Alcohol Free Hand Sanitizer...

I never used hand sanitizer for my children and don't use it for my grandkids. I believe that all that sanitizer and antibacterial stuff weakens our natural ability to fight germs. I thing soap and water is the way to go.

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Straight up: I don't use it, never have and the gal that said the same is correct. They weaken our natural defenses and help contribute to super germs and antibiotic resistant germs. I use soap (non antibacterial)and water and wipes occasionally and so far my daughter has a cast iron immunity system. Let 'em get grubby

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no3_supp/levy.htm

http://www.webmd.com/news/20080529/safety-debate-on-antib...

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The alcohol in the hand sanitizers IS the antiseptic that makes them do their stuff. It evaporates off the skin so I don't think I'd worry way too much about hands that end up in the mouth -- wouldn't hand sanitizers make the hands taste pretty yucky? That said, the alcohol content is pretty high in those things so I would NEVER let my toddler play with, suck on, etc. a bottle of the stuff. To ingest it could be dangerous. I do understand your concern. My suggestion is to go back to good ol' fashioned handwashing.

Check this out: http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=21&am...

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I believe that if you check with any health professional they will agree with what I am about to say. The over the counter hand sanitizers that you buy do NOT sanitize hands. They are better than nothing but the BEST way to clean your hands is warm water, soap, and FRICTION -- the friction being vigorously rubbing all parts of your hands for 2 minutes. Most of us do not wash for this length of time, so following up with an alcohol-based cleaner is better than nothing. But keep in mind that as soon as the alcohol evaporates, its effectiveness evaporates.

You're right -- alcohol for your 2 year old is not good. But you cannot and should not try to keep him in a bubble. His system needs to be exposed to bacteria to develop antibodies. That doesn't mean you should sit him in a mud puddle and give him a spoon. You can, however, make sure that the things that he plays with are as clean as you can make them -- soap, warm water, and friction! Life will provide exposure to bacteria for antibodies to develop.

YES! Whole Foods carries a line that uses pepermint oil to sanitize. The aroma, and pocket size spray are added benefits. It works just as well as the alcohol based, if not better (in my opinion) because I find it doesn't dry my skin. (Though the latter probably isn't a concern for your little one. : 0 ) )

I know Earthfare does carry some. I'm sure you could probably also find some at a Whole Foods.

FWIW There are loads of things that can be used as antiseptics: http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/Natural_Ant...

I love Tea tree oil and lavender, and use a good bit of both. You could get a little spray bottle and mix one with some water to keep for disinfecting.

I have an all-natural hand sanitizer that has no alcohol. It is Clean Well. I found it at Target. Hope this helps! S..

Whole Foods sells one as does Toys & Babies R Us. Look for Hands 2 Go. It's a spray and does not contain alcohol.

Check Bath & Body Works. I just read the label and it doesn't say alcohol per se'. So, check that out as well.

Good luck and thanks to everyone else who wrote on alternatives!!

BabyGanics makes a "moisturizing formula - kills 99% of germs - The Germinator - Alcohol Free - Foaming Hand Sanitizer - Fragrance Free"

I found it at my local Babies R Us in Newnan, GA.

Hope that helps!

I just saw some at Bed, Bath and Beyond today. I don't remember the name of it but it was alcohol free. I almost bought some. It was sitting on the checkout counter. I think it was called babyganics or something like that. It's the foam kind which I really like for my 2 year old. Hope that helps. Good luck!

I haven't seen an alcohol free sanitizer but check out this website there may be something here that you be able to use since you have a little one.
http://www.livetotalwellness.com/excelsh