Soft bumpers for a baby crib can protect your baby from drafts, keep him safe during sleep, and prevent the appearance of bruises and bumps.
Recommendations for proper washing will help maintain the cleanliness of the product without compromising the health of the child.
Read the article about how to wash the sides of a newborn crib and whether it should be done immediately after purchase.
Pros and cons of use
Not all parents prefer to buy bumpers. Bed bumpers are small pillows that are attached to the walls with Velcro or ties. Products are valued because of:
- Child safety. The pillows protect babies from impacts and also prevent them from getting stuck between the twigs.
- Protection from dust and drafts. Newborns are highly exposed to negative environmental influences. Even if the house is cleaned frequently and wind protection is provided, the sides will still help.
- Creating comfort and tranquility. Thanks to the bumpers, the crib will be comfortable. The child will not be disturbed by what is happening in the room.
Although the sides are convenient and safe, their use also has negative sides. The disadvantages include the following nuances:
- If the products are not properly secured in the crib, the child runs the risk of injury or bruise from the bars of the lattice.
- The baby will not have visibility of what is happening in the room. And older children are actively interested in the world around them.
- Dust accumulates in the product, which can lead to allergies in a child.
These negative nuances are easily eliminated. Bumpers must be properly secured or free up a small viewing space for the child. And if you wash this product regularly, the dust problem will be eliminated.
Regularity of washing
Inserts in a baby crib should not be considered bed linen. They do not come into contact with the skin of babies so often, but serve only as a shield from impacts on the slats. It is also not recommended to completely ignore washing, because bumpers accumulate dust, various liquids can get on them, and they can get dirty from other things.
In case of allergic manifestations in a child, it is necessary to think about the advisability of sides that accumulate dust. Perhaps without them there will be better air circulation and increased visibility for the child.
Today, manufacturers offer various options for sides: solid and consisting of several sections. The second option is more convenient, because it is easier to wash a separate part than to process the entire product. In such models, fasteners and their ability to securely hold parts in place are important.
There are children who are so active that their movements lead to the filling being knocked down in certain favorite places. This state of affairs can be considered an indicator for washing. Only with its help will it be possible to return the filling of the sides to its original state.
Oilcloth covers can also be a salvation from frequent contamination. They are put on top of the fabric and are attached perfectly without interfering with the baby. But they cannot be used constantly. For example, it is recommended to remove them while the child sleeps and rests.
How to wash baby crib bumpers
Crib bumpers can be washed in two ways - in a machine or by hand. Automatic cleaning is carried out with the addition of a cleaning agent, manual cleaning can be with or without gel, soap. If there are no stains on the product, you can soak it for a few minutes in warm water, then wring it out and repeat the procedure.
Before work:
- bumpers are removed from the crib;
- carefully examine;
- gently rub the contaminated areas with a sponge soaked in washing gel;
- leave for 30 minutes;
If the stains are problematic, you can use laundry soap: cover the surface, and remove the residue with water before the main cleaning.
How to wash crib bumpers in a washing machine
If the set consists of several parts and the filling is voluminous, it is better to wash the sides in several passes to rinse the products well.
Cleaning sequence in the washing machine:
- The parts of the kit are evenly distributed over the drum so that they are not lumpy.
- Use the delicate wash mode (the program will set the parameters itself) or use manual settings.
- Time – 30-40 minutes.
- Temperature – +300 C.
- The spin is set to maximum, except for the padding polyester filler (for such sides the mode is turned off completely).
- Two rinses are necessary, you can add baby conditioner, the use of scented products is not recommended.
If, after spinning, foam stains from the detergent remain on the glass of the lid, repeat the rinsing procedure.
How to wash crib bumpers by hand
After removing things from the sleeping area, study the care recommendations so that the water temperature matches the icon on the label. Inspect the product for problem spots. If there are complex stains, spread the kit part on a plane, make a soap solution and carefully clean the stain without strong pressure. If it doesn’t work the first time, cover the problem area with gel and leave for 25-40 minutes.
You can wash bumpers by hand in the following way:
- The set is distributed by color.
- Use water +400C, soak the parts separately in a soap solution for 15 minutes. If the sides are all light, they are lowered together into a bath of water.
- Afterwards, squeeze out, collect clean liquid, add gel and begin cleaning.
- When the product is washed, it is wrung out, but not twisted.
Rinse in warm water and change it until no foam remains on the surface.
The need for primary cleaning
First of all, you should understand the need to clean and wash the sides. They can be new or used, inherited from older comrades or presented as a gift. In any of these cases, it is necessary to wash or at least clean the product (disinfect it from germs) before using it at home.
If you don’t want or have the opportunity to wash, you can get by with steam treatment using a steam generator or a high-power iron with this function. Actions are carried out through a layer of fabric or gauze.
After any treatment, the sides should be given time to dry completely. After all, pathogenic bacteria and mold multiply well in a humid environment.
