Suggestions to keep my baby healthy

[Ratatosk]

We too wash hands quite a bit and avoid sick people. DS cultured pseudo and enterbactor chochlae (sp) before he turned 2 months, before he was in daycare, before he was exposed to pretty much anything.

Bath toys, I avoid(ed) the ones that could get water inside of them. My MIL had a few I would make disappear before DS used them again -- wasteful, but they became single use toys if they couldn't get cleaned out and developed mold. I also bring our own towels to their lake home because I've noticed a hint of mildew -- probably from sitting in the washing machine prior to drying or sitting in a basket too long before being washed. Plus the mildew smell makes me gag!

This past fall we were a bit more cautious due to H1n1 and the lack of vaccine available. We haven't gone to the indoor playground at the mall since last summer. He's still in gymnastics, but I use wipes and hand sanitizer when he's done. We do feel that it's important that he get exercise -- so he's been in tennis, baseball and swimming. Currently he's taking ice skating lessons.

We clean the house once a week. I boil nebs, change out hand towels in the bathroom daily before DS uses them in the morning to brush teeth.

Houseplants -- I pretty much let all ours die. Mainly because when I still had plants, I was busy getting used to having a child with CF that I neglected the plants. I do have a garden and flowers. We don't compost anymore -- I used to have a countertop composter as well as one out in the garden, but with the potential for mold, etc. decided not to risk it.

Onions -- I keep any eye on the onion drawer to make sure they don't go bad.

 

[Ratatosk]

We too wash hands quite a bit and avoid sick people. DS cultured pseudo and enterbactor chochlae (sp) before he turned 2 months, before he was in daycare, before he was exposed to pretty much anything.

Bath toys, I avoid(ed) the ones that could get water inside of them. My MIL had a few I would make disappear before DS used them again -- wasteful, but they became single use toys if they couldn't get cleaned out and developed mold. I also bring our own towels to their lake home because I've noticed a hint of mildew -- probably from sitting in the washing machine prior to drying or sitting in a basket too long before being washed. Plus the mildew smell makes me gag!

This past fall we were a bit more cautious due to H1n1 and the lack of vaccine available. We haven't gone to the indoor playground at the mall since last summer. He's still in gymnastics, but I use wipes and hand sanitizer when he's done. We do feel that it's important that he get exercise -- so he's been in tennis, baseball and swimming. Currently he's taking ice skating lessons.

We clean the house once a week. I boil nebs, change out hand towels in the bathroom daily before DS uses them in the morning to brush teeth.

Houseplants -- I pretty much let all ours die. Mainly because when I still had plants, I was busy getting used to having a child with CF that I neglected the plants. I do have a garden and flowers. We don't compost anymore -- I used to have a countertop composter as well as one out in the garden, but with the potential for mold, etc. decided not to risk it.

Onions -- I keep any eye on the onion drawer to make sure they don't go bad.

 

[Ratatosk]

We too wash hands quite a bit and avoid sick people. DS cultured pseudo and enterbactor chochlae (sp) before he turned 2 months, before he was in daycare, before he was exposed to pretty much anything.

Bath toys, I avoid(ed) the ones that could get water inside of them. My MIL had a few I would make disappear before DS used them again -- wasteful, but they became single use toys if they couldn't get cleaned out and developed mold. I also bring our own towels to their lake home because I've noticed a hint of mildew -- probably from sitting in the washing machine prior to drying or sitting in a basket too long before being washed. Plus the mildew smell makes me gag!

This past fall we were a bit more cautious due to H1n1 and the lack of vaccine available. We haven't gone to the indoor playground at the mall since last summer. He's still in gymnastics, but I use wipes and hand sanitizer when he's done. We do feel that it's important that he get exercise -- so he's been in tennis, baseball and swimming. Currently he's taking ice skating lessons.

We clean the house once a week. I boil nebs, change out hand towels in the bathroom daily before DS uses them in the morning to brush teeth.

Houseplants -- I pretty much let all ours die. Mainly because when I still had plants, I was busy getting used to having a child with CF that I neglected the plants. I do have a garden and flowers. We don't compost anymore -- I used to have a countertop composter as well as one out in the garden, but with the potential for mold, etc. decided not to risk it.

