Babies are wonderful creatures, and they bring life to our homes.
However, they love to pick things and put them in their mouth.
Since they can’t practice good hygiene on their own, it’s the role of parents and caretakers to ensure that they clean all their things frequently.
Hence, How Often Should You Clean Your Baby’s Nursery?
There isn’t a definite answer to this question because it’s different for every parent. But, we can say that since the baby spends most of their time in the nursery, it needs to be always clean. So, you will have to do the cleaning daily, weekly, and monthly to keep it germ-free. It’s also essential to clean their toys and other belongings. For this reason, keeping a nursery checklist is necessary.
Five Items to Focus on When Cleaning the Baby’s Nursery
As long as we raise our children on earth, they will constantly be exposed to germs.
Thankfully, if their immune system is strong, they should handle average exposure.
It’s crucial to keep your baby’s things clean to reduce exposure to bacteria that can cause infections.
However, we must mention that sometimes infection might occur even when you are doing your best to be a clean parent or caretaker.
Some of the items to focus on when cleaning the nursery include;
1. Bath and Rubber Toys
A study by InsuranceQuotes.com revealed that bath toys carry the highest number of germs.
You probably won’t be thinking about germs when bathing your child.
However, remember that bath toys are way dirtier than most other things.
Soak the bath toys in warm water for a few minutes and rinse well with cold water.
Then dry and store them in a storage bin outside their bathroom or in a basket.
2. Mattress and Bedding
You need to clean every week or more times if there need be.
- Begin by vacuuming the mattress’s side and underneath to collect any loose debris.
- If the mattress is waterproof, use baby wipes to remove dirt.
- If it isn’t, mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide, water, and dish soap in 1/4, ¾, and ½ tsp ratio.
- Then dip a microfiber cloth into the solution such that it soaks it, and use the material to wipe the mattress. Remember to clean sheets and blankets as well.
3. Teething Toys
These are in your child’s mouth for hours.
For this reason, it’s essential to clean them often. Soak the toys in hot water mixed with mild dishwashing soap.
Then soak them in another solution of distilled white vinegar and warm water for about 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse with cool water.
4. Floor
Since babies spend a lot of time crawling around the room, ensure that you clean the floor regularly.
Use a mild floor cleaner and mop thoroughly.
If you have a wall-to-wall carpet, it’s not impossible to collect dust.
Most carpets look clean, but they carry a lot of dirt secretly, which can cause allergic reactions.
Therefore, ensure you vacuum at least two times per week thoroughly to take the dust off.
5. Diaper Bins
These should be very hygienic.
Remember, these bins can be an excellent place for bacteria to thrive.
When they’re filled up, it’s time to give them a deep clean to keep germs at bay.
Take yours outside and spray using a hose.
Then scrub with warm soapy water or a solution of Borax with water.
If there is any odor, eliminate it by using a DIY solution of water and lavender oil.
Every time you place a new bag in the bin, remember to sprinkle some baking soda on the bag.
Seven Tips for Cleaning a Nursery
Keeping your nursery clean and beautiful is harder than it looks.
Babies are good at making messes, and since you have other work to do, soon you will find dirty diapers, clutter, and messes piled up in the laundry.
That is why we recommend having a plan to help you maintain a clean nursery.
Here are some tips to help you start;
#1. Design a Sanitization Station
Sanitization tools should be where you can reach them easily.
A tray with paper towels and an antibacterial gel should always be close to your changing table.
Before leaving this table, ensure that you clean your hands to keep germs from your baby.
#2. Place Only the Necessary Furnishing
Many mothers go over and beyond trying to make their children’s nursery look fantastic.
But in doing so, most times, they end up over furnishing the place.
Unfortunately, furnishings tend to collect dust and gather germs.
Therefore, the more they are, the dirtier and unhygienic the room becomes.
To avoid these, only place the furnishings you need in the room.
Since you will have fewer items, you also wouldn’t have a hard time cleaning.
#3. Keep Pets out of the Nursery
While pets and children are best friends, you shouldn’t let them in your baby’s nursery.
These animals have a lot of bacteria with them.
Plus, they may carry allergens and cause an allergic reaction.
#4. Dust and Disinfect Often
Dusting needs to be part of your routine.
Ensure that you dust shelves, windowsills, and other items in the room at least once per week.
Use a microfiber cloth since it traps more dust than traditional cotton cloth.
Please do not use feather dust as it spreads dust around.
And also, remember to change the room’s air filters after a few months to minimize dust and allergens.
It’s also essential to vacuum often using HEPA filtration as it is more effective in removing dirt.
Before your baby comes, ensure that the carpeting is steam cleaned or install flooring that’s easier to clean.
Additionally, since germs are often spread by contact, make sure to disinfect the room regularly.
Disinfectant wipes can help you clean frequently touched items like crib railings and doorknobs.
#5. Change Beddings Regularly
Babies have a good scent. But when they poop or vomit, the smell isn’t great.
This makes their bedding an excellent place for bacteria and odor. Even if the bedding looks clean, please change it once every week.
Most times, we can’t see bacteria with our naked eyes.
But, that doesn’t mean they are non-existent. Take the necessary precautions by changing the beddings regularly.
#6. Choose Eco-friendly
It is essential to keep your child safe and healthy, especially if there is a possibility of illnesses or infections.
However, conventional cleaning products have harmful chemicals which evaporate quickly.
Therefore, they may pollute indoor air, which can make your child sick.
It’s better go eco-friendly which is safer for your baby.
So, your child will enjoy the opportunity of living in a beautiful world.
#7. Sanitize Toys
Because babies love to put things in their mouths, make sure you sanitize their toys at least once a week.
Wipe each toy using a disinfectant and rinse them in water or use a wet cloth.
Also, consider soaking them in hot water with vinegar to kill germs and then rinse them with cold water.
Nursery Checklist:
Daily
- Change bedding
- Dust furniture and clean surfaces using a dishwasher liquid soap if need be
- Empty the diaper bin
- Ventilate the room two times a day or more
- Wipe out the changing table every time you use
Weekly
- Dust the nursery thoroughly
- Clean the baby cot and vacuum the mattress
- Wash the floor and vacuum the carpet
- Clean the changing table
Monthly
- Clean lights, fans, windows, and blinds
- Wash curtains
- Wipe down walls and doors
Related
References
How Often Should Nursery Toys Be Cleaned?
Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Toys Clean and Sanitized
Safe Ways to Clean Baby’s Nursery
Nursery Cleaning Checklist: What to Do Daily, Weekly, and Monthly
