You may be wondering that your baby will start to be irritable after around four or six months. It is a sign that teething is happening, and it is giving your baby a great discomfort, especially in their mouth and gums. The best way to calm them down and soothe those aching gums is by giving them teething toys. However, we always tend to overlook the cleanliness and safety of these teething toys. In this article, you will learn the different methods on how to wash baby teething toys. Read on.
Teething Toys & Kinds
Teething toys, or teethers, are the new development in baby-care that allows you to soothe your baby’s sore and aching gum because of their pearly white teeth’ imminent growth. These toys usually come in soft silicone material or even wood. You can use teething toys four or six months after your baby is born. However, we all know that teething for babies depend on genetics and may start later.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
Of course, before learning how to wash baby teething toys, you need to understand what the difference between cleaning and disinfecting are. With cleaning, you only use soap and water to remove germs and surface dirt, while disinfecting kills germs and stop them from spreading on the toys. Cleaning always comes first, then disinfecting. Then, you just rinse it with clean water.
Washing Teething Toys
Let us answer the question: “How to wash baby teething toys?” The important first step you must take is, of course, wash your hands properly. You can use soap and then sanitize it with isopropyl alcohol. In this section, you will find the many ways on how to wash baby teething toys safely.
Baking Soda Solution
One of the best ways to wash your baby’s teething toys is by soaking them in a baking soda solution. Baking soda is a safe cleaning and sanitizing agent. You can soak the teething toys for a couple of hours or even overnight. You can also choose to just wipe the solution to the toy with a clean cloth. You can easily dry it and give it right back to your baby. You can use this method for your child’s other toys.
Boiling Water
This one is a tried-and-tested method and perfectly safe for your child. Also, this is the most common way to sanitize anything. Soak the teething toys in boiling water for about five minutes. Let the toys cool down before giving them back to your baby. This method is perfect for hard plastic teething toys and wooden teething toys. However, make sure to check the labels or tags before boiling the toys—they might melt.
Dishwasher
You can also use the dishwasher for more convenient cleaning of your baby’s teething toy. However, it is not a great sanitizing method because you are washing it together with your utensils and other kitchen stuff. Use this sparingly.
Sterilization
If you have one, you can use an electric steam sterilizer. All you need to do is put in a small amount of water into the machine, place the toy in, and replace the cover. Wait for the water to transform into steam. Again, check the labels or tags because only a few teething toys are suitable for sterilization.
White Vinegar Solution
Another safe way to clean and sanitize your baby’s teething toys is by using a white vinegar solution! Not to mention, it is a natural way on how to wash baby teething toys. You just mix half white vinegar into half water and use that to wipe the product clean. You can also soak the toys in a clean bowl. It may not smell good, but you can just rinse it off with water.
Wrap up
Now you know the many ways on how to wash baby teething toys. The one thing that you need to do is master the guides and apply what you have learned to keep your baby healthy and safe from germs. Also, familiarize yourself with the concepts of cleaning versus disinfecting and how you can safely wash your little ones’ toys. Always prioritize your kids’ safety and comfort—especially now that their teeth are growing. Know more about teething.