7 Essential Hygiene Habits Every New Parent Should Follow
Getting ready to take home a baby? Ensure that your location is clean as well as comfortable! You have the crib assembled, the small attire folded, and your changing table in full supply. However, the bigger question is whether your home is hygienic and safe for your newborn baby. When you find yourselves as the new parents, then baby gear, baby decorations are there in your head, but one factor which is very crucial in health as well as the growth of your baby is the hygiene factor, which you must consider.
Babies are sensitive to germs and allergens, and their immune system has not developed yet. This implies that it is not a choice that a house can be clean, but a reality. However, snap out of it and do not run to get the bleach. Keeping clean does not need to be a pain. You don’t have to have so many crazy habits and routines (just a few clever and lightweight ones) that even getting out of the door becomes a feat. Here we go, seven easy home hygiene ideas that can make sure you are able to take care of your newborn baby with confidence and safety.
1. Make a Baby-Safe Cleaning Zone
The first thing you can do is to ensure that the environment of the baby is as germ-free as possible, as per Bond Cleaning Perth. Nursery, changing area and feeding spots should be cleaned frequently with non-toxic cleaning materials. Clean outbreaks in cribs, toys, changing tables and feeding chairs with cleaning materials that are safe for babies.
Putting the shoes, pets, and outside bags out of the baby zone is also a reasonable idea. Wash your hands before touching your baby or his/her belongings and exclude lots of contact with visitors during the first weeks, except those who are healthy and hand-cleaned.
2. Wash Baby Clothes Separately
Ensure that the clothes of the baby and baby bedding, and blankets are washed separately from other household items. Wash using a special baby, gentle, non-fragrant and hypoallergenic detergent. They have sensitive skin and would not be allergic to laundry products that adults use.
However, never wear any clothes before washing them in order to remove the residues and chemicals from the clothes. Wash and make sure that they are free of detergent. This way you will avoid irritation of the skin and your baby will become comfortable and raw-free.
3. Regular Cleanliness of High-Touch Surfaces
Your baby most likely won’t be touching any of the doorknobs or the remote controls, but you will, and then you will be picking them up right after that. Frequently touched objects that should be regularly cleaned include light switches and remote controls, smartphones, counter tops and feeding accessories.
On these surfaces, use cleaning sprays or wipes that are not toxic to disinfect these surfaces. Washing them would reduce the chances of the baby being infected with bacteria when carrying out the usual activities like consoling, changing or feeding.
4. Safe Feeding Hygiene Practice
When feeding the baby by breastfeeding or bottles, it is most likely that you will require good hygiene in the feeding zone. You should always remember to wash your hands before handling these items (milk bottles, nipples or pacifiers). Bottles and pump parts should be sterilised every time after use with boiling water, sterilisers, or microwave steam bags, according to the product suggestions.
Mothers who breastfeed ought to rinse the breast pocket with plain water before consuming milk to prevent the accumulation of milk. Also, change out breast pads regularly to avoid the growth of bacteria.
5. Maintain spotless floors. Keep new floors clean
Babies would later on crawl, roll, and play on the floor- this makes it one of the most vital places to be clean. Check to vacuum carpets regularly to eliminate pet hair and dust. Wipe the dry floor using baby-safe, non-toxic cleaning agents.
Take off your shoes to avoid spreading dirt and germs from the outside to spread at home. Washable rugs in the play areas may be used so that they can be cleaned regularly. A clean floor also serves the purpose of keeping the allergens in the house to a minimum, as well as preserving the skin of your baby.
6. Diaper Hygiene Care Management
Changing diapers is also a full-time thing during the first few months, and therefore, this must be a clean and orderly process. Utilise a special changing facility and disinfect this facility daily. Location of all necessities, wipes, creams, and diapers in a reachable location will aid in eliminating the unnecessary touch of various surfaces in the place of a change.
Ensure that the diapers are not thrown in the open bins as they may cause bacteria and the smell of dirty diapers. Wash hands well after every change, despite the usage of gloves. Reusable changing mats should be cleaned every time and should be washed regularly; disposable liners are used to keep them hygienic.
7. Enhance Indoor Quality Air
How your baby breathes the air is just as important as the surfaces which they touch. Set up an air purifier in the room in which the baby is staying and place a HEPA filter within it to sieve the dust, pollen and other allergens. Open the windows to receive the fresh air, and avoid strictly using strong sprays and artificial air sprays.
In case you love the essential oils, ensure that they are baby-friendly and within limits, with effective ventilation. On top of that, a couple of non-toxic, easy-to-take-care-of plants (where little hands cannot reach) can aid in naturally optimising the air quality indoors.
Conclusion
Having a sparkling house is not what you need as a new parent, but a safe house. Pay attention to the main hygiene practices that will prevent your baby contact with germs and allergens unnecessarily. It also provides you with peace of mind in those restless sleepless nights.
In mind, the point is not perfection. These are mini, daily habits that will maintain your residence healthier without adding more pressure to your full plate. You already have a lot to deal with, so make these hygiene tips your silent helpers that will result in the creation of a safe and loving environment in which your little one can grow.