Bringing a newborn home is one of the most exciting and joyous experiences for any family. Along with this joy, there’s also a new layer of responsibility to ensure the environment is as safe and clean as possible for your little one, says Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for sterilising agent Milton. “Because babies’ immune systems are still developing, it’s essential to take steps to eliminate germs on items they frequently come in contact with.”
To ensure a germ-free environment, you need to make sure you use a sterilising agent. Milton has been trusted by moms for many years is safe for plastics and fabrics, and can kill up to 99% of germs. Sometimes, moms can become overwhelmed when it comes to knowing which products need to be sterilised.
To make things easier, here is a list of nine essential items that need to be sterilised when bringing a newborn into your home:
- Bottles and teats are some of the most used items by babies. Milk residue can quickly lead to bacterial growth if not thoroughly cleaned.
- Pacifiers spend a lot of time in your baby’s mouth and can easily fall onto less-than-clean surfaces. New pacifiers should be sterilised before first use, and ideally, should be re-sterilised daily or after they’ve been dropped on an unclean surface.
- Breast pump parts that come in contact with breast milk, such as the flange, tubing, and milk containers, need to be regularly cleaned and sterilised daily especially if the pump is used multiple times a day.
- Teething toys are loved by babies as they soothe sore gums, which also makes these toys prone to germs.
- Breastfeeding accessories such as nipple shields, milk storage containers, and any other breastfeeding accessories can introduce bacteria if they come into direct contact with either the mother or baby.
- Baby utensils and plates will only be used when the baby is older, but as soon as solid food is introduced these items should be sterilised as a simple rinse may not be enough to kill bacteria. This is the same for the baby’s highchair. Many high chair parts, including trays and belts, are removable and can be cleaned in hot water or even in a dishwasher.
- Toys can easily gather dust, germs, and bacteria, especially soft toys that aren’t as easy to clean. For soft toys, regular washing and air drying should suffice, while plastic toys can be sanitised using Miltons.
- Changing mats are frequently exposed to germs and bacteria during diaper changes. Clean them regularly and any detachable parts if possible.
- Crib rails and mattress covers may not seem like immediate concerns, but they can harbour bacteria as babies often touch and chew on crib rails and spend hours lying on the mattress cover.
Keeping these items clean and sterilised will provide a safe environment for your newborn as they adapt to life outside the womb. Simple steps in daily sterilisation, using proper equipment, and sticking to a cleaning routine will ease the transition to a new home, giving you peace of mind as you focus on bonding with your baby.
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