Because their immune systems are not fully developed, babies are vulnerable to illnesses. It’s important to know how to clean safely and properly when a baby is in the home. The new “Clean First Steps: A Cleaning Guide for New Parents” can help. Be sure to check out the full toolkit for all your new parent cleaning needs.

For now, let’s zero in on the target hot spots in the nursery where germs can hide: changing tables, diaper pails and toys. Simple preventative measures, including handwashing and general disinfecting techniques, are important for a baby’s good health.

• Diapering required special attention to avoid the spread of germs – to or from the baby. Practice the following handwashing tips to keep baby safe:
• Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets;
• Thoroughly scrub hands, wrists, fingernails, and in between fingers.
• Rinse and dry hands with a clean cloth towel. For messy clean-ups, consider using durable disposable paper towels for drying hands, so germs are thrown away.
• When soap and water are not available, use hand gel sanitizers to clean your hands.

Place the diaper changing table away from where children play; and keep it clean. Use disposable table covers or clean and disinfect the top after each use. Discard soiled diapers and disposable table 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.

There are a variety of products that help keep toys and other baby surfaces clean. Be sure to choose the right cleaning product. The product type will always be identified on the label. Always follow the product label instructions. And, for safety’s sake, always store cleaning products on a high shelf or locked cabinet, so they’re out of reach of crawling infants and curious toddlers.