If this is a completely new item, a visual inspection reveals no obvious contamination, no foreign odors, then the mother herself must decide whether to wash it or not. It is permissible to wash the entire structure or, if possible, just refresh the covers. It is possible to simply iron them if they are removable.
It is not advisable to chemically clean a new product. Newborn babies and the sides of the crib have virtually no contact. Even with possible contact, there is no access to the vulnerable navel. Slightly older, actively moving children are no longer so susceptible to products that may remain on the covers.
When purchasing bumpers with a strong chemical smell, you should at least ventilate the product thoroughly and then wash it. It is convenient to do this in an automatic washing machine.
If soft inserts were inherited from friends or relatives, then washing is required. Even if the previous owner took very good care of them and washed them thoroughly before handing them over. It is unknown how long they waited for the opportunity to fall into new hands. Therefore, it is wise not to be lazy and wash them again.
When sewing yourself, there are continuous positive aspects: a unique design of the item is ensured, it is possible to disinfect the filler under a quartz lamp, and you can wash the covers at the maximum permissible temperature.
Choice of funds
Children's underwear is usually washed with specially created washing powders. Every hardware store has several types of such products. They are good for washing bumpers.
Liquid powder
Many people consider this product to be the most suitable for washing, because it thoroughly washes items. Regular powder is not washed out of the edge well enough. In addition, after this, the products emit an odor, which is undesirable for such accessories.
Baby foam
Some parents choose liquid products. If it is difficult to find a special washing gel, then use baby foam for bathing. This product will not cause an allergic reaction and can be washed thoroughly with water.
Unscented soap
For hand washing, you can use baby soap that does not contain perfumes. It perfectly removes dust and other contaminants, rinses thoroughly with water and does not cause allergies.
If the bumpers are free of stains and do not emit an unpleasant odor, they can be washed without using detergent. For this, only warm water is used.
What are the sides made of?
Before you wash the crib bumpers, look at what they are made of. They are:
- with removable covers;
- without covers.
The first option, of course, is more convenient - you don’t have to completely wash the sides every time; it will be enough to remove the covers, which are usually made from natural materials:
- calico;
- satin;
- calico;
- linen fabric.
However, even products with removable covers sometimes have to be washed completely. The covering of models without covers is also made from the same materials.
Important! If you decide to make the sides yourself, it is better to sew them from the same fabrics. Wool is too stiff and can cause allergies, and synthetics are poorly breathable and do not always absorb moisture.
What to remember
How to properly care for baby crib bumpers:
- Treat a new crib. Before putting bedding in a crib, it must be treated.
How to wash a baby's crib? It is enough to dilute baby soap in warm water and treat the entire surface with the solution. Rinse off with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth. After this treatment, you can make the bed.
- Steam the new sides. If the new products are clean and have no foreign odors, it is enough to treat them with a steam generator and dry them.
- Wash at low speed. Wash children's clothes in a washing machine on a gentle cycle and at a temperature of 40 degrees.
- Do not wring out the foam rubber. To maintain the original shape of the product, avoid squeezing the foam. Let the water drain and dry as usual.
- Remove covers. If you can remove the covers, they are quite easy to wash. And it should be dried with filler, so the product will not shrink.
- Do not use bleach. Considering that the fillers in the sides are artificial, bleach can ruin their structure. Therefore, when washing, you should choose detergents without bleach.
Video: how to wash crib bumpers
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3S8Z5LrDiCw
How to dry?
Not only proper washing, but also drying will help preserve the appearance and shape of the sides of the crib
Do not hang the item out to dry immediately after washing. You need to wait ten to fifteen minutes for the water to drain. Otherwise, under the weight of moisture, the filler may lose its shape.- After the water has drained, the sides can be hung to dry on a line or laid out on a flat horizontal surface.
- It is forbidden to dry soft protection with filler near heating devices, sources of open fire, or in direct sunlight. Active drying can cause deformation of the product.
- There is no need to rush; the filler must dry completely. Haste can completely ruin the sides. In damp, under-dried filler, fungi and mold will begin to develop, which are impossible to get rid of (the thing will have to be thrown away).
How often should I wash crib bumpers?
No specialist can definitely answer the question of how often it is recommended to wash the auxiliary element. The following nuances may apply here:
- If stains appear on the surface of the fabric, local cleaning should be carried out. If dirt has penetrated all the way to the filler, the sides will have to be completely washed.
- If the child is so active that his actions lead to the filling being knocked down in certain areas, this is also an indicator for washing. This is the only way to straighten the inner layer, for which the sides are valued.
- Scheduled washing of products can be carried out as they become dirty, but not less than once every three months.
