Keeping your house clean and hygienic is all the more crucial when you have young children, especially when they are learning to crawl and start exploring the environment. Overzealous cleaning to get rid of dust and mite could however be harmful as many household cleaning products are irritating or toxic to sensitive baby skin.
Safe cleaning for babies
While it is not uncommon for newborns to develop a rash on the face, in the diaper area or even all over body, a prolonged condition or eczema in other skin areas could be due to harsh chemicals found in cleaning agents.
Furthermore, certain cleaning materials, as well as air fresheners, could lead to household air pollution and adverse health side effects in young children.1 A safer cleaning practice includes switching to natural cleaning agents in place of harmful chemicals like chlorine.
Child-safe cleaning habits
- Go Green
Look for labels on household cleaning products that say petroleum-free, biodegradable, phosphate-free, VOC-free, or solvent-free.2 - Less is more
Dilute household cleaning agents with water to reduce its toxicity. In your children's bedroom, clean the hard surfaces with a damp cloth and avoid using chemicals. - Go easy on antibacterial soap
Experts believe that excessive use of antibacterial soap may instead increase the risk of tougher, resistant bacteria. The average soap and water would do the job just as well. - Go DIY
Vinegar and baking soda make natural home cleaning remedies when mixed together with water. - Skip the spray-on carpet cleaners
Avoid using chemical-based carpet cleaners that can be trapped in a carpet and become the source of household air pollution, use a steam cleaner with water instead.
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