Keeping a clean and safe bathroom for your baby

Storing toothbrushes separately

You can start using a toothbrush to clean your baby’s teeth as soon as they come through. Before and after use, simply rinse under running tap water. Store your baby’s toothbrush upright and exposed to air so that it can dry quickly, but also store it separately from your own. Food residue and germs can be transferred between adult toothbrushes and your baby’s.

Ensure your bathroom is ventilated

Most bathrooms have ventilation fans, which remove the steam generated by hot water. This prevents stem settling on the walls and ceiling where it can promote the growth of mould. These fans also allow air to move around the room and will help keep moisture from building up on other items.

If you don’t have a ceiling fan, or it’s not working, try keeping the door ajar during regular showering and keep a window open to let the air circulate.

Use home cleaning remedies

Whether you bathe your baby in their own tub or a full size one, you can consider using home cleaning remedies on these surfaces. Baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice – though pungent – are effective cleaning products that don’t leave behind heavy duty chemical residue that could irritate your baby’s skin.

Look after bathing items

Things like loofahs, sponges and washers can be breeding grounds for mould and mildew – as can bath toys if they aren’t cleaned and allowed to air dry. Either keep these somewhere in the bathroom, like a rack, where they can quickly air dry, or wash them between baths with your regular washing.

Chemical cleaning agents

Time more thorough bathroom cleans – with disinfectants and mould removers – soon after you’ve bathed your baby. This gives enough time for the air to clear and allows for your own regular use to rinse away any residue and irritants before you bathe your baby again.