It is also not recommended to wash the functional elements of a crib too often; this can lead to their rapid fading and wear. If a child gets them dirty very quickly, you should think about purchasing oilcloth covers that are securely attached to the fabric and do not create discomfort for the baby. True, it is not recommended to use them constantly; at least while the baby is sleeping, they should be removed.
Washing recommendations
Despite the fact that the sides most often look like new throughout their entire service life, and contact with the baby can be considered minimal, it is recommended to wash them regularly. Washing and cleaning will help remove dust and dust mites, which at such a tender age can contribute to the development of allergies in a child.
In most cases, these inserts are made from natural materials, which means they are not susceptible to wet processing. However, you should still carefully study the label, find out the permissible temperatures and washing methods.
When washing for the first time, keep the following important points in mind:
- The first wet treatment is carried out not so much with the aim of removing any contaminants, but rather in order to disinfect the material of the sides. It is permissible not to even use washing powder, but simply set the temperature to the maximum possible for the material.
- While the sides themselves are being washed, you can process additional elements: ties, Velcro, all sorts of accessories, toys included in the kit. As with the sides themselves, soaking in high-temperature water will suffice.
- If you don’t want to wash the elements of the crib, you can disinfect it with steam. A steam generator, steamer or iron with a similar function will help with this. Steam through gauze or thin cotton fabric so as not to spoil the appearance of the product.
After wet processing, each washed element of the sides should be thoroughly dried, since mold can quickly grow on damp things in a warm children's bed.
Cushion bumpers with multiple fasteners
In the future, you should monitor the condition of the inserts and wash them as needed, as well as carry out scheduled washing. The frequency of scheduled washing should be at least once a quarter. There is no need to wash the crib elements more often, since serious mechanical stress on the wet material will contribute to its rapid wear.
If stains appear, they can be spot cleaned. If the contamination has penetrated deep into the material, a full wash is necessary.
In some cases, children are so active that the filler on the sides can bunch up. This will be your signal to wash, after which the side will return to its normal state.
Bright colors of soft inserts in the crib
If the baby quickly gets the sides dirty, then it is quite possible to put special covers on them for protection. These covers will not cause any inconvenience to the baby, but it is better to remove them during night sleep. Let them protect the sides only while the child is awake.
How are we going to wash it?
Basically, the filler for baby sides of a crib is foam rubber. To prevent its deformation, it is necessary to properly wash it in a washing machine. Before the main cleaning, you need to prepare the sides. If the product was purchased in a store, it is worth checking whether the seams are well sewn and how strong the fabric material is. If you purchased your foam bumpers secondhand, check to see if there are any surface stains on them. If any are found, pre-treat the stains with baby soap.
The housewife’s algorithm for carefully washing the bumpers with foam rubber will be as follows:
- carefully load the products into the washing drum;
- add special detergents in the required quantity to the powder receptacle;
- close the hatch door, push in the tray and turn on the machine;
- choose one of the special modes in which the products are cleaned as carefully as possible. Delicate or hand wash is perfect;
- select the water heating temperature, it should not exceed 40 degrees;
- set the “Extra rinse” function, if provided in the machine;
- The sides should be spun at a speed of no more than 800 rpm, the optimal number of drum rotations during spinning is 400 per minute.
After the end of the program, remove the accessories from the washing machine tank and lay them out on a flat, horizontal surface for further drying. It is necessary to dry the sides in a well-ventilated room; the ideal place for this would be a balcony.
How to dry properly
It is important to know not only the rules for washing a bumper. You should be able to dry it appropriately. Even with machine spinning, proper drying is required:
- You should not hang items immediately after washing, as the filling will lose its shape.
- On a horizontal surface you need to place cotton material on which clean sides are laid out.
- When the moisture has evaporated (after a couple of hours), the bumpers are dried in the traditional way. Do not rush, as remaining moisture leads to the formation of mold or mildew.
- Sides with holofiber must be dried vertically, excluding the procedure of laying them out on a horizontal surface.
- Do not dry bumpers near batteries or other heating devices.
It is best to hang products outside or on the balcony if possible. You just need to secure them firmly. Then they will dry thoroughly.
Features of washing bumpers
There are two ways to wash bumpers - by hand and in the washing machine. If the sides have removable covers, then machine washing will be easier, faster, more convenient and of better quality.
However, in the absence of such or if parents have doubts about the quality of the product, it is still better to wash the stuffed pads by hand using a liquid detergent, but in this case special attention should be paid to the process of thorough rinsing
When washing a product in a washing machine, select the delicate or manual mode, the water temperature and spin speed should be minimal. When squeezing by hand, you should not twist the sides, as this may deprive them of their correct shape.
Cleaning products
The stores offer customers a huge selection of specialized products for washing children's clothes. These special products are the best option for washing crib bumpers.
But it should be remembered that the powder is difficult to rinse out of the fillers of the sides, so it is better to pay attention to the following products from the children's line:
- Liquid powder (gel).
- Children's bathing foam or shampoo.
