How do you keep your high chair clean, especially when your baby likes to eat finger foods off the tray?
I know some people sterilise the tray in a dishwasher but, um we don't have a dishwasher, lol!
I usually just wipe the tray and seat (its plastic covered) over with antibacterial wipes or Dettol spray and a cloth everytime its used. Is this OK?
2007-11-02 09:22:38 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Hot water and washing up liquid with a clean cloth is best and will keep it clean and the germs off.
Dettol contains dozens and dozens of chemicals (most of them aren't even listed) and these could end up on your baby's food, skin and in his body. It's best to reduce the toxic load on your baby as much as possible, so best just use good old fashioned hot water and soap! We have an over reliance on antibacterial products these days and some experts believe this is contributing to allergies because we are 'too clean' and the body's immune system doesn't have enough to do, so overreacts to everyday foods etc.
2007-11-02 20:52:41 · answer #1 · answered by Ricecakes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We got a highchair that has the removable insert so we could wash it in the sink with the other dishes. To be honest with all the chemicals a baby has to deal with already if I was going to use wipes or a spray to clean it I would also get a second washcloth to wipe away the chemical residue from the cleaners after using them. I just don't like the idea of my baby eating those chemicals that will be on the tray otherwise.
2007-11-02 16:27:53 · answer #2 · answered by starfire978 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since my baby was 5 months she's been in her highchair for feeds & is very messy, we just wash the seat once every 2 weeks & before every feed i spray bugs away all over & wipe it dry. She's 12 months now & has only been ill once which only lasted 2 days.
I think you can be too clean, they need some germs to build up & immune system or you'll find they'll grow up a sickly child. As long as you use common sense & wipe away any mess it'll be fine.
2007-11-03 09:26:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what Dettol spray is. You want to avoid harsh chemicals anywhere near baby things, and anywhere near food (anyone's food).
Clorox and Lysol are both making a food safe disinfectant spray now. I think they might be wipes too.
You can also go with natural stuff:
Vinegar in a spray bottle, all the way up to full strength, is extremely safe to use.
You can make a homemade spray with either tea tree oil (available at any health food store) or grapefruit seed extract oil. (www.nutribiotic.com or health food store) About 5 drops per quart of either. This will sanitize any surface without any toxic fumes or residue.
You can probably wash it down with peroxide, too, give it a rinse after. Scrub stains and crusties with a paste of baking soda and peroxide.
2007-11-02 16:31:57 · answer #4 · answered by musicimprovedme 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh yeah, it's fine. I do less than that. I wipe the base down with the same cloth I wipe the table with, and wash the tray in the sink with warm, soapy water.
Think of all the germs your baby comes in contact with all day long, putting things in his mouth - eating dinner (IMHO), is no different than you. As long as he has a clean "plate" (tray), and his seat isn't caked in food, you're good to go.
2007-11-02 16:27:13 · answer #5 · answered by Wildflower 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just rinsed the try with a dishsoap solution. Antibacterial wipes can actually cause antibiotic resistance depending on what is in them. Also be sure that what you are using is food safe unless you can guarantee all of it will be rinsed off.
Chemical exposure is often far worse than germs, and germs are readily trapped and washed away by soap.
Also do you sterilize your diningroom table? Do you toss food that comes into contact with it?
2007-11-02 16:38:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey! Try the new Clorox Anywhere spray! It's safe for your highchair tray... just follow the directions. It has a modified bleach solution that won't hurt your child, and doesn't bleach clothes but still sterilizes the tray! I wish it had been around when my last son was little. Best of luck!!
2007-11-02 16:28:03 · answer #7 · answered by Amy G 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As long as you clean it off when baby is done, soap and water are fine. Why on earth would you need antibacterial wipes, or to sterilize it? Are you feeding your child raw meat and eggs off it?
I just wipe it with the dish rag.
People wonder why their kids are always sick or have allergies... Its all the freaking anti bacterial crap we pray and pump into their world. Bacteria happens, so do immune systems.
2007-11-02 16:31:34 · answer #8 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes that is fine. I usually just wipe it off every night after dinner. I'll get the spray out if it's really bad.
2007-11-02 16:27:00 · answer #9 · answered by aimstir31 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i also use antibacterial wipes or I just use a washcloth and water and soap to clean it
2007-11-02 16:39:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