Babies are adorable, but, let’s face it, they are messy! Of course, that may not sound like a big deal. As parents, you make sure your little one is bathed and changed regularly, right?
But, what about the toys your child plays with? Are those toys bathed or changed regularly too? Probably not. Below are some tips to cleaning baby toys especially when you are a busy parent.
Clean Baby Toys
Busy Parent’s Guide to Cleaning Toys
No matter how busy you get, you should never neglect your baby’s toys cleanliness. Toys, car seats, strollers, and basically anything your child touches on a regular basis needs to be cleaned. Thankfully, the guide below will help to keep the baby toys clean and help ensure the task doesn’t take up too much of your time.
Fabric Toys and Stuffed Animals
These are the toys your little one hugs and chews on regularly. Think about it: you wouldn’t let your child sleep on the same sheets for 2 to 3 years without washing them would you? So, why would you neglect to wash the stuffed and fabric toys they snuggle with daily?
The good news is that an appliance called a ‘washing machine’ will be your best friend for this job!
All you need to do is place the toys inside a pillow case and tie a knot in the top of it. Make sure the toys are secured tightly inside the case so they will not get damaged during washing. Next, start your regular washing machine cycle using your baby’s detergent and walk away! That’s it. Once they are finished washing you can either dry them in the dryer or hang them to dry.
Plastic Toys
If the plastic toys are small enough to fit inside your dishwasher (best friend #2), by all means, use it! The dishwasher is perfect for washing and sanitizing. Just be sure that the toys will not fall through the holes in the racks and melt around the heating element in the bottom. Smaller toys can be placed inside the silverware basket so that you can close the lid to secure them.
For larger plastic toys, wipe them down with a diluted solution of bleach and water and let them air dry. This will help kill any unwanted germs or bacteria.
Cleaning baby toys regularly will help to keep your baby healthier and you happier! Don’t take any chances with your child’s health and always be sure to clean the toys regularly especially after your child has been sick or a friend has visited with their children.
I’ve been working on a list for this year’s hottest Christmas toys if you’d like to check it out. Of course, you’ll have to make sure you keep them clean too!
Photo Credit to JD Hancock on Flickr