- Unscented soap (suitable for hand washing).
Algorithm for carrying out the work
The main fillers in bumpers are padding polyester and foam rubber. And you can also often find sides filled with holofiber
If the bumpers do not have removable covers, you should pay attention to the washing sequence when filling the bumpers with foam rubber or synthetic padding:
- Clean the surface of the fabric from dirt using a special gel or baby soap.
- Secure ties or Velcro with a knot or remove them if possible.
- When washing the product by hand, maintain a temperature of no more than 40 degrees, do not rub the item too much. If there is a local stain, it is better to use a soft brush or cloth. To regularly refresh your laundry, it will be enough to immerse the bumpers in warm water with diluted detergent for 7-10 minutes, then rinse them thoroughly and wring them out without twisting.
- To wash in a machine, you need to set the delicate or manual mode, minimum temperature and number of revolutions, and add an additional rinse function. The use of fabric softener is not recommended.
Drying a washed item
Knowing how to properly wash the bumpers of a newborn’s crib is not enough to avoid damaging the product.
An important stage of washing that you should pay attention to is drying the clean accessory. Even when using a spin cycle during machine washing, proper drying of the product is essential.
The main points to pay attention to when drying bumpers are as follows:
You should not hang up the sides immediately after washing - the filling may lose its shape. First of all, you should lay out a cotton piece of fabric on the floor or other horizontal surface, on which you need to place the washed sides. After excess moisture has evaporated (this takes several hours), the bumpers can be hung to dry in the usual way.
You should not rush, because remaining moisture can lead to mold or mildew. It is worth noting that sides filled with holofiber can be dried in a vertical position, bypassing the stage of moisture evaporation in a horizontal position. It is not recommended to dry bumpers near radiators or other heating devices.
Cleaning procedure
If the product has ties or Velcro, they are secured or removed if possible. For hand washing you need a temperature of no more than 40 degrees. You should not rub the product too hard. If there is a local stain, it is advisable to use a soft cloth or brush. To refresh your laundry, you just need to place the bumpers in warm water with dissolved powder for 10 minutes and then rinse.
The machine is set to manual mode, the lowest temperature and speed. You need to turn on the extra rinse function.
Features of processing products made from padding polyester and foam rubber
Regardless of what the filling is made of, before washing the stained bumpers, you need to carry out the following manipulations:
- First, we try to remove surface stains, using profile gels with enzymes diluted in a small amount of water or safe folk remedies.
- The Velcro and ropes that secure the sides to the crib must be removed or tied tightly into a knot. Disheveled elements can come off during processing and damage the machine.
- All removable elements (some products come with peel-off toys) must be removed and washed separately.
- If there are traces of organic contaminants on the surface of the products, then instead of gentle traditional processing it is better to use the cleaning method applied to new items. Only this time you will have to add phosphate-free washing powder.
To properly wash the sides with padding polyester filling, you need to adhere to the following rules:
- You need to carefully inspect the product. If the padding polyester is not stitched, you will have to do it yourself or do it by hand washing, otherwise the filler will clump together.
- During manual processing, it is advisable to maintain the temperature within 40ºC. As a detergent, you can use neutral shampoo or liquid powder. During manipulation, the product does not need to be actively rubbed. It is better to place your palm under the dirty area and gently rub with your second hand or a soft brush.
- When using a washing machine, select the delicate mode, the lowest temperature and an additional rinse cycle. We replace powders with gel products with plant enzymes. Spinning usually does not have a negative effect on products. We do not use any fragrances, softeners or conditioners.
After cleaning, the sides need to be hung on the street or balcony; in the fresh air they dry in a few hours. It is better not to dry them indoors; it is not recommended to use artificial heat sources.
Consumers are gradually abandoning foam sides. This material collects dust too actively and interferes with the natural flow of air. It is recommended to use such products only during periods of increased activity of the baby. In this case, it is better to knock them out or ventilate them between uses. Washing foam products is not a hassle. The items can withstand delicate or manual mode in the washing machine very well and dry very quickly.
There is no need to iron the edges; the stretched fabric looks pretty neat without it. Additional temperature exposure to the filler can lead to its melting.
Features of caring for different materials
Different materials can be used as filler for the sides. This must be taken into account before washing items.
Choosing the right products and carrying out the procedure correctly will extend the life of the bumper.
Foam rubber
The product for the playpen can be filled with foam rubber. These edges are washed as follows:
- First, stains are removed using special child-safe gels.
- Velcro and garters should be tied into a bundle and then placed in the machine.
- Removable elements are washed separately, putting them in a special bag and then putting them in the machine.
Products containing phosphates are prohibited for foam rubber. Products can also be washed by hand, adhering to generally accepted rules for water temperature and spin.
Sintepon
The bumper can only be placed in the car if it is stitched well, otherwise the filler will crumple into one place and it will not be so easy to fix it. If the product is not quilted, it is advisable to wash it by hand.
