A clean home is key in preventing babies from getting sick, especially if your baby has siblings. As most parents know, when one kid gets sick, the whole family sick is likely to fall ill.
By being proactive and taking extra steps as soon as you hear the first sense or cough, you can try to keep the germs that make the family sick, at bay.
6 Easy Tips to Guarantee a Healthy Home for Your Baby
Disinfect Regularly
You should disinfect your baby’s bottles, rattles, teething toys, and pacifiers on a regular basis. If your baby loves handling his siblings’ toys, make sure you disinfect those frequently as well.
Don’t forget to wash blankets and stuffed animals. Soft surfaces carry germs as well.
Dust Often
If you have a baby, you should be dusting your home regularly. This is especially true for the baby’s bedroom. Dust can trigger allergies, which can leave your baby with a stuffy nose or other problems.
Vacuuming is also crucial in preventing allergens like pet hair or dust from negatively affecting your baby.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
When there is a baby in the house, it’s important that all family members wash their hands frequently- especially those who handle the baby often.
Since family members are usually in close proximity at home, it’s important to teach your baby’s siblings to wash their hands regularly as well.
Kiss with Care
Another secret to prevent spreading germs to your baby is to avoid kissing them when you are not feeling well. If you absolutely can’t resist kissing your baby, kiss them on the head rather than on the lips or near the mouth.
If siblings love getting goodnight kisses or hugs as well, try to limit these if they are not feeling well. School age children are regularly exposed to more germs than babies who have yet to develop a strong immune system to ward off colds and viruses.
Avoid handling your baby immediately after being in direct contact with your older children, and make sure you wash your hands before tending to the baby.
MORE TIPS FOR NEW MOMS: 5 Natural Baby Fever Remedies for Your Little One
Keep a Humidifier in Your Baby’s Room
Humidifiers prevent your baby from getting congested and help clear the sinuses. Many humidifiers also double as air purifiers, so be on the lookout for one that offers both functions.
Air purifiers also play a crucial role in keeping your baby healthy by ensuring the air in his room is clean, which prevents your baby from developing colds or an allergic reaction to dust or other air particles. If your baby’s sinuses remain irritated, you may also want to try using a nasal aspirator.
MORE TIPS FOR NEW MOMS: Should You Use A Nasal Aspirator?
Limit Contact if Ill
If a family member is ill, make sure he or she stays away from the baby. Simply being in the same room as the baby can cause your baby to get sick. Face to face contact also isn’t a good idea when your baby is sick.
If one of the baby’s siblings is sick, limit contact and encourage him or her to play alone to prevent the spread of germs.
Babies will get sick it's completely natural and often beneficial, however using these tips can help you to do your best to keep a clean and healthy environment to avoid unnecessary stress on baby's immune system.
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