Lots of things we overlook in our day-to-day lives can create a
harmful environment for a newborn. If you have a new baby in your
future, now's the time to perform a "new baby clean sweep!"
Deep cleaning the whole house
Usually the "white glove" test is reserved for mother-in-law visits. But it's essential when you're bringing home a newborn. Things like dust, mildew and mold can wreak havoc on a baby's respiratory system. This is a good time for those projects you've been contemplating, like cleaning the air vents, removing cobwebs and wiping walls, counters and cabinets clean. Get out the white glove-literally-for washing window sills, baseboards and tile and wood flooring. Use a non-toxic cleaner for washing every surface in your newborn's (and your) room.
Going au natural
Harsh chemicals have no place in a baby's lair. Think of everything that touches your newborn's skin as potentially entering his or her body. Here are some common sources of unhealthy chemicals: cleaners like bleach and spray disinfectants, air fresheners, even wet wipes. It is possible to find natural versions of most household cleaners. You can even go online and find recipes to make your own. Remember to keep windows open whenever possible to let breezes in and chemical agents out! New fabrics, carpeting and bedding, towels and baby clothes should be cleaned at least once before contact with a new baby's skin. Look for fabrics that are all-natural, like 100% cotton!
Blowing away the smoke!
Adults or family members who smoke should do so outside the home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS, respiratory infections and asthma. Even bringing a baby home to a house where people used to smoke is risky, so make sure to wipe down walls, countertops, and clean fabrics to ensure a totally smoke-free environment. Ask visitors to your home to step outside if they need to smoke.
Deep cleaning the whole house
Usually the "white glove" test is reserved for mother-in-law visits. But it's essential when you're bringing home a newborn. Things like dust, mildew and mold can wreak havoc on a baby's respiratory system. This is a good time for those projects you've been contemplating, like cleaning the air vents, removing cobwebs and wiping walls, counters and cabinets clean. Get out the white glove-literally-for washing window sills, baseboards and tile and wood flooring. Use a non-toxic cleaner for washing every surface in your newborn's (and your) room.
Going au natural
Harsh chemicals have no place in a baby's lair. Think of everything that touches your newborn's skin as potentially entering his or her body. Here are some common sources of unhealthy chemicals: cleaners like bleach and spray disinfectants, air fresheners, even wet wipes. It is possible to find natural versions of most household cleaners. You can even go online and find recipes to make your own. Remember to keep windows open whenever possible to let breezes in and chemical agents out! New fabrics, carpeting and bedding, towels and baby clothes should be cleaned at least once before contact with a new baby's skin. Look for fabrics that are all-natural, like 100% cotton!
Blowing away the smoke!
Adults or family members who smoke should do so outside the home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS, respiratory infections and asthma. Even bringing a baby home to a house where people used to smoke is risky, so make sure to wipe down walls, countertops, and clean fabrics to ensure a totally smoke-free environment. Ask visitors to your home to step outside if they need to smoke.
