Creating a nursery is a labour of love, a space filled with anticipation and dreams for your precious arrival. But beyond the adorable decorations and cosy furnishings, ensuring a clean and healthy environment is paramount. Here's where the principles of clean living come into play. By using natural cleaning solutions and prioritising safety for your little one, you can create a haven free from harsh chemicals and brimming with the goodness of nature!
The Importance of Clean Living in the Nursery
Newborns have delicate skin and immature immune systems. Exposure to harsh chemicals found in conventional cleaning products can irritate their skin and potentially impact their health. Clean living principles offer a safer, gentler alternative.
Essential Cleaning Supplies for a Natural Nursery:
- Ultra-Sensitive Laundry Liquid and Fabric Softener: Choose a gentle, natural laundry detergent specifically formulated for babies and ultra-sensitive skin. These cleansers are free from dyes, perfumes, and harsh chemicals that can irritate your baby's skin. Choose plant-based fabric softener or skip it entirely.
- Essential Oil Sanitisers: Essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, essential oils can be potent, especially for newborns, so always use a product that has been formulated especially for safety and gentleness like this alcohol-free surface sanitiser rather than using a concentrated version!
- Natural Multi-Surface Sanitiser: A natural, plant-based multi-surface cleaner is your go-to solution for everyday cleaning of surfaces in the nursery. Look for a product formulated with baby-safe ingredients and citrus extracts, like this Multifunction Everyday Cleaner. This offers effective cleaning power without the harsh chemicals of conventional cleaners.
Cleaning Your Nursery – A Natural Approach:
- Washing Baby's Clothes and Linens: Wash all baby clothes, crib sheets, blankets, and towels before your baby arrives. Use warm water and the recommended amount of ultra-sensitive laundry detergent. Line dry or tumble dry on low heat whenever possible.
- Cleaning Furniture and Surfaces: For daily cleaning of changing tables, cribs, dressers, and other nursery furniture, use your natural multi-surface cleaner. Apply a small amount of the solution to a microfiber cloth and wipe down surfaces. Allow the surfaces to air dry completely before placing any baby items back on them.
- Disinfecting Surfaces: For areas that require disinfection, like changing pads or highchairs, consider a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Always wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation while using bleach. A safer alternative is this alcohol-free surface sanitiser.
- Air Freshening with Essential Oils: To create a calming and refreshing atmosphere, consider using an essential oil diffuser. Choose baby-safe essential oils like lavender or sweet orange. Never diffuse essential oils directly around your baby. Rather, use a baby-safe formula like this essential oil aromatherapy spray and spritz the air lightly.
- Washing Plush Toys: Plush toys often become favourite companions for little ones. Wash them regularly in warm water (check the care label) with your ultra-sensitive laundry detergent. Dry them completely in a low-heat dryer to eliminate any lingering dampness.
- Vacuuming and Dusting: Vacuum the nursery regularly, paying close attention to areas under furniture and in corners. This removes dust mites and allergens that can irritate your baby. Use a damp microfiber cloth to dust furniture and shelves, preventing dust bunnies from forming.
Essential Habits for a Clean and Healthy Nursery:
- Handwashing – Your First Line of Defence:
Newborns have delicate immune systems, making them susceptible to germs. Frequent handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds:
- Before entering the nursery
- After changing diapers
- After blowing your nose or coughing
- Before feeding or preparing your baby's food
- After touching any potentially contaminated surfaces
For added convenience, you can use this alcohol-free foaming hand sanitiser. It’s highly effective against germs, viruses, and bacteria, and is non-drying on skin too! It’s also great for travelling and everyday use on the go.
- A Clean Changing Station – Essential for Hygiene:
The changing pad is a high-traffic area for diaper duty. Here's how to maintain a clean and sanitised changing station:
- Choose the Right Changing Pad: choose a changing pad with a wipeable, waterproof surface. This allows for easy cleaning after diaper changes.
- Daily Disinfection: After each diaper change, wipe down the changing pad with your natural multi-surface cleaner. Allow the surface to air dry completely before placing your baby back on the pad.
- Regular Washing: Most changing pad covers are machine washable. Wash them regularly according to care instructions, especially if there are any spills or accidents.
- Ditch the Harsh Air Fresheners – choose Natural Scents:
Commercial air fresheners are often loaded with chemicals that can irritate your baby's respiratory system. Here are some natural alternatives for a fresh-smelling nursery:
- Essential Oils: Use an all-natural room and linen aromatherapy spray that is gentle enough for babies. This lavender and sweet orange aromatherapy spray is safe for babies, has natural sanitising and odour removal properties, and can help your little one sleep better too! Never diffuse pure essential oils around your little one.