Onions -- I keep any eye on the onion drawer to make sure they don't go bad.

 

[Ratatosk]

We too wash hands quite a bit and avoid sick people. DS cultured pseudo and enterbactor chochlae (sp) before he turned 2 months, before he was in daycare, before he was exposed to pretty much anything.

Bath toys, I avoid(ed) the ones that could get water inside of them. My MIL had a few I would make disappear before DS used them again -- wasteful, but they became single use toys if they couldn't get cleaned out and developed mold. I also bring our own towels to their lake home because I've noticed a hint of mildew -- probably from sitting in the washing machine prior to drying or sitting in a basket too long before being washed. Plus the mildew smell makes me gag!

This past fall we were a bit more cautious due to H1n1 and the lack of vaccine available. We haven't gone to the indoor playground at the mall since last summer. He's still in gymnastics, but I use wipes and hand sanitizer when he's done. We do feel that it's important that he get exercise -- so he's been in tennis, baseball and swimming. Currently he's taking ice skating lessons.

We clean the house once a week. I boil nebs, change out hand towels in the bathroom daily before DS uses them in the morning to brush teeth.

Houseplants -- I pretty much let all ours die. Mainly because when I still had plants, I was busy getting used to having a child with CF that I neglected the plants. I do have a garden and flowers. We don't compost anymore -- I used to have a countertop composter as well as one out in the garden, but with the potential for mold, etc. decided not to risk it.

Onions -- I keep any eye on the onion drawer to make sure they don't go bad.

 

[Ratatosk]

We too wash hands quite a bit and avoid sick people. DS cultured pseudo and enterbactor chochlae (sp) before he turned 2 months, before he was in daycare, before he was exposed to pretty much anything.
<br />
<br />Bath toys, I avoid(ed) the ones that could get water inside of them. My MIL had a few I would make disappear before DS used them again -- wasteful, but they became single use toys if they couldn't get cleaned out and developed mold. I also bring our own towels to their lake home because I've noticed a hint of mildew -- probably from sitting in the washing machine prior to drying or sitting in a basket too long before being washed. Plus the mildew smell makes me gag!
<br />
<br />This past fall we were a bit more cautious due to H1n1 and the lack of vaccine available. We haven't gone to the indoor playground at the mall since last summer. He's still in gymnastics, but I use wipes and hand sanitizer when he's done. We do feel that it's important that he get exercise -- so he's been in tennis, baseball and swimming. Currently he's taking ice skating lessons.
<br />
<br />We clean the house once a week. I boil nebs, change out hand towels in the bathroom daily before DS uses them in the morning to brush teeth.
<br />
<br />Houseplants -- I pretty much let all ours die. Mainly because when I still had plants, I was busy getting used to having a child with CF that I neglected the plants. I do have a garden and flowers. We don't compost anymore -- I used to have a countertop composter as well as one out in the garden, but with the potential for mold, etc. decided not to risk it.
<br />
<br />Onions -- I keep any eye on the onion drawer to make sure they don't go bad.

 

[petnurse]

Thanks Megan. We do those two things, and thankfully Philip is well. At two months he cultured pseudomas (apparently not the normal variety of it though), and flavobacterium. He threw them both off with no antibiotics and has not cultured anything since. I'm glad you mentioned the pools. I always wondered about that!

 

[petnurse]

Thanks Megan. We do those two things, and thankfully Philip is well. At two months he cultured pseudomas (apparently not the normal variety of it though), and flavobacterium. He threw them both off with no antibiotics and has not cultured anything since. I'm glad you mentioned the pools. I always wondered about that!

 

[petnurse]

Thanks Megan. We do those two things, and thankfully Philip is well. At two months he cultured pseudomas (apparently not the normal variety of it though), and flavobacterium. He threw them both off with no antibiotics and has not cultured anything since. I'm glad you mentioned the pools. I always wondered about that!

