Are you using a bassinet to lay your newborn to sleep? Are you at a loss as to how to keep it clean?
There’s so much elegance to a bassinet — even the word itself conjures up images of a slumbering baby swaddled in plush fabrics. However, between milk, tears, sweat, and other bodily fluids, it’s easy for your baby bassinet to harbor more germs than you realize.
How do you clean a bassinet so it remains safe? Lucky for you, it’s not all that complicated. We’ll explain how to keep your baby’s sleeping area clean and sanitary so you won’t have to worry about putting your baby at risk of unnecessary illness.
Key Takeaways
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To clean a bassinet, you need to know about its many different parts. Each bassinet is different, but all have a recognizable and similar design.
A bassinet is a small bed for newborns, usually consisting of a small basket attached to a stand. Bassinets allow parents to keep their brand new baby close to their bedside for easier feedings and peace of mind — without the dangers of bed-sharing.
Bassinets can generally be categorized in three ways:
New babies are susceptible to germs, so it’s essential to clean your bassinet regularly, no matter its type.
If you notice buildup or dirt on your bassinet, you should take time to give it a thorough cleaning. However, to ensure you deal with seen and unseen dirt, there are a few rules of thumb to follow.
Some recommend washing baby’s linens one to two times a week. As for the body of your bassinet, the amount is considerably less. Remember, your baby won’t necessarily come into contact with the frame, and some germs may help them build a sturdier immune system.
Unless your baby has overcome a recent illness or there is visible soiling, you may not need to go out of your way to clean it frequently. Use your discretion.
Before you clean a bassinet, you need to disassemble it. For most bassinets, this requires removing the bedding from the basket and stand.
Each part of your bassinet will need to be cleaned differently based on its material. For example, the mattress cover may be machine washed, the mattress hand-washed, and the frame dusted.
Your bassinet should have come with washing and assembly instructions. It’s important you review them carefully before moving forward.
If you can’t find the original instructions for your bassinet, reach out to the manufacturer’s customer service department or do some searching. You may be able to find instructions online.
Follow these six simple instructions to make sure your baby’s sleeper stays in tip-top shape. They should apply for most types of bassinets, but check the instructions for your specific make and model if you have concerns.
You should be able to clean your bassinet with some basic cleaning supplies already available in your home:
Having all these supplies on hand will make the cleaning process easier.
The part of your bassinet that will likely need the most cleaning is the bedding and linens. Remove them and separate them based on how they need to be washed.
Some bassinets come with hoods or extra lining. If possible, remove the fabric and launder it.
Wash all cloth linens with a mild, unscented detergent safe for your baby’s skin. Follow laundering instructions, or wash by hand if you’re unsure.
Make sure to wash linens that are permanently attached to the bassinet, especially if they come into contact with your baby’s skin. You can do this with spot treatment pens or by spraying warm water onto a cloth and gently dabbing a bit of detergent onto it.
Once you’ve removed all the linens from the bassinet, begin to disinfect the frame. The type of disinfectant you use will depend on what your bassinet is made of.
Wipe down the entire frame with a clean cloth. Then, go over the frame with another cloth to ensure it’s dry so it doesn’t rust.
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your bassinet. It’s important you take your time, especially if it’s the first time you have taken it apart. You want to ensure it’s stable.
While some bassinets are simple to put together, others require more work. Since a bassinet is a place a very young baby spends a lot of time, you want to make sure everything is secure and ready for your baby.
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Vacuum the mattress to remove dust or debris. Then, mix a gentle detergent with warm water and wipe down the mattress. Let it air dry fully before use. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Ideally, bassinet sheets should be washed at least once a week or immediately after any spills or accidents to keep the sleeping environment hygienic.
Most bassinets with mesh sides can be wiped over with a damp cloth and mild soap. If you’re ever unsure, just check the tag or instructions included with the product you bought.
Clean mold immediately for the baby’s health. Scrub the affected area with a mixture of mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, then let it air dry in a sunny area.