Teach your child about the hamster diet. Take your child to the pet store and help him choose a dry hamster mix. In addition, purchase fruits and vegetables such as spinach, carrots, lettuce, carrots or apples. Let your child help you wash and cut the produce into bite-sized pieces for the hamster. Explain the importance of providing only as much fresh food as a hamster can eat in a short amount of time and removing all old food from their cage before it rots.
There are certain foods that should not be included in a hamster's diet. Produce such as raw potatoes and onions should not be fed to hamsters, according to the ASPCA. Similarly, your child should not feed a hamster table scraps or candy. Junk foods such as cookies, chips, French fries and sodas should likewise be avoided. To help your child remember the foods that he should avoid feeding to his pet hamster, give him construction paper and markers and ask him to make a poster of foods to avoid to hang on the refrigerator.
Hamsters are small and like to wriggle, making them difficult for small hands to hold. Give your child some practice before holding a hamster on their own. Show your child how to hold the hamster securely with two hands. It is best for children to sit down while holding a hamster, so that if the hamster jumps from their hands they will be close to the ground. Let your child practice by holding a small stuffed animal. Once your child feels comfortable, let her hold a hamster for a few moments in a pet-proofed environment where the hamster will be safe if it escapes from your child's arms. Always remind your child to hold their pet gently but firmly.
Hamster cages must be cleaned often to give your hamster a healthy environment. Let your child fill your hamster's cage with bedding and toys, and encourage him to clean out the cage weekly. Provide gloves to protect your child's hands from germs. Show your child how to remove hamster droppings and dirty bedding. Use a cleaner purchased from a pet store or a mixture of white vinegar and water to thoroughly clean the cage once a week. Provide guidance as necessary until your child has mastered cleaning the cage by himself.