 

[petnurse]

Thanks Megan. We do those two things, and thankfully Philip is well. At two months he cultured pseudomas (apparently not the normal variety of it though), and flavobacterium. He threw them both off with no antibiotics and has not cultured anything since. I'm glad you mentioned the pools. I always wondered about that!

 

[petnurse]

Thanks Megan. We do those two things, and thankfully Philip is well. At two months he cultured pseudomas (apparently not the normal variety of it though), and flavobacterium. He threw them both off with no antibiotics and has not cultured anything since. I'm glad you mentioned the pools. I always wondered about that!

 

[hmw]

You've gotten some great advice already. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I strongly believe in Roses' thought that the single most important thing you can do is be proactive about keeping your baby healthy in order to help him function the best he can in the 'germy' world he lives in. Cleaning/sterilizing his nebs properly and teaching the whole family good hand-washing habits are very important, since many of the bugs your baby could potentially catch are ones his sibs could bring home to him. Trying to avoid sick people will help, esp during cold & flu season.

As a fellow parent of 3 kids that are close in age, I know you are running just to take care of the kids right now, never mind all that is involved in caring for the baby's medical needs. So you'll have to, as time goes by, prioritize what is most important at any given time. For example, soon he'll be crawling, so everyone taking shoes off at the door would be a good habit to get into if you aren't already and keeping the bathroom door shut at all times.

I am an avid flower gardener and all my kids help me. Emily loves to make mud pies, catch frogs and in general make a mess of herself outside and I couldn't picture a healthy, happy childhood without this. She also is in her 4th year of dance class. I am sure germs come along with all that great exercise and interaction with her friends; touching the barre and all that stretching on the floor- but such is life. The germs are everywhere- absolutely everywhere. We can do the best we reasonably can, or we can drive ourselves crazy with it and still never be able to shield them from it all.

I'm with Liza on the tub toys. Ever since my oldest was a baby I've never liked the rubber-ducky type ones or water squirters that can trap water inside and collect mold over time. There's just no way to clean them well. Toys that can be washed and dried well- and kept dry between uses (i.e. not left in a wet bin on the side of the tub between baths) I think are fine.

I would be fine with a plant. I tend to keep my plants outside but most of the pots I own would not leave exposed standing water; many pots have the reservoirs built right into the bottom of the pot so the water isn't just sitting there open to the air. So if the water is your concern, you might look for a pot like this; you can also cover the dirt on top with those decorative stones they sell. In any case, since you don't want to be vacuuming dirt every day it would be a good idea to have it out of reach of your baby.

Liza- I was going to do compost last year for our veggie garden and had similar concerns so decided not to try it given how much 'helping' Emily does in the dirt.

I wish you the very best. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[hmw]

You've gotten some great advice already. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I strongly believe in Roses' thought that the single most important thing you can do is be proactive about keeping your baby healthy in order to help him function the best he can in the 'germy' world he lives in. Cleaning/sterilizing his nebs properly and teaching the whole family good hand-washing habits are very important, since many of the bugs your baby could potentially catch are ones his sibs could bring home to him. Trying to avoid sick people will help, esp during cold & flu season.

As a fellow parent of 3 kids that are close in age, I know you are running just to take care of the kids right now, never mind all that is involved in caring for the baby's medical needs. So you'll have to, as time goes by, prioritize what is most important at any given time. For example, soon he'll be crawling, so everyone taking shoes off at the door would be a good habit to get into if you aren't already and keeping the bathroom door shut at all times.

I am an avid flower gardener and all my kids help me. Emily loves to make mud pies, catch frogs and in general make a mess of herself outside and I couldn't picture a healthy, happy childhood without this. She also is in her 4th year of dance class. I am sure germs come along with all that great exercise and interaction with her friends; touching the barre and all that stretching on the floor- but such is life. The germs are everywhere- absolutely everywhere. We can do the best we reasonably can, or we can drive ourselves crazy with it and still never be able to shield them from it all.

I'm with Liza on the tub toys. Ever since my oldest was a baby I've never liked the rubber-ducky type ones or water squirters that can trap water inside and collect mold over time. There's just no way to clean them well. Toys that can be washed and dried well- and kept dry between uses (i.e. not left in a wet bin on the side of the tub between baths) I think are fine.

