Should I disinfect my baby's toys?

Question

My mother in law says that if I do, my baby's inmune system won't develop correctly... Is that true? ((I think if I don't disinfect the toys, she could catch E. Coli or something....))

Thanks!

Answer 1

I usually only disinfect the toys that my kids are most likely to put in their mouths. I also disinfect toys if any of my kids have been real sick, I know it won't kill them all, but it's does helps spreading to the others. They do need to be exposed to some germs to build up immunity, but I don't think it needs to be on toys that go in their mouths. If you want to protect your baby from bad germs, just make sure you wash hers/his hands frequently as well as yours. They are bound to get germs other places I know, but hopefully that will help a little.

Answer 2

Toys can educate and entertain. But they can also spread germs that can make your baby sick.
When to Clean and Disinfect

All new toys should be cleaned and disinfected prior to coming in contact with newborns. Also, clean and disinfect toys after your baby's been sick or you've had a kids' party.
How to Clean and Disinfect
Plastic Toys:
Clean in the top rack of your dishwasher or hand wash with soap and water to remove dirt. If hand washing, scrub well with a paper towel or cloth and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Disinfect by soaking toys for 5 minutes in a solution of ¾ cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach and 1 gallon of water.

Rinse thoroughly with water and air dry.

Answer 3

Your mother is right. If you fastidiously disinfect everything your child touches then the will never get exposed to the every day germs and bacteria that they need to develop immunity to.

Just use common sense. If your baby is chewing on a toy/pacifier and it falls on the floor for sure give it a quick rinse under the facet, but more to get any grit & fluff off than to 'disinfect' it.

If you coddle your baby in too much cotton wool then you're probably going to have a sickly child.

Answer 4

I think there has to be a balance. You can OVER disinfect things -- John Travolta and his wife did this, and it made their baby very sick.

On the other hand, though, you should still be clean. It is a good thing to clean your babies toys every so often. If it is things like rattles and such that are not battery operated, you can actually put them in the wash with your baby's clothes. That's what I did with all my daughters' toys when they were young.

Answer 5

Disinfecting things obsessively can cause your child to develope a weak immune system. We have germ killers in our bodies for a reason. If our immune systems never get any "practice", they won't know how to fight infections. Think about chicken pox....once you get them, you're immune to them forever (99% of the time). By all means, if something is obviously dirty with visible filth or has been dropped in a VERY dirty area, clean it. But don't sterilize every little thing. She's right.

Answer 6

Of course you should. I personally recommend Clorox (or Lysol) wipes. You should do this about once a week. Its ok to shield your chld from germs. Your mother-in-law is also right about your childs immune system because you can't shield your child from everything. Be sure that your baby has a safe playing environment too so that he or she can be healthy.

Answer 7

I did once a week...But I am not a freak about then getting a little dirty. I know when my daughter first started school she was sick almost the whole year! when I talked to her Dr. he said that by the time she gets into kindergarten she will be immune to alto of the viruses going around. it is just like being a nurse...the more you are exposed the more resistant you will be to it.

Answer 8

whenever i buy a new toy that is plastic and won't melt, i always boil it....then after that, i would usually just wash it in soapy water and rinse it well every couple of weeks....as for cloth toys, there is really nothing you can do to disinfect them unles you can put them in the washer

Answer 9

No, not unless you plan disinfecting the floor, walls and doors too. Oh, and her hands every time she crawls, and yours every time you want to pick her up.
If they are really dirty, yes, clean them, but you don't need to disinfect everything.

Children need to be exposed to some germs...so your mother in law is right...sorry to tell you!

Answer 10

Once a week...or every other week is a good time to clean the toys. Just dump them in a sink full of hot soapy water...your mil is old school.