When you bring your newborn baby home, there is a lot to think about — and keeping her healthy and germ-free is likely at the top of your to-do list.

Now think about how much time your baby spends in their pram? A pram can be a life saver for keeping your sanity during those first few years of your little ones life. It helps keep them safe when you are out and about, it makes leaving the house simpler and easier and it can also be a great help when it comes to getting your little one to nap. But did you know your baby’s pram seat is crawling with bacteria from food, juice, milk and other substances that hide within the fabric seams and crevices then with the germs can grow and develop. Babies are messy and at times they may make a mess of more than just their clothes. You may not notice it, but your pram could be very dirty without you even knowing.

Is your pram making your baby sick? Are the hidden germs affecting your baby?

How does my pram get dirty?

There are many ways that your pram can dirty and harbour germs, some without you even knowing.

The most obvious way is when your baby has been in the pram and gotten themselves a bit messy either with food, milk or feeling unwell. If you simply wipe your pram, this doesn’t always get rid of the germs from it. As there is a lot of material in prams this can absorb the various germs and it can be hard to get them out.

Other ways that your pram can provide a home for germs is through the different places it is left, such as the boot of the car, when it is on the ground folded up or when it has been in storage in between babies using it.

 Can a dirty pram make my baby sick?

Germs are all around us and some of them are too strong for our little ones and can make them sick and unwell. If you have bacteria growing in your pram that you are unaware of this can definitely make your little one sick.

Mould can be one of the bacteria that grow in your pram and you may not notice it at first. Mould can be very dangerous for babies and can make them ill very quickly.

If your little one has been getting unwell and you have not been able to pin point why, have a look at your pram and the last time you cleaned it. This could be the cause.

Happiest Baby has written a blog about the different germs that can affect your little one. Check it out here.

What is mould and how does it affect babies?

Mould is a fungus that forms when moisture, warmth and organic matter are present; the humid weather of CQ makes it easy for mould to form anywhere. It can also appear in different forms, such as a furry growth or specks of black, white, green or orange.

While mould can cause adults to develop allergic reactions or respiratory problems such as coughing or wheezing, the effects on younger ones can be more serious. Babies who have prolonged exposure to mould, for example, can develop lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, according to a study published in the July 2003 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

How do I clean my pram?

Prams are all made different and some may be easier to clean than others. Check the manual that came with your pram before removing anything to ensure that it can be removed and to check whether you can wash the various parts in the washing machine.

 

Here are some of our tips for cleaning your pram:

• Use a brush to remove any solid dirt and a vacuum to pick up the solid pieces and dust particles.
• Remove the fabric and put in a cool wash with an ecofriendly washing powder or liquid.
• Dry in the sun. Drying in the sun is best as the UV rays are a natural stain remover and disinfectant.
• Use a disinfectant spray to freshen up and sanitise the fabric

Are there professional pram cleaners?

As a parent, there are just so many things to clean and maintain to ensure your little one has hygiene gear to sleep, play and sit in, and this includes your baby’s pram. It can be a BIG job cleaning a pram and if you aren’t confident in doing so there are luckily people out there that can help. Bec from Absolute Baby is here to help you give your pram a good clean and ensure that it is safe and ready for your little one to be in.

If you aren’t confident, don’t know where to start or simply don’t have the time to give your pram a clean (because lets face it is – being a parent is a busy time) that Absolute Baby can take care of it for you. They take the utmost care in all items that are entrusted to them for cleaning. She pays full attention to every clean and makes sure that your baby items will sparkle again.

Check out below a link to the pram cleaning process by Absolute Baby and how they give your pram the best clean possible.

Pram Cleaning and Car Seat Cleaning • Absolute Baby

Your baby deserves the best and that includes a pram that is clean, germ free and comfy for them.

When was the last time your pram was cleaned?

Stay safe out there,
~Bec

For more expert advice on child car safety seats visit Bec at the Absolute Baby Rockhampton shop. 📍 234 Lion Creek Road, Wandal Qld 4700 Australia.