I would be fine with a plant. I tend to keep my plants outside but most of the pots I own would not leave exposed standing water; many pots have the reservoirs built right into the bottom of the pot so the water isn't just sitting there open to the air. So if the water is your concern, you might look for a pot like this; you can also cover the dirt on top with those decorative stones they sell. In any case, since you don't want to be vacuuming dirt every day it would be a good idea to have it out of reach of your baby.

Liza- I was going to do compost last year for our veggie garden and had similar concerns so decided not to try it given how much 'helping' Emily does in the dirt.

I wish you the very best. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[hmw]

You've gotten some great advice already. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I strongly believe in Roses' thought that the single most important thing you can do is be proactive about keeping your baby healthy in order to help him function the best he can in the 'germy' world he lives in. Cleaning/sterilizing his nebs properly and teaching the whole family good hand-washing habits are very important, since many of the bugs your baby could potentially catch are ones his sibs could bring home to him. Trying to avoid sick people will help, esp during cold & flu season.

As a fellow parent of 3 kids that are close in age, I know you are running just to take care of the kids right now, never mind all that is involved in caring for the baby's medical needs. So you'll have to, as time goes by, prioritize what is most important at any given time. For example, soon he'll be crawling, so everyone taking shoes off at the door would be a good habit to get into if you aren't already and keeping the bathroom door shut at all times.

I am an avid flower gardener and all my kids help me. Emily loves to make mud pies, catch frogs and in general make a mess of herself outside and I couldn't picture a healthy, happy childhood without this. She also is in her 4th year of dance class. I am sure germs come along with all that great exercise and interaction with her friends; touching the barre and all that stretching on the floor- but such is life. The germs are everywhere- absolutely everywhere. We can do the best we reasonably can, or we can drive ourselves crazy with it and still never be able to shield them from it all.

I'm with Liza on the tub toys. Ever since my oldest was a baby I've never liked the rubber-ducky type ones or water squirters that can trap water inside and collect mold over time. There's just no way to clean them well. Toys that can be washed and dried well- and kept dry between uses (i.e. not left in a wet bin on the side of the tub between baths) I think are fine.

I would be fine with a plant. I tend to keep my plants outside but most of the pots I own would not leave exposed standing water; many pots have the reservoirs built right into the bottom of the pot so the water isn't just sitting there open to the air. So if the water is your concern, you might look for a pot like this; you can also cover the dirt on top with those decorative stones they sell. In any case, since you don't want to be vacuuming dirt every day it would be a good idea to have it out of reach of your baby.

Liza- I was going to do compost last year for our veggie garden and had similar concerns so decided not to try it given how much 'helping' Emily does in the dirt.

I wish you the very best. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[hmw]

You've gotten some great advice already. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I strongly believe in Roses' thought that the single most important thing you can do is be proactive about keeping your baby healthy in order to help him function the best he can in the 'germy' world he lives in. Cleaning/sterilizing his nebs properly and teaching the whole family good hand-washing habits are very important, since many of the bugs your baby could potentially catch are ones his sibs could bring home to him. Trying to avoid sick people will help, esp during cold & flu season.

As a fellow parent of 3 kids that are close in age, I know you are running just to take care of the kids right now, never mind all that is involved in caring for the baby's medical needs. So you'll have to, as time goes by, prioritize what is most important at any given time. For example, soon he'll be crawling, so everyone taking shoes off at the door would be a good habit to get into if you aren't already and keeping the bathroom door shut at all times.

I am an avid flower gardener and all my kids help me. Emily loves to make mud pies, catch frogs and in general make a mess of herself outside and I couldn't picture a healthy, happy childhood without this. She also is in her 4th year of dance class. I am sure germs come along with all that great exercise and interaction with her friends; touching the barre and all that stretching on the floor- but such is life. The germs are everywhere- absolutely everywhere. We can do the best we reasonably can, or we can drive ourselves crazy with it and still never be able to shield them from it all.

I'm with Liza on the tub toys. Ever since my oldest was a baby I've never liked the rubber-ducky type ones or water squirters that can trap water inside and collect mold over time. There's just no way to clean them well. Toys that can be washed and dried well- and kept dry between uses (i.e. not left in a wet bin on the side of the tub between baths) I think are fine.

