Parents are great about keeping their babies clean, but many of us are also busy breeding germs without even knowing it! These are four things that every mom has, which need regular cleanings.
Your diaper bag
Inside and out, your diaper bag takes a germ-filled beating on a daily basis. The inside can have snack remnants, spilled milk, spit-up rags and the occasional dirty diaper if a trashcan is not nearby. The outside is no better – especially the bottom. It’s likely been on park benches, bathroom floors, shopping carts and whatever that sticky spot was at your last playgroup.
Clean up
De-germing your diaper bag depends greatly on the material. Check the label or online for a description of the product materials and recommended cleaning methods. Some bags may be safe to throw in the washing machine or handle a gentle hand-washing while more intricate bags may recommend dry cleaning only.
Think ahead
Look for a diaper bas with a water-resistant finish that will help repel spills and be easier to clean with a disinfecting wipe. Also search out bags with purse feet – little metal rivets on the bottom of the bag to prevent the diaper bag bottom from lying directly on the ground.
The diaper pail
I think you can imagine what may be growing in there!
Clean up
Once a week, use a disinfecting wipe or spray to clean the handle, lid and any other place you touch. Once a month, disinfect the interior of the pail with a diluted bleach solution.
Think ahead
While the nature of a diaper pail’s role is a dirty one, you can cut down on touching it by choosing one that opens with a foot pedal. If you get one that is metal, its nonporous material will clean easily and completely.
Pacifiers
Sure they are designed for your baby’s mouth, but they also visit the car floor, bottom of your purse, inside of your jacket pocket, and the grocery store floor.
Clean up
Regularly clean your pacifiers with hot water and soap. Or throw your pacifiers in the silverware basket of your dishwasher (note: some latex pacifiers may not be dishwasher-safe). Be sure to toss any pacifiers that get cracked or ripped.
Think ahead
Invest in a pacifier pod to store your baby’s sucker or one of these amazing Keep-It-Klean pacifiers that automatically closes when dropped to protect the nipple.
Car seat harness straps
Drool. Spit-up. Smashed banana. The harness straps on your car seat are an easy target for things that are going in – and out – of your baby’s mouth.
Clean up
Depending on the car seat brand, you may or may not be able to completely remove the straps. Either way, the cleaning method is the same. If the straps are stinky, make a paste of baking soda and water and let them sit for 30-45 minutes. Then wipe off with hot water. To disinfect and clean, use a solution of diluted vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to repeatedly wipe the straps. It is not recommended to soak the straps or put them in the washing machine as it may compromise the strength of the straps over time.
Think ahead
Many infant car seats come with harness covers. If yours doesn’t or you’ve misplaced them, invest in a pair to keep your straps clean and make clean-up a breeze. We love these unique reversible covers made by an Etsy seller.