What hygiene action should be performed before handling the child?

• A. Wash Hands
• B. Skip hand hygiene
• C. Only wipe with a dry cloth
• D. Rely on gloves alone

Answer: (A)

Hand hygiene before touching a child is the first and most effective step to prevent the spread of germs. Washing with soap and water for about 20 seconds physically removes dirt and microbes from the hands, lowering the risk of transmitting infections to the child. If hands aren’t visibly soiled, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used, but soap and water is preferred when contamination is likely. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene; they can have tiny breaches and don’t remove pathogens, so washing before donning gloves and after removing them is still important. Wiping with a dry cloth is not sufficient to remove microbes.