I would be fine with a plant. I tend to keep my plants outside but most of the pots I own would not leave exposed standing water; many pots have the reservoirs built right into the bottom of the pot so the water isn't just sitting there open to the air. So if the water is your concern, you might look for a pot like this; you can also cover the dirt on top with those decorative stones they sell. In any case, since you don't want to be vacuuming dirt every day it would be a good idea to have it out of reach of your baby.

Liza- I was going to do compost last year for our veggie garden and had similar concerns so decided not to try it given how much 'helping' Emily does in the dirt.

I wish you the very best. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[hmw]

You've gotten some great advice already. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I strongly believe in Roses' thought that the single most important thing you can do is be proactive about keeping your baby healthy in order to help him function the best he can in the 'germy' world he lives in. Cleaning/sterilizing his nebs properly and teaching the whole family good hand-washing habits are very important, since many of the bugs your baby could potentially catch are ones his sibs could bring home to him. Trying to avoid sick people will help, esp during cold & flu season.
<br />
<br />As a fellow parent of 3 kids that are close in age, I know you are running just to take care of the kids right now, never mind all that is involved in caring for the baby's medical needs. So you'll have to, as time goes by, prioritize what is most important at any given time. For example, soon he'll be crawling, so everyone taking shoes off at the door would be a good habit to get into if you aren't already and keeping the bathroom door shut at all times.
<br />
<br />I am an avid flower gardener and all my kids help me. Emily loves to make mud pies, catch frogs and in general make a mess of herself outside and I couldn't picture a healthy, happy childhood without this. She also is in her 4th year of dance class. I am sure germs come along with all that great exercise and interaction with her friends; touching the barre and all that stretching on the floor- but such is life. The germs are everywhere- absolutely everywhere. We can do the best we reasonably can, or we can drive ourselves crazy with it and still never be able to shield them from it all.
<br />
<br />I'm with Liza on the tub toys. Ever since my oldest was a baby I've never liked the rubber-ducky type ones or water squirters that can trap water inside and collect mold over time. There's just no way to clean them well. Toys that can be washed and dried well- and kept dry between uses (i.e. not left in a wet bin on the side of the tub between baths) I think are fine.
<br />
<br />I would be fine with a plant. I tend to keep my plants outside but most of the pots I own would not leave exposed standing water; many pots have the reservoirs built right into the bottom of the pot so the water isn't just sitting there open to the air. So if the water is your concern, you might look for a pot like this; you can also cover the dirt on top with those decorative stones they sell. In any case, since you don't want to be vacuuming dirt every day it would be a good idea to have it out of reach of your baby.
<br />
<br />Liza- I was going to do compost last year for our veggie garden and had similar concerns so decided not to try it given how much 'helping' Emily does in the dirt.
<br />
<br />I wish you the very best. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[ymikhale]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>rosesixtyfive</b></i>

My husband and I are actually having an argument over a house plant right now. We have one house plant, and he says that I am going too far by trying to get rid of it. Anyone else have house plants? Also, Sam just got bathtub toys for Christmas. I don' know if that's a good idea. Does the idea of bathtub toys freak anyone else out?





I have one more question - if you don't use dish rags, what do you use? I keep using paper towels to clean his spoons, bottles, etc., but it's getting to be a pretty wasteful habit.</end quote></div>

Hi,
here is what i have been doing:
-no plants for me, pseudo grows in there, my cf center told me it is better not have any
-bath toys: i make sure they don't have any holes in them so that water does not stagnate in there
- i also got rid of carpet, curtains in the bedroom and only clean with vinegear (except bathroom) using steam cleaner
- for dishes i use a copper scrub and i also use a lot paper towels, so no sponges for me.
- i pour clorox into the syphons in the bathtub, kitchen sink to kill the bugs that grow in stagnating water. i do that at night so no one breathes it.

