Protect Your Baby’s Health Naturally with These Germ-Fighting Tips
Having a baby can make you hyper-aware of germs everywhere. Suddenly, you notice all the toys and floors your baby crawls on and worry about all the microbes around. Babies, on the other hand, are naturally curious and love to explore by putting things in their mouths. Keeping your baby healthy and your home germ-free can be a challenge, but these tips will help you protect your little one:
**Frequent Hand-washing**
Germs spread easily through hands. Throughout the day, you touch various items that may harbor bacteria, like doorknobs, magazines, and public restroom handles. Before picking up your child, always wash your hands thoroughly. This also goes for your baby’s hands. Use a gentle yet effective soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
**Timely Cleaning and Disinfecting**
Keeping your house clean is crucial in preventing illnesses caused by germs. The kitchen and bathroom are hotspots for germs. You don’t need harsh chemicals—vinegar and eco-friendly products can be just as effective without harmful fumes. Focus on areas prone to dirt, like around the toilet, kitchen counters, and floors where your baby crawls. If someone in the house is sick, do a thorough cleaning after they’ve been around.
**A Modern Changing Station**
Your baby’s changing station can harbor lots of germs and bacteria. Use a washable Playard (like a pack’n play) for easier cleaning, especially after a messy diaper change. You can wash it with gentle detergent or use a vinegar and water solution for a natural, toxic-free clean. It will also leave the room smelling fresh.
**Some Fresh Air**
On warm spring or summer days, open the windows to air out your baby’s room, particularly after an illness. Fresh air enhances air quality and helps your baby breathe easier. Consider using a room humidifier to maintain air stability and keep their airways clear.
**Sterilized Meal Tools**
Babies frequently put things in their mouths and drop them on the floor. Sterilize their toys, pacifiers, bottles, and nipples by boiling them for at least five minutes to kill germs and bacteria. Pay extra attention to their high chair, as it can get quite messy during meals and needs thorough cleaning afterward.
To keep your baby healthy, practice basic hygiene by disinfecting your home, washing their changing station regularly, and washing hands often. Maintain a healthy balance and remember that encountering some germs is a part of life.
Ann Bailey, a mom with experience battling germs, shares these notes for families with young children. Using a washable Playard (like a pack’n play) can provide the protection and peace of mind needed to maintain cleanliness while raising a small child.
