As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your babies healthy. This “task” can sometimes be challenging because children are very curious. Your little ones love to crawl on the floor; their toys often fall out of the stroller during walks, or other children take and carry them around the park or daycare. While they are exploring and getting to know the world, they can come into contact with many bacteria and viruses, and bring them into your home through their toys.
Children are two to three times more likely to get the flu than adults. Experts say that they often spread the virus to others by sharing toys. If these toys are not cleaned properly or often enough, it can be a significant problem.
Although children tend to be messy from time to time, you don’t need to disinfect their toys every time they finish playing. Some microorganisms are even beneficial for building the children’s immune systems and can prevent conditions like asthma and allergies. However, this does not mean that toys should never be thoroughly cleaned.
To Clean or to Disinfect, That is the Question
It is fair to ask: “How much is enough to keep my baby healthy? Should toys be cleaned or disinfected?”
There is no exact answer to the first question, but there are some tips that can help you: “How often should I clean my children’s toys?” The general rule to follow is to thoroughly clean them once a month. If your baby frequently uses certain toys, you should clean them at least once a week.
Of course, if your baby has been sick, anyone in your household, or another child at daycare, you should clean the toys more often.
What is important to know is that both cleaning and disinfecting can prevent the spread of disease, but there are some important differences to note. Cleaning involves using soap and water to physically remove dirt and other impurities. Disinfection is the removal of germs using chemicals.
Although disinfection is more effective in preventing the spread of disease, it will not remove surface impurities. Therefore, you should always clean the item first and then disinfect it to achieve the best results. It is roughly recommended that items be disinfected during the first six months when the baby’s immune system is still immature, and later cleaned with soap and water.
Make it Easier for Yourself
Regularly cleaning the floors in the house is a small trick that can help you keep your little ones healthy and also keep their favorite plush teddy clean. Cleaning the floors with appropriate detergent and water will remove dust, dirt, and microorganisms, especially during the cold and flu season. This way, your children’s toys, at least at home, will not come into contact with microorganisms as often, so you won’t have to wash them frequently.
In the end, it all depends on your baby’s routine and who they were in contact with during the day. You will never go wrong if you think it’s time to clean, but remember – it’s not good to overdo it either.
