It’s Baby Safety Month! One of the big ways to keep your baby safe is ensuring they have a clean environment. That’s why we went through our archives and pulled out a few of our favorite baby cleaning questions.

Q. What are some of the best things I can do to keep germs away from my new baby?

A. Germs are definitely not welcome in the nursery! Because babies don’t have fully-developed immune systems, they are vulnerable to disease. First-time parents may be especially anxious about the best ways to keep germs and bacteria away. Here are our best tips:

• Wash your hands. This is one of the most effective ways to avoid spreading germs. It’s especially important after changing a diaper, after using the bathroom, and before and after preparing an infant’s food.
• Use a disinfectant. It’s a fast, effective way to clean up after baby while combating germs on surfaces like the highchair, diaper changing table, and diaper pail. Be sure to follow directions on the product label.
• Take wipes along. Disinfectant wipes are a boon to parents on-the-go. They’re easy for spot cleaning strollers and car seats. But, please remember that there are different wipes for different purposes. Disinfectant wipes should only be used for their intended purpose and never on baby-soft skin.

Q. My baby is teething and putting everything in her mouth. What’s the best way to keep her teething rings safe and clean?

A. Mix a solution of ¾ cup of chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. Soak the teething rings for approximately five minutes, then rinse with water and air-dry.

Q. I think of the messes that happen on the diaper changing table and worry I’m not doing enough to remove the germs. Any tips?

A. Place the table away from where children play. Use disposable table covers or clean and disinfect the top and launder (and sanitize) the changing pad. Wipe down the rest of the table with a disinfecting wipe. Discard soiled diapers and disposable covers immediately after each changing. Put them in a covered, lined container, preferably a step-on type, so germs don’t touch hands. Clean the diaper pail regularly with a disinfectant cleaner or liquid household bleach.

Have more questions? Check out our Clean First Steps toolkit, full of cleaning advice for new parents.