Nursery Hygiene Tips

Keeping a clean and tidy nursery is probably every young mum’s dream, but as any seasoned parent will tell you, little babies, even those who haven’t even started moving around yet, are experts when it comes to making really big messes. To keep your nursery sparkling clean and germ-free, it’s best to have a cleaning routine. We hope the following tips will be useful to you!

Clean germ “hot spots” routinely

Areas such as changing tables and nappy pails, for obvious reasons, provide excellent breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. These “hot spots” should be disinfected everyday to keep the nursery safe and also to prevent the germs from spreading to other areas of your home. Frequently-touched surfaces, like door handles for instance, can help transfer germs from one person to another, so keep them clean and sanitized.

Change crib bedding often

Well, it’s a no-brainer! Your little one’s sheets are not likely to stay clean for long, especially with all that bladder works and bowel movements. Even drool and minor diaper leaks can cause bacteria to grow unnoticed in your baby’s crib if the sheets are not changed regularly. Dust and dirt particles can also settle on bedding, leading to skin irritation and allergies. As a rule of thumb, change your baby’s bedding at least once a week, regardless of its condition.

Keep floors clean

When your baby begins to crawl, they will not be a single thing on the floor which will escape your little one’s attention! This means keeping your nursery floor clean and dust-free is paramount! This is especially true if your nursery is carpeted, for the whole room can quickly become a reservoir for dust mites and mold. Vacuum twice a week using a vacuum that has a good filter designed to effectively trap dust particles, pet dander and other allergens, preventing them from being redistributed into the air. Tip: Go on all fours yourself to get a clear view of what your baby sees when he’s down there and remove all dangerous (and tasty-looking) temptations!

Sanitize toys

If you haven’t already noticed, your baby’s idea of a good time is to mouth every toy before playing with it! In fact, your little one probably knows by heart what each and every toy tastes like. That’s why it’s important to sanitize your little one’s favorite toys at least once a week. Wipe each toy down with a good quality disinfectant before rinsing them with clean water.

Have a plan for dirty diapers and heavily-soiled laundry

Look for specially designed diaper pails which seal in odor and germs, ensuring your nursery remains sweet smelling and germ-free. Good ones even have a handy foot pedal. Use sturdy plastic linings so that dirty diapers never even touch the diaper pail itself, preventing any additional mess to clean up.

Keep a separate hamper for heavily-soiled laundry to prevent contamination. Very dirty items, such as soiled sheets or clothing, should be washed separately in hot water as bacteria from bodily fluids can spread to other items in the wash. Be sure to keep the hamper itself clean though, so as not to beat its purpose in your baby’s nursery.

Establish a sanitation station

Keep nursery germs in check by storing sanitation supplies at arm’s reach. This will help in cleaning up as you go. Set up a tray on or near your changing table with antibacterial gel and paper towels. Cleaning your hands after every diaper change will prevent you from contaminating other surfaces. Before you leave the room, give the changing area a quick once-over with a convenient, safety-approved disinfectant wipe.

Helpful Hints:

• Look for a diaper pail with a lid and a removable inner bucket for easy cleaning. Be sure it’s child-safe and cannot be easily opened by a curious little one.

• Use EPA-approved, eco-friendly disinfectants or antibacterial products to avoid exposure to VOCs and other dangerous chemical residue.

• Ventilate your baby’s nursery by regularly opening the windows to let in some fresh air and health-promoting sunshine too!