Keep your baby’s environment as clean as possible during his or her first three months of life, when the immune system is still developing. Although your child’s room may look spotless, some areas are germ havens. Athena Kourtis, M.D., author of “Keeping Your Child Healthy in a Germ-Filled World,” offers insight on where to put in extra elbow grease.
Toys
A sick playmate can easily pass along a cold just by handling toys. If you know your baby’s buddy was ill, be sure to wash the toys well.
The crib railings
Viruses can linger on surfaces for hours. When your baby or someone else in the family is sick with a cold or a stomach virus, use an antiseptic wipe on places your infant comes into contact with often, such as the railings.
The floor
To make sure dirt, pesticides and other residue aren’t tracked in, keep shoes and pets out of your baby’s bedroom, especially if he or she uses the floor for tummy time.
The doorknob and light switch
You probably touch both of these after changing your baby’s diaper, so sanitize them daily with a wipe or a cleaner — and always wash your hands after touching a dirty diaper, or use hand sanitizer in a pinch.
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