I have heard that microwaving food in plastic containers can cause cancer. Since my 5 month old baby chews on his plastic toys, I don't want to take that chance and I don't have the time to wait for water to boil on the stove.
2006-10-21 16:06:56 · 19 answers · asked by steinmancloud9 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Soak plastic toys in a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. I don't know what to tell you about not having time to wait for water to boil! This is very important to your babys health! I would recommend soaking them for at least 1/2 hour. Rinse in clean water.
This method is used in daycare centers, hospitals, etc. - where many children play w/ and use the same toys. It will kill most bacteria and viruses. Many stomach viruses, ear infections, etc. can be transfered to baby from toys being on the floor (no matter how "clean" the floor is), and by sharing toys. Also - about making things too sterile and your baby not being able to "handle" fighting off "germs".... - You need to know that babies immune systems are not comepletely developed and they are at risk of getting sick than an adult (thats why kids are sick a lot and pass things on easily to each other). Having said that, I would not "go crazy" with the sanitation/disinfection, but I would make this a part of your regular routine. Good Luck.
2006-10-21 16:15:30 · answer #1 · answered by RAVEN 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Do not use bleach products (like Clorox sprays - not even the Anywhere spray) on items that the child chews on!
You can use alcohol or vinegar to disinfect toys. Make sure to rinse and dry them well after wiping them down. Both of these methods are natural and will not harm your child.
Boiling toys can melt them, not recommended! That is why the toys say to not wash them in the dishwasher because they will melt.
2006-10-22 00:25:11 · answer #2 · answered by prettycoloredrocks 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Distilled white vinegar is the safest, greatest household cleanser if you have young children~! I sanitize all my daughter's toys and bath toys in a half-sink full of soapy water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. After washing with a washcloth or whatever, I usually rinse them well with hot water. By the time the toys and sink dry, the vinegar smell is gone. I also can clean counters and many other things in my home with vinegar and it is very inexpensive and works great! Helps get rid of odors and mold, and kills germs as well! Here are some links for ideas:
http://www.vinegartips.com/cleaning/
**this is a very helpful website, tells you several ways to clean with vinegar, towards the very bottom this is what is says about disinfecting baby toys and books (just in case you don't feel like looking!):
To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.
Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/tips/a/vinclean.htm
http://www.harvestfields.netfirms.com/CookBooks/Vin/06.htm
2006-10-21 23:36:42 · answer #3 · answered by .*AnNa*. 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You do not have to sterilize toys. Research shows that our kids are being over-sanitized and not developing proper immunities to bacteria due to lack of exposure. If you just can't live without doing it, do what daycares do and add a tablespoon (or so--you might want to ask another person's opinion or look it up to be sure) of bleach to a quart (?) of water and wash the toys in there each night and let them air dry on a towel on the counter overnight. It might be a tablespoon to a gallon, you should ask. But I know that's what our church nursery does, for example.
2006-10-22 00:59:00 · answer #4 · answered by toomanycommercials 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If your baby's healthy don't worry too much about sanitizing. Not allowing him to be exposed to any germs isn't good for him or he won't develop the ability to deal with them. If they get dirty wipe them off with normal soap and water. I don't fix my daughter ANYTHING microwaved (and she's in Jr. High!) - do your research... it's absolutely worth the few minutes waiting for the stove to heat the water. God bless you and your baby - it's great to see a concerned parent :) ~Nise~
2006-10-21 23:09:46 · answer #5 · answered by newfsdrool 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Fill the kitchen sink with hot soapy water, throw everthing in and let soak for a little while, rinse, and set on paper towel to air dry.
2006-10-22 00:49:09 · answer #6 · answered by sks42683 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't chance plastic in the microwave either. I would think hot water and an antibacterial dish soap should do the trick. If you worry about soap residue you could rinse it with a little vinegar and then with water again.
2006-10-21 23:17:20 · answer #7 · answered by brat789456 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
thats a lie ive ate microwaved food from plastic container for 16 years now and no cancer i hardly ever get sick mabey once a year and its like a day or two
2006-10-21 23:11:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Clorox Anywhere hard surface spray. It is safe for children and pets. Just spray it on and wipe it off. It works great! Sometimes I open up the kids' toy box and just spray (after they have gone to bed)
2006-10-21 23:09:57 · answer #9 · answered by TRUE PATRIOT 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
i use a solution of 1 tsp of bleach for every 16-20 oz of water,and put it in a spray bottle and just spray the toys with it.
2006-10-21 23:10:52 · answer #10 · answered by callalily07 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