The procedure is performed like this:
- First, stains are removed using laundry soap or gel.
- For hand washing you need water at 40 degrees. You can use a soft brush.
- When machine washing, the delicate care setting, additional rinsing and minimum temperature are set. Do not use conditioners and other softening compounds.
Holofiber
The sides with holofiber are machine washable, after which they will not roll up or lose their shape. But hand washing is also possible at 45 degrees. Since the filler will not lose its shape, standard rinsing and spinning are used.
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Products with holofiber must be washed immediately after purchase. Also, do not forget to do this periodically and continue to do so that the sides always have a fresh look.
Whatever the filling, the product must be washed regularly. The main thing is to take into account the nuances of the procedure. Only then will it be possible to maintain its neat appearance.
Should the bumpers be washed after purchase?
The answer to this question depends on many circumstances. The bumpers can be purchased either in a specialized store or second-hand or at a second-hand store.
It is not necessary to wash it if the product was purchased from a trusted manufacturer of children's products and the item does not emit foreign odors. Just iron the removable covers with a hot iron or quartz them for a while, if possible.
The sides have a foreign odor
When purchasing cases, you may notice a suspicious odor. It seems that they were stored in a warehouse together with stale fabrics or some kind of chemicals. They can be washed, or you can simply air them on the balcony or treat them with quartz.
Random purchase of bumpers
Quite high-quality goods can sometimes be bought in a regular children's goods store. It is not at all necessary to wash the edges if they do not cause any suspicion. They can simply be aired and ironed.
Sides from hand or from a thrift store
Previously used bumpers must be washed
And it doesn’t matter in what condition you acquired them, and from whom - be it a relative or your best friend. Once an item is sold, it means that the previous owners no longer need it, and, therefore, no one will maintain it in perfect condition anymore
What types of sides are there?
In the modern world, bumpers are very popular, so they can easily be found in stores or ordered online. Many handicraft mothers sew them to order. Everything is to your taste and color: high or low, bright or plain, dense or thin. You can order or buy not only the usual classic bumpers, but also in the form of pillows, birds, clouds, houses, etc.
Pigtail sides are very popular now:
Bombon sides are no less popular and convenient:
There are models that also come with special toys that are attached to the pillows with Velcro (developing sides). They can be easily removed and attached back, this contributes to the development of the baby’s fine motor skills:
Things to consider before washing
- The product needs not so much washing as disinfecting.
- If the material and filler of the product allows, then you can not use powder, but simply run the mode at maximum temperature and wash it that way.
- Don't forget about processing Velcro. A simple soap solution is suitable for disinfecting them.
- You can treat the edges using a steamer.
- You need to dry the sides thoroughly so that there is no moisture left in the creases, which can cause mold to form.
- If it is possible to do without washing, then it is recommended to clean the sides point by point - in places of contamination.
If your bumpers consist of several parts, you can wash them separately.
It is recommended to wash the sides not only if dirt forms, but also if the filler has become loose. Washing will help straighten it out.
The sides need to be washed at least once a quarter.
If your baby is very active, then you can buy bumpers for the crib with an oilcloth surface.
Washing frequency
In order to maintain the sides in proper condition, it is necessary to regularly wash them. The average frequency is once a month. As the baby grows, the interval can be increased. In case of frequent ventilation of the room, the regularity is increased. This is due to the fact that a large amount of dust enters the room through an open window, which actively collects on textiles. In the early stages of a baby’s life, it is recommended to strictly observe hygiene standards. Therefore, additional attention should be paid to the occurrence of local contamination.
How to iron
If we are talking about a newborn baby, then things must be ironed on both sides. The fact is that such a procedure promotes faster healing of the navel (the first month of life). In this case, the temperature should be as high as possible. It is also necessary to use the steam function. These measures will help prevent infection from entering the wound. When the navel is overgrown, things can be ironed only on one side.
On a note. Some mothers are sure that the ironing procedure is not necessary. To prevent clothes from becoming wrinkled, it is enough to fold them evenly after washing and drying. The same opinion is expressed by the famous pediatrician E. Komarovsky: he believes that ironing is not necessary; you should resort to this method of caring for things only to make clothes look neat.
The advantages of ironing include:
- giving things an aesthetic appearance;
- disinfection.
According to opponents of this procedure, the disadvantages of ironing are the following:
- complete disinfection does not allow the newborn’s immune system to develop normally;
- the air permeability of the material is impaired.
Washing children's clothes and linen is quite a responsible task.
It is important to choose the right product for treating things, choose the appropriate washing method, observe the dosage and follow all the necessary rules and recommendations
How are the sides attached?