- Open Windows: Fresh air is the best air freshener. Open windows regularly to allow for proper ventilation and remove any lingering odours.
- Potpourri: Choose a potpourri made from dried flowers and herbs, like lavender or chamomile. This provides a subtle, natural scent without harsh chemicals. You can also spray our aromatherapy sprays onto your potpourri to infuse scent safely and gently into your space.
- Ventilation is Key – Fresh Air for a Healthy Nursery:
Proper ventilation is vital for maintaining a healthy nursery environment. Here's how to ensure good airflow:
- Open Windows Daily: Open windows for at least 30 minutes daily, weather permitting, to allow fresh air to circulate and remove stale air.
- Circulate Air: Use a fan to improve air circulation, especially during warmer months.
- Avoid Airtight Spaces: Don't block window vents or overcrowd the nursery with furniture.
- Consider a HEPA Air Purifier – An Extra Layer of Protection:
HEPA air purifiers can be a valuable addition to a nursery, especially if your baby has allergies or sensitivities. These purifiers trap dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens that can irritate your baby's respiratory system.
Remember: When using a HEPA air purifier, it's crucial to maintain it properly by changing the filters regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Additional Tips for a Clean and Healthy Nursery:
- Deep Clean Before Baby Arrives: Go beyond everyday cleaning and dedicate a day to a thorough deep clean before your baby joins the world. This includes washing curtains, wiping down walls, cleaning ceiling fans (if present), and vacuuming furniture upholstery.
- Declutter for Easy Cleaning: A cluttered space is harder to clean effectively. Minimise unnecessary items in the nursery. choose storage solutions with easy-to-wipe surfaces to prevent dust accumulation.
- Minimise Throw Rugs: While throw rugs can add warmth and style, they can also trap dust and allergens. choose a large, washable area rug instead. Choose a material that's easy to clean, like organic cotton or wool.
- Cleanliness Under Control: Designate a bin specifically for dirty laundry and diapers. Empty the diaper bin daily and wash laundry regularly to prevent unpleasant odours.
- Beware of Hidden Dust Traps: Don't forget to clean areas that might go unnoticed. Wipe down light switch plates, doorknobs, electrical outlets, and the tops of furniture where dust tends to accumulate.
- Plush Toy Sanitation: While washing plush toys in the washing machine is ideal, not all toys can handle such treatment. For delicate stuffed animals, spot clean spills with a solution of warm water and a gentle baby soap. Allow them to air dry completely before returning them to the crib.
- Wash Stuffed Animals Regularly: Even washable plush toys can harbor dust mites and bacteria. Rotate the selection of plush toys in the crib and wash them regularly according to care instructions.
- Sunlight as a Disinfectant: Whenever possible, take advantage of natural sunlight's disinfecting properties. Regularly open window blinds and curtains to allow sunlight to brighten and naturally disinfect the nursery.
- Clean Up Spills Immediately: Spills happen, especially during diaper changes. Don't let messes linger. Clean them up promptly using your natural multi-surface cleaner to prevent stains and the growth of bacteria.
- Embrace Routine Cleaning: Develop a cleaning routine for the nursery. This might include daily tasks like wiping down surfaces and emptying the diaper bin, along with weekly tasks like vacuuming and washing linens. By incorporating these tasks into your routine, you can ensure a consistently clean and healthy environment for your precious little one.
The Benefits of Clean Living in the Nursery
By embracing clean living principles in your nursery cleaning routine, you're creating a healthy environment for your little one. You'll have peace of mind knowing they're protected from harsh chemicals and allergens. Additionally, focusing on natural cleaning products helps protect the environment, ensuring a healthy planet for your child to grow up in.
Remember, a clean and healthy nursery doesn't require harsh chemicals. By opting for natural cleaning solutions and prioritising safety, you can create a haven where your baby can thrive and blossom.
Averdant – Your Partner in Clean Family Living!
At Averdant, we understand the importance of creating a safe and healthy haven for your family. That's why we offer plant-based, ultra-gentle cleaning solutions free from harsh chemicals. From baby's first nursery to everyday family messes, our effective and delightful products empower you to clean naturally, protecting your loved ones and the environment. Embrace clean living – choose Averdant, your partner in a healthier, happier home for your whole family.