poll: is hand sanitizer same as washing hands with soap?

katlor9

when dealing with diapers i only wash my hands with water and soap if i actually get something on my hands. otherwise i just use sanitizer. my boyfriend thinks its gross. i dont think its gross as long as i dont have a huge smudge of poop on my hand...

Sweets2005

I use hand sanitizer after diaper changes, too. Unless actual poop touches me but most of the time nothing touches me at all. And besides, urine is sterile so wet diapers aren't even really that germy.

jim7496

Hand sanitizer is not the same as washing hands.  Hand sanitizer gets rid of the germs but not the dirt.  Having said that, I do the same thing as you. 

KJmashup

The CDC recommends washing your hands, but using sanitizer if you cannot adequately wash your hands:

https://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/

 

rms879

In my opinion, not QUITE the same--but, better than nothing!  Since I don't have a sink in the nursery, I make do with sanitizer and wipes until I can access actual soap and water.

arpetree1

Nope. Not the same.

afiyfah

I agree with your boyfriend. I wash my hands with soap and warm water after each diaper change, even if I don't get poop on my hands (and most of DD's diapers contain poop). Hand sanitizer just isn't the same as actually washing, and I only use it if I don't have access to soap and warm water.

NoCode10

No, it's not the same. I use sanitizer after pee diapers, and I wash my hands after poop diapers. I don't think it's gross if you haven't touched anything, but it's just a personal preference/habit of mine.

hermione76

I don't think it's the same. I do however use it for middle of the night feedings. 

TAMcWaters

I work in healthcare and we have been told the sanitizer is just as good unless your hands are visibly soiled, then washing is required.  I still prefer to wash, but that's just my preference.

samluv05

TAMcWaters:

I work in healthcare and we have been told the sanitizer is just as good unless your hands are visibly soiled, then washing is required.  I still prefer to wash, but that's just my preference.

Yup. Same here.

torii

Completely just my opinion but I think sanitizer kills the germs but handwashing actually removes the germs from your hands. I prefer washing!

McKenna04

washing hands is always your best option, but for a quick clean up sanitizer works..

kspies

No. It adds another layer of junk to your hands in addition to whatever poo or pee residue may be hiding there. It's only 60% or so alcohol and the rest stays behind--they're sanitized, but they never feel clean, KWIM? Obviously it's better than nothing when you're out and about, but I still try to wash my hands ASAP after using it.

Jinsy80

I always wash my hands after changing a poop diaper. That would gross me out if I didn't. I almost always wash my hands after a pee diaper too.

seamco12

For nighttime changes I just use sanitizer. If you can find a spray sanitizer, I really recommend it. It dries much faster. I personally hate the idea of getting sanitizer all over baby's skin. Bath and Body Works has one It is scented. I don't mind the scent because it lets me know if SS used it before he comes to touch the baby. We use their scented hand soaps too. With a five year old in the house its nice because i can always smell if he washed his hands. I don't have to hover or always ask him.

juliane2004

Unless it's a poopy diaper, hand sani is all I use after diaper changes.