You also need to pay attention to the means of attaching the sides to the crib. Most often these are ties
In this case, special ribbons are attached to the rods, and part of the long side is also attached to the top. Just be sure to check the reliability of the fastening. After all, the baby, trying to stand on his feet, will quite possibly try to lean on the bumper. If it breaks, the baby will fall and get scared or even hurt himself.
There may be other ways to attach the sides, such as Velcro and buttons. As with ties, you need to ensure that they are securely attached. You need to be especially careful with buttons. If they come into the baby’s field of vision, they will probably be of interest. He will try to unscrew them. They must be sewn securely, because small children tend to put everything in their mouth. And this poses a danger. Locks are considered the safest.
How will we wash the product?
When washing in a washing machine, as well as on the hands of children's clothes, special attention should be paid to the selection of household chemicals. Products should contain a minimum of substances that can cause discomfort in the baby
In addition, the powders should absolutely not contain dangerous impurities. It will not be possible to completely rinse detergents from the material; after drying, their particles will still be present on clothes and bedding. That is why, when choosing washing powder, gel or conditioner for children's clothes, be sure to study the composition of the product.
Household chemicals used for washing children's bedding should not contain:
- phosphates. They negatively affect the baby’s skin, and by penetrating the baby’s circulatory system they can change the blood formula;
- chlorine The element will dry out the skin, causing irritation and itching;
- optical brighteners. Particles of the substance remaining in the fabric can cause allergies in the child.
Anionic surfactants ideally should not be included in children's laundry detergents, but a small amount of them is still quite acceptable.
The most popular and frequently purchased detergents for washing children's substances are the powders “Ushasty Nyan” (contains A-surfactants, phosphate additives and bleaches), “Tide Children” (unlike the previous option, it does not have phosphates), “Aistenok” (a phosphate-free product, made with soap solution).
Useful tips
Several recommendations will help extend the life of the bumpers and bedding set, as well as maintain their impeccable appearance:
- You can speed up the drying process using a regular terry towel. Cover the side with it and apply light pressure. The moisture is quickly absorbed into the towel and the product can be hung on the balcony.
- Before rinsing the sides in the machine, you can add a small amount of hypoallergenic baby fabric conditioner to the compartment. The product makes the product soft.
- Only removable covers can be ironed and steamed. Strong heating deforms the filler, so it is better to avoid ironing and steaming.
- Before use, be sure to wash not only purchased products, but also those that are sewn yourself.
Following washing recommendations, choosing the right product and proper drying will allow you to achieve perfect cleanliness of the sides of the crib without harm to the baby’s health. The product retains its impeccable appearance and original shape, providing reliable protection for the child while sleeping.
Do I need to wash new clothes?
Doctors say that recently purchased items should be washed before wearing. The fact is that the protective functions of the child’s body are not sufficiently developed, so it is necessary to protect the baby from contact with pathogenic microorganisms that may be on the surface of purchased products. In addition, it is unknown in what conditions the clothes or linen were stored. It is likely that there are infections in the warehouse, the carriers of which are often rodents. It is also obvious that the things were touched with dirty hands (it is unlikely that they were washed with soap beforehand).
When answering the question of whether it is necessary to wash new things, the following factors should be taken into account:
- Before purchase, products pass through the hands of cutters, seamstresses, sellers, and other people. For a certain period of time, things are stored in a warehouse, where there could be infections.
- Often the material is starched to give it a better look. In this case, the fabric becomes rigid and can therefore irritate the baby’s skin.
- The dye present in the fibers of the product also causes irritation and can cause allergies.
On a note. After washing, it is recommended to iron the items and steam them on both sides. These measures will completely destroy pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Why are sides needed?
Of course, you can do without the sides. But even in those days when they could not be bought in the store, young mothers put a rolled-up blanket, extra pillows, and so on in the bed. That is, they made the same limiters, but from improvised means. In fact, the bumpers are long soft cylinders that are most often tied or fastened to the walls of the crib. So now, when asked whether bumpers are needed for a baby crib, many parents answer positively.
How are they useful?
- Protect the child from bruises and bumps when hitting a hard grille.
- They do not allow you to put your arm or leg (or even your head) between the bars, that is, again, they protect you from injury.
- Do not allow the baby to throw toys all over the room too actively.
- Cover the bed from drafts and dust.
- They cause a feeling of comfort and peace - the baby falls asleep faster, nothing distracts him.
Important! In stores you can also find educational bumpers with bright, interesting pictures or geometric shapes. Such crib details can keep your baby occupied for a while as soon as he wakes up. Educational models can also have removable pictures. This is very convenient - before bedtime, the pictures are taken, and nothing distracts your baby, and when he wakes up, you can attach pictures, change their places, and make new ones.
As for sizes, they can be very different:
- There are high sides, almost up to half the grille.
- There are low ones - fifteen centimeters high.
They can overlap:
- the entire perimeter of the crib;
- three walls;
- two walls and a corner;
- two long walls;
- two short walls;
- one long wall;
- one short wall.
