How to Effectively Clean Your Baby’s Teething Toys
All that milk breath, crusted baby food, and general dirt from being tossed around quickly add up, and your baby’s teething toys will need to get clean. However, it’s understandable that you want to do more than use a wet wipe or sterilize it with something that might not be good for your little one’s health. For many parents, this all raises a very important question–how do you clean your baby’s teething toys correctly?
Avoid the Dishwasher Method
Although many people see the dishwasher method as an easy and convenient option, it’s just not a safe one. You must make sure the toy is dishwasher safe, lest it break into pieces or melt during the wash, and there cannot be soap or residue in the machine. Unless you never use your dishwasher for anything else or take the time to completely rinse the dishwasher between uses, it’s nearly impossible to ensure that there’s no soap. The last thing you want is for your baby to ingest a mouthful of dish detergent.
The Classic Boiling Method
The boiling method is arguably the simplest and fastest way to effectively clean your baby’s teething toys. First, make sure that you can boil the material without ruining it. Then, all you must do is whip out a clean pot, pour in some water, and let it come to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, throw the toys in there for about five minutes, take them out, and let them dry. If your baby is too fussy about waiting for it to dry, just make sure it’s cooled down before giving them their teether back.
Toy Sterilization Machines
If you’ve yet to encounter the wonders of toy sterilization machines, you’re missing out. Compared to the boiling method, it’s quick and easy, with the added benefit of being hands-off. You can choose a UV ray sterilizer or a steam sterilizer–most steam sterilizers will even dry the toy for you! Even better, more and more sterilization machines are becoming portable, so you can add this product to your list of diaper bag essentials.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
If you have the time and want to do a deep clean on your baby’s teething toys, a baking soda and vinegar solution should do the trick. All you have to do is mix equal parts water and white vinegar and add a tablespoon of baking soda. Submerge the toys in the solution for about 10 to 15 minutes before taking them out and rinsing them off. The good news is even if you miss a little bit of vinegar while cleaning the toy, the worst thing that can happen is a sour face from your little one.