 

[ymikhale]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>rosesixtyfive</b></i>

My husband and I are actually having an argument over a house plant right now. We have one house plant, and he says that I am going too far by trying to get rid of it. Anyone else have house plants? Also, Sam just got bathtub toys for Christmas. I don' know if that's a good idea. Does the idea of bathtub toys freak anyone else out?





I have one more question - if you don't use dish rags, what do you use? I keep using paper towels to clean his spoons, bottles, etc., but it's getting to be a pretty wasteful habit.</end quote></div>

Hi,
here is what i have been doing:
-no plants for me, pseudo grows in there, my cf center told me it is better not have any
-bath toys: i make sure they don't have any holes in them so that water does not stagnate in there
- i also got rid of carpet, curtains in the bedroom and only clean with vinegear (except bathroom) using steam cleaner
- for dishes i use a copper scrub and i also use a lot paper towels, so no sponges for me.
- i pour clorox into the syphons in the bathtub, kitchen sink to kill the bugs that grow in stagnating water. i do that at night so no one breathes it.

 

[ymikhale]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>rosesixtyfive</b></i>

My husband and I are actually having an argument over a house plant right now. We have one house plant, and he says that I am going too far by trying to get rid of it. Anyone else have house plants? Also, Sam just got bathtub toys for Christmas. I don' know if that's a good idea. Does the idea of bathtub toys freak anyone else out?





I have one more question - if you don't use dish rags, what do you use? I keep using paper towels to clean his spoons, bottles, etc., but it's getting to be a pretty wasteful habit.</end quote></div>

Hi,
here is what i have been doing:
-no plants for me, pseudo grows in there, my cf center told me it is better not have any
-bath toys: i make sure they don't have any holes in them so that water does not stagnate in there
- i also got rid of carpet, curtains in the bedroom and only clean with vinegear (except bathroom) using steam cleaner
- for dishes i use a copper scrub and i also use a lot paper towels, so no sponges for me.
- i pour clorox into the syphons in the bathtub, kitchen sink to kill the bugs that grow in stagnating water. i do that at night so no one breathes it.

 

[ymikhale]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>rosesixtyfive</b></i>

My husband and I are actually having an argument over a house plant right now. We have one house plant, and he says that I am going too far by trying to get rid of it. Anyone else have house plants? Also, Sam just got bathtub toys for Christmas. I don' know if that's a good idea. Does the idea of bathtub toys freak anyone else out?





I have one more question - if you don't use dish rags, what do you use? I keep using paper towels to clean his spoons, bottles, etc., but it's getting to be a pretty wasteful habit.</end quote>

Hi,
here is what i have been doing:
-no plants for me, pseudo grows in there, my cf center told me it is better not have any
-bath toys: i make sure they don't have any holes in them so that water does not stagnate in there
- i also got rid of carpet, curtains in the bedroom and only clean with vinegear (except bathroom) using steam cleaner
- for dishes i use a copper scrub and i also use a lot paper towels, so no sponges for me.
- i pour clorox into the syphons in the bathtub, kitchen sink to kill the bugs that grow in stagnating water. i do that at night so no one breathes it.

 

[ymikhale]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>rosesixtyfive</b></i>
<br />
<br />My husband and I are actually having an argument over a house plant right now. We have one house plant, and he says that I am going too far by trying to get rid of it. Anyone else have house plants? Also, Sam just got bathtub toys for Christmas. I don' know if that's a good idea. Does the idea of bathtub toys freak anyone else out?
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />I have one more question - if you don't use dish rags, what do you use? I keep using paper towels to clean his spoons, bottles, etc., but it's getting to be a pretty wasteful habit.</end quote>
<br />
<br />Hi,
<br />here is what i have been doing:
<br />-no plants for me, pseudo grows in there, my cf center told me it is better not have any
<br />-bath toys: i make sure they don't have any holes in them so that water does not stagnate in there
<br />- i also got rid of carpet, curtains in the bedroom and only clean with vinegear (except bathroom) using steam cleaner
<br />- for dishes i use a copper scrub and i also use a lot paper towels, so no sponges for me.
<br />- i pour clorox into the syphons in the bathtub, kitchen sink to kill the bugs that grow in stagnating water. i do that at night so no one breathes it.