In short, there are a lot of options, and in each case, parents choose the one that suits their child.
Washing sequence
This depends on many circumstances, and first of all on where and how you bought the bumper sides and in what condition they are. You could buy bumpers:
- in a specialized store from a trusted manufacturer, and the appearance does not raise any questions;
- in a specialized store, but it looks stale or has a suspicious smell;
- in the first store you come across, but the sides are new;
- in a thrift store;
- from hand
If you bought new bumpers from a reputable store, they look clean and smell like a new baby item - there is no need to wash them. The baby, even a newborn, does not directly touch the sides, and there is certainly no danger that they could get an infection into the umbilical wound. In this case it is enough:
- iron the removable covers with a hot iron;
- if there is a quartz lamp in the house, quartz the sides for a few seconds before putting them in the crib.
New bumpers may have a very suspicious smell. It may seem that they were kept in a warehouse with some chemicals or stale fabrics. In this case, you can wash them, but there are other options:
- treat with quartz;
- ventilate on the balcony.
Used bumpers must be washed, regardless of where you purchased them and what condition they are in. Even if you bought them from your best friend, whose accuracy you don’t doubt, she sold this item because her child no longer needed it, and therefore there was no need to maintain it in perfect condition.
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But if you sewed this part yourself, it’s up to you, because you know exactly under what conditions you worked and how high-quality materials you used.
How to wash the bumpers for a baby crib with foam rubber or synthetic padding inside? This will be easier to do if you follow a certain sequence:
- Wash stains from organic pollutants with phosphate-free powder.
- Inspect the sides.
- Remove pictures and toys from the educational side.
- Remove noticeable stains - special stain remover gels or home remedies are suitable for this.
- Tie the cords that tie the sides to the crib into a knot (if possible, it is better to remove them, like Velcro).
- If necessary, quilt the sides so that the padding polyester does not bunch up.
Handwash
Pour warm water into the bath:
- Dilute a small amount of detergent.
- Submerge the sides until the water completely covers them.
- Wait 5-10 minutes.
- Gently press out the sides.
- Rinse the product thoroughly with plenty of water.
- Gently squeeze again (without twisting).
Machine washable:
- When washing the bumpers in your machine, set them to the delicate cycle.
- Set the minimum temperature.
- Set extra rinse.
As soon as we have purchased soft sides for the crib, we can safely apply the following rules for the first wash:
- Our main task is to disinfect the product and remove factory dust. In order to wash it for the first time, you don’t even need to use the powder, or take a small amount of it. As usual, we get acquainted with the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the care of the item.
- It is better to wash not only the canvas itself, but also all decorative elements, ties, and Velcro. We use hot water, up to 40 degrees.
- If processing in the washing machine is not recommended, steaming the product is a good option. Here we need either a powerful iron or a steamer. You need to steam the sides through gauze or thin cotton cloth.
Washing the sides
Every young mother wonders how to wash the bumpers? It is not advisable to dry clean them, but you can wash them. This can be done either by machine or by hand. Each method has its pros and cons.
When washing, you should use children's washing powders. Now there is an abundance of these products in stores. But this product does not always rinse well from the filler. Therefore it is better to use:
- baby soap;
- baby bathing foam;
- baby shampoo;
- gel for washing children's clothes.
Soap is a universal remedy. During rinsing, it is quite easily removed even from foam rubber.
Handwash
When washing by hand, it is not recommended to rub the sides very hard. So let's get started:
Machine washable
When rinsing, you can use a small amount of children's hypoallergenic conditioner. No need to use flavorings.
Do I need to wash the crib bumpers immediately after purchasing the set?
Immediately after purchasing a new set, it must be washed. Most often, such products are made from natural materials, which allows them to easily survive even the most intensive processing options. Before washing new, never used bumpers, you need to consider the following points:
- Products need to be disinfected rather than cleaned. When washing for the first time, it is not even necessary to use powder; it is enough to run the item in very hot water, but only if the type of fabric and filling allows it.
- Simultaneously with the main fabric, it is necessary to process Velcro, ties, and decorative elements. But you can simply soak them in hot water while the sides themselves are washed.
- As a last resort, steam treatment of the crib element is allowed. To do this, use a steam cleaner or a very powerful iron. Manipulation is carried out through a layer of cotton fabric or gauze.
After the new sides are processed, they must be thoroughly dried. Any traces of moisture can cause the formation of mold colonies, which is unacceptable when using children's items.
How to care for a new product
If the product has its own packaging, then usually there is no noticeable dirt on it. Whether to wash it or not is up to the parents to decide. If there is no doubt about the quality of the product and the reputation of the company, then you can only steam or iron the covers at elevated temperatures. But after the purchase, washing will not be superfluous.
