Nothing causes hypervigilance in the home quite like childproofing. Some things, like steep staircases, electrical outlets and sharp table corners, are obvious to spot. However, it’s important to consider smaller hazards as well. Think very small, like dirt and dust. It’s easy to underestimate dirt but it can affect children. During the flu season, an unhygienic environment can keep children miserable for months. Let’s look at how you can maintain a healthy environment for your children, starting from birth to preteen years.
1. Air Purifiers
It’s common to be a little more health conscious during a baby’s first few months of life. Many parents prefer staying away from crowded public areas and having their babies stay in the house while their immune systems are still developing. An air purifier in the nursery creates a healthy atmosphere. Babies will breathe clean air and the purifier can double as a white noise machine for naptime. Another great idea is a humidifier. This is ideal in several areas:
- If you live in a dry climate
- During the winter months
- When babies have colds
A dry cough is soothed by more moisture in the air; a humidifier helps babies recover quickly from the common cold. In fact, you might want to buy one for yourself after seeing how much it benefits your children.
2. Robot Vacuums
As babies grow, they become more curious about their surroundings. It’s adorable to see them crawl around the floor. It’s not so adorable to watch them put in their mouths whatever they find along the way. As adults, we can easily forget how much dirt is on the floor. Babies are aware of every single speck of dirt. That’s why it’s so important to clean your floors daily.
A robot vacuum keeps the floors clean for baby’s next adventure and lets you focus on them, not the floor. The Roborock S6 model is quiet too, which works well with the little one’s sleep schedules. If your child is a heavy sleeper, you may even be able to vacuum their bedrooms during nap time and they will never know.
3. Storage Bins
It’s crucial to keep your house organized when you have kids. Your mind will feel more clear when there is a designated space for all the toys. Storage bins are particularly helpful if you have a toddler and a baby in the house. Toddlers have smaller toys that can be a choking hazard for babies.
Organize their toys according to a baby’s reach. Keep the baby toys in a bin near the ground and put the toddler toys on a higher level. Label all the bins to remind everyone, including babysitters, what needs to go where.
4. Become a Clean Detective
If your children are too young for regular chores, you can still plant the seed through play. Encourage your children to become ‘clean detectives.’ At the end of the day, look around your kid’s bedrooms and work together to find the ‘dirt bad guys.’ Show them different examples, such as:
- A messy shirt that needs to be put in the hamper
- A cup that should go in the dishwasher
- Schoolwork that belongs on a desk
- Books lying next to the bookcase
Get them laughing by being overly excited when something is found and loudly proclaim it’s time for that item to go to its ‘jail.’ Hand out a big magnifying glass and make the event fun. Teaching your children how to spot messes will help when it’s time to do more serious chores.
5. Cushion Covers and Bed Sheets
Trips to the park enhances creativity, encourages brain development, and improves the immune systems in your little ones. If only they could remember to remove their dirty shoes before climbing all over the furniture. Make your cushion and sofa covers last until their teenage years by washing them regularly. Once a month is perfect.
Having a clean bed helps your children sleep longer, which promotes healthy growth. Once you are safely out of the woods with potty training, you can establish a regular washing routine. Wash your children’s sheets and blankets once a week. If they have duvet covers over their comforters, those can be washed every other week.
6. Lead by Example
The best thing you can do for your kids is to model clean behavior. Each day let your children watch you tidy your room. Have everyone wash their dishes together after meals and show them that a clean house keeps everyone healthy. A tidy environment teaches your children to take care of their surroundings.
By washing the sheets regularly, organizing their toys, and having machines like a robot vacuum, your children can stay healthy all year round. A well-kept home does take work, but you’ll be surprised by how much the kids will want to help as they get older. Together everyone can maintain a fresh and healthy house for the whole family.