Washing hands after nappy change - MIL thread, sorry

[StarlingMurmuration]

My PIL are staying with us at the moment to look after DS, after I have had an operation. I appreciate is is very generous and lovely of them, and I am grateful.

However, MIL isn't washing her hands after pooey nappy changes. AIBU to be bothered by this? How can I get her to do this without basically implying she's being disgusting? We do have hand sanitizer at the nappy change station, but I found she as using that BEFORE she changed his nappy instead of after! DS is 8 months old, just for info, and my operation means I can't lift or carry him, or bend over/ kneel down, so I can't do it myself at the moment.

I'm really really shocked at how many people don't wash their hands after changing a nappy. Surely it's just standard practice? And now I understand why some families have constant D&V bugs. And I will think twice before buying cakes at a bake sale. Ughhh.

I am that so many people don't wash their hands! I consider myself fairly laid back about these things but I don't think I would be able to not wash my hands after the toilet/changing a nappy. It's second nature!
I wash them before eating, after going to the toilet and during cooking if handle raw meat or something. I thought everyone did that!

sure - but if you're gonna get upset about people not washing after nappys, then why not get upset about people not washing after touching dogs... or trolleys, or other dirty things?

ohso no different reference at all, I have seen in numerous houses and places of work the old tattered sponge being used to wipe round mouth of cup, collecting those germs to sit for a while then re wipe around another cup.

they tested sponges - harbouring e coli and all sorts

I'm a nurse. I only wash my hands after changing my little boys nappy if I get poo on them. I use a baby wipe every time. My little boy is 14 months and in that time none of us have had D&V. I bake cakes too but always wash my hands before I start baking. Glad I'm not the only minger out there!

mrsDevere let's say everyone washed their hands after every toilet and nappy.

There would germs from other things too....

Actually handwashing is rather more important than many here realise. The incidence of food poisoning is directly linked to it as is catching nasty diseases like dysentery whilst holidaying abroad. Perhaps most of all those with good hygiene will be less likely to catch the deadly influenza virus when it arises - and it is expected and will sweep in incredibly fast!
Quite apart from nappy changing - does MIL wash her hands after defecating herself one wonders?
But it is the common habit of putting possibly contaminated fingers in the mouth, rubbing the nose or eyes that is how most people infect themselves with 'flu - not being sneezed over!

One of the most effective things the government could do to minimise the deaths in the UK is to amend public spaces so that we do not routinely need to contaminate our fingers by touching surfaces when out-doors, taps, anything that others have touched or sneezed over! Preventing people touching their faces until after they are home and have thoroughly washed their hands is probably best done the Japanese way - by wearing a disposable mask when out.

Good luck people - but do try to improve your family's chances...

you can't prevent all germs, there is no way for anyone to live in a sterile environment.

Because I'm obviously a disgusting and selfish minger....

I get really on edge about unwashed hands. My DM was very insistent on strict hand hygiene (my dad and brother had health issues), regular washing and short clean nails, and it became second nature. DH is a real soap dodger at times and I nag remind him if he's for example making me something to eat. The thought of him doing the cats litter tray then making sandwiches is

Does it make it worse that she calls a nappy change "a bum change"?

Yuck, I wish I hadn't read this.

If you don't wash your hands after a nappy change I am pretty sure you wouldn't bother after going to the toilet either. I am amazed by the amount of people that walk out of public toilets without washing their hands.

I'm a nurse. I only wash my hands after changing my little boys nappy if I get poo on them. I use a baby wipe every time.

Where did you get your special glasses that can see microbes because I would like some please?

Honestly as a nurse you should know better

Say ' Their was a thread in Mumsnet about washing hands after doing a nappy. Really weil0 bcz I always wash mine, can't believe some people dont'

It is bloody selfish to not wash your hands after using the loo or changing a nappy or before starting to prepare food. That is one of the ways that infections and bacteria spread, making other people ill.
Seriously, how long does it take to quickly wash your hands? About 20 seconds.

OMG. When I first arrived in the UK 12 years ago I was aghast at the prevalence of D&V, and after reading this thread I can see why it's so widespread.

I hate it when you have got food for example...a takeaway and someone dives on it to dish it out without washing their hands

Also when they pass you food withoyt washing their hands like a hotdog off a BBQ for example