See also
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Sometimes the product is given as a gift from relatives or friends, or a used product is purchased. In this case, it is advisable to wash the product. They also sew the sides themselves. Cleaning is then also required, since during manufacturing the material accumulates dust, germs and various contaminants.
Why can't you wash with regular powder?
Regular laundry detergent contains fragrances, chemical neutralizers, biosystems, and color stabilizers. All these substances can provoke an allergic reaction in a child.
On a note. When choosing a product, parents try different brands, using them all in a short period of time. If the baby has an allergy, it is not so easy to find out which powder caused it. In this case, it is recommended to switch to hand washing until the allergy goes away. Then you can start selecting the powder again, trying each product one at a time.
As for soap, it is better to wash a newborn’s clothes with baby soap or regular laundry soap. The latter is made from animal fats with the addition of alkali. There are no flavors or other additives in this product. However, the disadvantage of this product is the fact that it is not suitable for a washing machine due to intense foaming.
Filler
The most important thing is the filling, because it depends on what the side is filled with in what mode it should be washed and how best to dry it. The sides are:
- with foam filling;
- with padding polyester filling.
Both types have their pros and cons:
- Foam rubber, if it doesn’t last long, doesn’t clump or fall apart, but it takes longer to dry.
- Synthetic winterizer dries quickly, but tends to bunch up when washed. Therefore, it is better to quilt padding padding before washing, and choose a delicate cycle.
Important! Over time, foam rubber breaks down into substances harmful to health, so it would be better for the second or third child to buy new bumpers, even if the crib was inherited from the first.
Is it necessary to wash clothes for newborns before the maternity hospital?
Cute baby vests, diapers, and crib bumpers are usually purchased long before the baby is born.
It is very important to remember that before they hit the store counter, they passed through many hands, which means they require mandatory washing. The tags on such items often indicate: “Wash before first wear.”
Some parents prefer to simply iron new children's clothes, destroying all germs that have fallen on them with a stream of hot steam. Unfortunately, such actions are fundamentally wrong. In addition to various bacteria, the fibers of the fabric of new clothes contain starch, which is added by manufacturers to give the products a better appearance. It is known to be very irritating to infants' sensitive skin. Many of us often forget that absolutely any clothing must be washed after purchase, and in the case of children's clothes, it is necessary to adhere to this rule as strictly as possible.
New clothes for a newborn baby are not just ironed
Does the canopy need to be washed?
Canopy can be washed
both manually and in the washing machine.
For washing, use water with a temperature of no more than 40 degrees. ... You can wash the canopy
in the washing machine. To do this, choose a delicate mode with a temperature of 30-40 degrees, without spinning!
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The best way to wash children's clothes
What is the best way to wash baby clothes for newborns: in the washing machine or by hand? Despite the fact that there is a washing machine in almost every home, many mothers still use the manual method. Each option has a number of advantages and disadvantages:
- Hand washing requires a lot of time and effort. In addition, this method does not allow cleaning clothes at high temperatures, which negatively affects the result. The advantage is that there is no risk of damage to household appliances, the process is carried out more carefully (the material does not “shrink” or stretch).
- The machine greatly simplifies the task. In addition, many models are equipped with additional functions, including a baby wash mode, which allows you to clean clothes at high temperatures. Thanks to this, the material is disinfected, stains are eliminated, and the fabric is not damaged. In addition, you can thoroughly rinse and spin clothes in the washing machine.
Suitable material and filler
The best thing for a child is natural. This rule also applies to crib bumpers. Protective elements should be made of natural fabric: preferably calico, satin, thick cotton or flannel. These fabrics do not cause allergies, are easy to wash and do not lose their appearance. In addition, manufacturers of children's themed fabrics follow current trends and offer their customers stylish and modern prints.
The fabric for the bumpers should not only be natural and safe for the child, but also pleasant to the touch, because the delicate baby skin will come into contact with it
Tactile sensations are extremely important for newborns, so this criterion should be given special attention when choosing materials.
The filler for the sides also needs to be chosen correctly.
Despite the fact that all modern synthetic materials are safe for the health and life of the baby, it is necessary to pay attention to their functionality
Safe and familiar padding polyester tends to clump and lose shape, especially after washing. If you take more careful care of such bumpers for a newborn, they can last for several years.
A modern analogue of padding polyester is holofiber. This material is preferable for the manufacture of protective edges, since it does not lose its shape, does not shrink even when washed and is considered absolutely safe.
Among the worthy options are also periotek - a hypoallergenic fabric that is suitable for sewing soft protection, polyester that does not absorb moisture and foreign odors, as well as hallcon - a unique material that will not only create comfort and softness, but also protect the baby from cold air.
When it comes to dense sides, the only filling option is foam rubber. Some experts are categorically against the use of such material near a newborn, but tested and certified material is safe for the baby. At the same time, the foam rubber does not lose its shape or break, and its sufficient strength is ideal for the sides of babies older than six months.