, breast milk, or formula frequently throughout the day. If your baby becomes dehydrated, they may need intravenous (IV) fluids.

• Fever control: If your baby has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help reduce it. Aspirin should never be given to children under 18 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

• Skin care: Babies with HFMD can have skin irritation from scratching at their rash, so it’s important to keep their skin clean and moisturized. Gently bathe them with soap and water and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply unscented moisturizing lotion or ointment to any dry or irritated skin.

Conclusion

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can be an unpleasant experience for your baby. But with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of your little one contracting this disease.

Follow basic hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly and disinfecting common surfaces in your home. You can also lower your baby’s risk of getting HFMD by limiting contact with infected individuals and boosting their immune system through proper nutrition and sleep.

Prevention is always better than cure, but even if you take all these measures, there’s still a chance that your baby will get sick. If they do, don’t panic—HFMD is usually mild and can be managed at home. However, you should contact your pediatrician right away if your baby shows any signs of HFMD so that they can get treated early before it progresses into more severe forms of the illness.

As long as you remain vigilant about your baby’s health and hygiene habits, you’ll create a safer, healthier space for them to grow up in. So keep up the good work!