Handwashing with plain soap and water—not with antibacterial soaps—is still the most important way to reduce the spread of germs, according to the Canadian Paediatric Society.
The society published a position statement in an issue of Paediatrics & Child Health stating that the use of antimicrobial products is unnecessary to keep children healthy.
“You don't need to buy toys treated with antimicrobial products,” Dr. Joanne Embree, chair of the society's infectious diseases and immunization committee, said in a statement.
“When children put toys in their mouths or play with them when they are sick, simply clean them with water and soap and rinse well.”
When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based solutions or gels can be used, according to the society (J. Paediatr. Child Health 2006;11:169–73).