How To Sterilize Baby Toys With Hot Water: A New Parent Guide

Hey new parents! 👋🏽

For all their cuteness, babies are a magnet to germs. They will gladly lick the tile floor, suck on the arm rest of an airplane seat, or eat a half-eaten cookie off the floor of Walmart. 

This type of grotesquery can send shivers down a new parent's spine. 

Although there are just some things that new parents can't avoid, you want to ensure that your baby stays healthy and safe. One way to achieve this is by regularly sterilizing their toys.

Babies have a tendency to put everything in their mouths, and toys can easily become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. By sterilizing their toys, you can minimize the risk of your baby getting sick.

One simple way to sterilize your babies toys: hot water. Let's find out how. 

Why are Dirty Baby Toys a Concern?

Dirty baby toys can harbor germs and bacteria that can make your child sick. Babies explore the world around them by putting things in their mouths, and toys are no exception.

When they come into contact with dirty toys, they can easily ingest harmful microorganisms.

Some common germs found on dirty toys include:

• Salmonella: This bacteria can cause food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
• E. coli: E. coli can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and even kidney failure in some cases.
• Norovirus: This highly contagious virus causes stomach and intestinal inflammation, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

Dirty baby toys can pose a significant risk to your child's health. By understanding the dangers and taking the necessary steps to keep toys clean, you can create a safe and healthy environment for your little one to play and explore. 

Is It Safe to Use a Disinfectant Spray on Baby Toys? 

While disinfectant sprays may seem like a convenient solution to sterilize baby toys, stay away from spraying household sprays like Lysol on your baby's toys. 

Disinfectant sprays often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or if they come into contact with your baby's skin.

Babies have delicate immune systems, and their bodies are more susceptible to the negative effects of these chemicals.

If you are looking for baby safe disinfectant sprays, there are baby-safe sprays available on the market that are baby-safe and designed for the purpose of sterilizing your baby's toys. 

Step-by-step guide to sterilizing baby toys in hot water

Follow these simple steps to effectively sterilize your baby's toys in hot water:

Step 1: Gather the toys

Collect all the toys that need to be sterilized. This includes plastic toys, teething rings, and any other toys that your baby frequently plays with.

For plush toys, check the label to ensure that the toy can be submerged in water. Carefully read the operating instructions before you submerge toys with batteries!

Step 2: Prepare a basin of hot water

Fill a basin or sink with hot water. Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid damaging the toys. Use a thermometer to check the temperature and ensure it is around 120°F (49°C).

***SAFETY PRECAUTION***: Due to the risk of spillage, do not clean your baby toys with your baby near. Water at this temperature can cause severe injury so always do in a safe space. 

Step 3: Add a baby-safe cleaning solution

Now, you can add a small amount of mild cleaning solution to the hot water. This will help to remove any dirt or grime from the toys.

Here are some options you can use: 

1. Mild dish soap: This is a popular choice for cleaning baby toys. Look for a gentle, fragrance-free dish soap that is free from harsh chemicals. 

2. Baby-specific detergents: Some brands offer detergents specifically formulated for cleaning baby items. These detergents are usually free from dyes, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct usage.

3. White vinegar: Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can effectively remove dirt and disinfect toys. 

4. Bleach solution: If you're dealing with toys that have been in contact with bodily fluids or have been exposed to illness, a bleach solution can be used. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Soak the toys in the solution for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Step 4: Immerse the toys

Place the toys into the hot water and ensure they are fully submerged. Use a gentle swirling motion to agitate the water and clean the toys.

Allow the toys to soak in the hot water for at least 5 minutes. This will help to kill any bacteria or germs present on the toys.

Step 6: Rinse thoroughly

After the toys have soaked, remove them from the hot water and rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove all traces of detergent.

This step is super important as you do not want to sterilize your baby toys only to have them ingesting detergent residue! 

Step 7: Air Dry

Place the toys on a clean towel or drying rack and allow them to air dry completely. Avoid using a cloth or towel to dry the toys, as this can introduce new bacteria.

If there are crevices, try to shake all the water out of any tough to reach spots or crevices to avoid any mold or mildew build up. 

Step 8: Store in a clean container

Once the toys are dry (make sure no moisture remains to prevent mold or other harmful bacteria growth), store them in a clean container or toy box to prevent them from getting dirty again.

That's It ... Now Your Baby Toys Are Sterilized! 

There you go parents ... job well done! 

Sterilizing your baby's toys in hot water is a simple and effective way to keep them clean and germ-free. By following these steps, you can ensure that your baby's toys are safe for them to play with.

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