See those two white lines appear on your baby’s gums? That is a teething baby, soon to be a cranky one. It is a stressful time for the baby and the parents. Thank God for baby teething toys! From teether spoons to teething rings and more, these are the products that provide much-needed teething relief to babies.
Baby teething toys can distract babies from the discomfort and pain, but they can be a hotbed of germs. At this age, their immune system will not be strong, and you need to minimize their exposure to germs. Since teething toys will always be in the baby’s mouth, take extra precautions to clean them.
Teething Toys Cleaning Hacks
Teething toys are non-toxic and available in different materials such as silicon and rubber, with each teething relief product coming with instructions. There are, however, a few cleaning methods usually followed. Here are the top 6 ways to clean teething toys:
1. White Vinegar Solution
A solution of vinegar and water is one of the best methods to clean baby teething toys. This is a natural cleaner and does not leave any toxic residue on the toy. Mix equal quantities of white vinegar and water and soak the toy for half an hour. Rinse, dry, and it is ready to be used.
2. Baking Soda Solution
Like the white vinegar solution, the baking soda solution is also a safe and easy-to-use cleaning hack. Make a solution, soak the toy, rinse, dry, and it is ready for use.
3. Dish Soap Solution
Take a bowl of hot water and mix dish soap. Soak the teething toy for some time and clean thoroughly with a sponge. Rinse and dry before handing it to the baby.
4. Boiling
This traditional method works well for hard teething toys. Boiling them for just 5 minutes cleans them of all germs and drool. But ensure that the toy can withstand the boiling.
5. Sterilizer Bag
The sterilizer bag works great too. Put the teething toys in the bag and pop it in the microwave for a few minutes.
6. Dishwasher
Using the top rack of the dishwasher is the easiest method if you don’t have time to wash it by hand. Throw in the silicon toys and turn the dishwasher on.
How Often Should You Clean Teething Toys
Advice regarding the frequency of cleaning baby teething toys will vary from person to person. While one person will recommend weekly cleaning, another will recommend cleaning them when they are dirty. The best thing to do would be to set up a cleaning schedule that works best for you.
5 Things to Avoid
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or disinfectants
- Avoid buying fluid-filled teething toys
- Avoid freezing teething toys
- Avoid using broken and chipped teething toy
- Avoid buying teething toys with hard to reach crevices
Backup Plan
As parents, you know the best way to take care of your baby and their toys. You will learn as you go. One of the first things that you will learn is that taking away the teething relief toy from the baby to clean it is not going to make them happy. Keep a backup, or you will have a cranky baby to soothe.
