Use natural products to sanitize items that come into contact with your baby's hands and mouths.
Housecleaning is challenging enough, but when you have a baby in the house, your efforts become more important than ever. In addition, you may be concerned about harsh or toxic chemicals around children or other family members. Choose natural products to sanitize items like toys, crib rails and highchairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Chemicals in Cleaners
Many commercial products formulated for cleaning the home contain a number of chemical compounds like chlorine, formaldehyde, petroleum solvents, phosphates and other ingredients. These are formulated to be tough on dirt and germs, but may be too dangerous to use around babies and small children who have tender skin and delicate respiratory systems. The fragrances that many commercial products contain can also irritate a baby's sensitive respiratory tract and trigger allergic reactions, according to Consumer Reports. The safer way to clean and sanitize baby items is to use natural products that are unlikely to cause health problems.
Natural Household Cleaners
Household bleach and ammonia have excellent germ-fighting ability, but can irritate a baby's nose, throat and lungs. A safer choice is ordinary household vinegar, which is a 5-percent solution of acetic acid in water. Vinegar kills germs without toxic fumes, and will lose its pungent smell shortly after use. Hydrogen peroxide is another common household product that can be used to sanitize baby items without harsh chemicals; use it full strength to clean highchairs and other items in daily contact with your baby.
Natural Cleaner Recipe
Make an effective household cleaner that is safe and effective on baby items like highchairs, changing tables and baby swings by mixing 2 cups of water with a few drops of natural soap. Add 15 drops of both tea tree oil and lavender oil. Mix thoroughly and pour into a plastic spray bottle. Spray on surfaces and wipe off.
Commercial Natural Products
Because many parents are concerned about the products they use around their babies, manufacturers have developed a number of "natural" cleaning products that contain non-toxic substances like vinegar, citrus oils, tea tree oil and other essential oils. Commercial product labels can be confusing. Always read the label of ingredients carefully to ensure that the product does, in fact, contain recognizable natural compounds and is safe for use around children.
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