How to… Save teddy from the Department of Children, Schools and Families

More swine flu guidelines have been upsetting parents this week after a publication published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families advised the removal of soft toys from childcare settings. It also advised stopping the use of crayons, colouring pencils and musical instruments during the pandemic.

It is hoped that by doing so will stop the spread of the flu. What is doesn’t take into consideration is that children are pretty much germ factories and trying to part a child from their precious toy takes a brave childminder or parent.

Toys should be washed, wiped or machine washed regularly as swine flu is not the only bacteria to worry about.

What to wash teddy with

Antibacterial Fabric Solution £5.49 1000ml
Milton have recently launched a new Antibacterial Fabric solution. This can be added into the drawer of a washing machine to kill bacteria and fungi on clothes and fabrics that may survive a normal wash. It works alongside normal washing powders at low temperature, even being effective on a cold wash.

For hand washing pour 20ml of Milton Antibacterial Fabric Solution in 5 litres of water and soak items for 15 minutes.

What to wipe toys with

Milton Antibacterial Wipes £2.19 per pack
These fast drying wipes instantly disinfect bacteria on surfaces. Brilliant for the baby bag, they are clinically proven to be effective against all bacteria including ones that develop into MRSA.

What to clean hands with

Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel 100ml £2.09
The government is advocating the use of hand sanitiser gels in schools and childcare settings to help prevent the spread of swine flu. Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel is only the one available to consumers that will kill viruses, most are just antibacterial.

Milton Hand Gel also has the highest concentration of alcohol at 72 per cent. Latest advice from experts is that only hand gels with an alcohol content over 60% will kill swine flu.

Professor Sally Bloomfield, Chairman of the International Forum on Home Hygiene Advisory Board (IFH) and Visiting Professor to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine stated recently that only hand gels labelled as containing a minimum of 60% ethanol and active against viruses could reliably be recommended as being active against Swine Flu virus H1N1.

How to wash teddy
by Chopsy Baby

Washing Teddy or any other beloved soft toy can be a nerve racking experience. Children can form strong attachments to them and if they are lost or damaged it is the end of the world as you know it.

Step one
Check the toy’s label to see if it can be washed in a washing machine. If so perfect, but chances are you will be lumbered with something that says surface wipe only with a slightly damp cloth and the gentlest of touches.
Unless you have a toy with an electronic part, or a lion with that silly soft mane, most toys that say hand wash only will go through a machine wash without damage. Common sense needs to be used by the parent. If it looks like it will survive a machine wash it probably will. If it looks delicate or is made of a super soft fabric, it probably won’t.

Step two
If you have a toddler or child that you can reason with, take the opportunity to talk them through hygiene and why we have to wash things. Reassure them every step of the way so they feel comfortable and in control with what is happening.

If not, wait until the child is either asleep or out for a long period of time, giving you a chance to wash and dry the stupid irritating thing before they get back.

Step three
Here you have to find the guts to do the dastardly deed.

Always put a soft toy into a pillow case and secure the end so that it can’t come out. This will keep the stuffing safe. Any bits of eyes or facial features will be safe from getting scratched or popping off and killing the washing machine.

If you are disinfecting the toy don’t forget to add the Milton  Antibacterial Fabric Solution

Use a gentle wash and spin cycle for delicates. Try not to murder the toy with a super spin.

Hang the bear to dry naturally in the sun. Tumble dryers are best avoided. If you have an airing cupboard this is also a good drying method on a raining day.

Make sure that the toy dries all the way through so that the stuffing does not go mouldy.