The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining a Germ-Free High Chair
As a parent, you want to provide the best possible environment for your child to grow and thrive in. One of the most important pieces of equipment for your little one is the high chair, which is where they will be spending a lot of their time eating and playing. Keeping a high chair clean, however, can be a challenge. It can quickly become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria if not properly cleaned and disinfected. But don’t worry, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your high chair clean and germ-free.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your High Chair Clean?
Babies and young children have underdeveloped immune systems, which means they are more susceptible to illnesses and infections. This is why it is crucial to keep your child’s high chair clean and germ-free. Bacteria and viruses can quickly spread from one surface to another, and if your child is exposed to these germs, they can become sick. Additionally, if your child has a food allergy or intolerance, leftover food particles in a dirty high chair can trigger an allergic reaction.
The good news is that keeping your high chair clean is not as difficult as it may seem. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that your child’s high chair is always clean and safe for them to use.
Step 1: Choose the Right High Chair
Before we dive into how to clean your high chair, it’s important to choose the right high chair for your child. Look for a high chair that is easy to clean and has minimal crevices or seams where food and bacteria can accumulate. Some high chairs have removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher, which can make cleaning much easier.
Step 2: Clean the High Chair After Every Use
The first step to keeping your high chair clean is to clean it after every use. This may seem like a hassle, but it will help prevent the buildup of food and bacteria. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the high chair, including the tray, seat, and any other surfaces that your child may have come into contact with. If there are any stubborn stains or food particles, use a non-toxic cleaning spray or wipe to clean the area.
Step 3: Remove the Tray and Clean Separately
Most high chairs have a removable tray that can be taken off and cleaned separately. This is important because food can easily get trapped in the crevices and seams of the tray. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the tray and remove any food particles. If the tray is particularly dirty, you can soak it in warm soapy water or put it in the dishwasher.
Step 4: Disinfect the High Chair
Once you have cleaned the high chair and tray, it’s time to disinfect. Disinfecting is important because it helps kill any remaining bacteria or germs.
When it comes to disinfecting your child’s high chair, there are several options available. It’s important to choose a disinfectant that is safe for your child, effective against germs and bacteria, and easy to use. Here are some of the best disinfectants for cleaning a child’s high chair:
- Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and is safe for use around children. To disinfect your child’s high chair with vinegar, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the high chair. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it down with a clean cloth.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that is safe for use around children. To disinfect your child’s high chair with hydrogen peroxide, dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio, spray the solution on the high chair, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a clean cloth.
- Chlorine Bleach: Chlorine bleach is a strong disinfectant that can effectively kill germs and bacteria. However, it’s important to use caution when using chlorine bleach around children, as it can be harmful if ingested. To disinfect your child’s high chair with chlorine bleach, mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 gallon of water, spray the solution on the high chair, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a clean cloth.
- Alcohol-Based Disinfectants: Alcohol-based disinfectants, such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, can also be effective at disinfecting your child’s high chair. Simply spray or wipe the disinfectant on the high chair and let it dry.
When using any disinfectant, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and always test a small area of the high chair first to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. Additionally, be sure to rinse the high chair thoroughly with water after disinfecting to remove any residue.
Step 5: Pay Attention to the Small Details
When it comes to keeping your high chair clean, it’s important to pay attention to the small details. For example, make sure to clean the straps and buckles on the high chair, as these can easily become dirty and harbor bacteria. If your high chair has a footrest, be sure to clean this as well.
At this point, if you haven’t invested in a hand-vacuum, . . . it’s a really helpful purchase.
Step 6: Clean the Floor
It’s also important to clean the floor around the high chair. Food and debris can easily fall onto the floor, which can attract pests and bacteria. Use a broom or vacuum to clean up any crumbs or debris, and mop the floor regularly to keep it clean.
Step 7: Try to Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
When cleaning your high chair, it’s ideal to use non-toxic cleaning products. Babies and young children are more sensitive to harsh chemicals, so using non-toxic cleaners will help keep them safe. There are many non-toxic cleaning products available on the market today, such as vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. You can also make your own non-toxic cleaner by mixing equal parts water and vinegar.
If you do need to use more toxic cleaning supplies, wipe down the chair after cleaning with a damp cloth to help remove any remaining chemical residue.
Step 8: Wash High Chair Accessories
If your high chair has accessories such as a cushion or seat cover, it’s important to wash these regularly as well. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying, and follow these carefully.
It’s a good idea to have a spare cushion or cover on hand, so you can switch it out while one is being washed.
Step 9: Store the High Chair Properly
When the high chair is not in use, it’s important to store it properly. This will help prevent dust and debris from settling on the high chair. If possible, store the high chair in a clean, dry place. You can also cover the high chair with a clean sheet or blanket to protect it, if you do not have a cover.
Step 10: Check for Recalls
Finally, it’s important to check for any recalls on your high chair. Manufacturers may issue a recall if there is a safety issue with the high chair, such as a faulty buckle or tray. You may have been alive in the early 90s when kids getting their fingers pinched in the tray was a common occurrence. You can check for recalls on the Consumer Product Safety Commission‘s website.
Keeping your high chair clean and germ-free is essential for your child’s health and safety. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that your high chair is always clean and safe for your child to use. Remember to clean the high chair after every use, remove the tray and clean separately, disinfect, pay attention to the small details, use non-toxic cleaning products, wash high chair accessories, store the high chair properly, and check for recalls. With a little bit of effort, you can provide your child with a clean and safe high chair for them to enjoy.