Babies and younger children are at greater for health problems caused by pests, over the counter pesticides and products with harsh chemicals. They drink, eat and breathe twice as much as adults do and this why they are more susceptible to parasites, diseases and chemicals. Your baby can get sick inside your home and garden when chemical residue and pests come into contact with his skin, through his mouth and by breathing them in. Remember that babies love to crawl, put their fingers in their mouth and suck on things, so making sure that your home is completely pest free for your baby needs to be a priority.
1. Be Wise When Shopping For Household Cleaning Products.
When you go shopping for household cleaning products in your local grocery store always read the labels carefully. Avoid products that have “toxic” labels and a variety of chemical ingredients because products that have serious safety warning labels and too many chemicals are more likely to pose a risk to your baby and family. Opt for mild cleaning products which are tough on cleaning but gentle to skin and air exposure. You may also want to consider natural cleaning products.
2. Choose Safe Products That Are Safe For Children.
Soaps that are labeled as “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” may sometimes contain harsh chemicals and even small amounts of pesticides. Plain soap or special baby soaps from well trusted companies are as effective as those soaps that guarantee germ free skin care. Products that contain triclosan, triclocarbon and antibacterial materials must be avoided, while chemical free baby wipes and diapers are safer for babies and toddlers.
3. Make Sure Your Baby’s Things Are Clean All The Time.
Baby toys must be washed in warm water and mild detergent, and then air dried under the sun. Rattles, teether, bottles and other small items that your baby often puts in his mouth will need to be sterilized before use. His clothes and diapers must be stored in air tight plastic containers so that pests and dust can not get in. It is best that you have a diaper pail or a separate garbage bag for soiled diapers, but these need to be disposed off every day without fail. Before you store or dress your baby with newly dried clothing, always have them ironed first to kill any insects that may have gotten on them while drying.
4. Make Regular Housekeeping A Habit.
When you make regular housekeeping a habit, you reduce the risk of your baby getting sick and prevent pests from infesting your home. Pests mainly infest a home for the main purpose of securing a food source. You can eliminate their food source by washing the dishes right after meals, cleaning up crumbs, putting leftovers in the refrigerator and storing food in containers with lids. Place your trash in a garbage can outside your home each night.
5. Proof Your Home.
Install screens on your windows and doors to keep flying insects out. At the same time you will need to caulk your baseboard and cracks around windows and doors so that crawling insects will not get in. If your home already has a pest infestation, you can hire the services of a pest control professional who can treat your home with safe and eco-friendly treatments.
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Valerie Banks is a freelance writer specializing in health and natural pest control methods of Minneapolis bug control for a healthier home. She also writes about the importance of having a healthy home for babies and offers tips on how to maintain a pest free home.
