![shirts with buttons](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/Shirt-with-buttons.jpg)
Shirts with buttons down the front or with larger openings for the head are easier to put on.
Be sure the neckline is not too close to the trach.
![no swimming](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/no-swimming.jpg)
No swimming.
Children with a trach cannot submerge in water.
![bathing](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/bathing.jpg)
While bathing your child be sure not to get any water in the trach.
Your child must never go under water.
Never leave a child alone in the tub.
Older children may shower using a shower guard.
![Clean mouth](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/clean-mouth_1.jpg)
It's important to clean your child's mouth twice a day.
Older children can brush as normal.
For a younger child you can swab your child’s mouth with gauze or use a finger tooth brush. You may need to suction out the mouth after brushing and rinsing teeth.
Cleaning mouth/teeth helps to prevent your child from getting sick.
![Soft foods](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/soft-foods.jpg)
Softer food are easier to swallow.
Follow the direction of your doctor and speech therapist.
![no sand or dirt allowed near the trach](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/no-sand-dirt.jpg)
While playing outside, sand or dirt should not be allowed anywhere near the trach.
![Warm weather humidity](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/warm-weather.jpg)
Warm weather humidity may make breathing difficult or change the consistency of their secretions.
![Breathing cold air](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/cold-air.jpg)
Breathing cold air may cause the airway to spasm or tighten.
![Allergens](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/allergens.jpg)
Even though your child is not breathing through their nose, they still can be affected by allergens, such as pollens or perfumes.
![No Smoking](/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/childrens-hospital/tracheostomy-ventilator/images/no-smoking.jpg)
Smoking should never be allowed near a child with a tracheostomy.
It's best to reduce or eliminate environmental irritants such as smoke from a woodstove or fireplace, pet dander, and household dust.