Most
U.S. moms and moms-to-be have basic germ knowledge down pat and most
know there is no such things as a “5-second rule,” a survey by Playtex
shows. A whopping 95% of new moms and 97% of expectant moms correctly
answered that it is best to wash hands after every diaper change. In
addition, 87% of both new and expectant moms knew that there is no such
thing as the “5-second rule” and said the rule as a myth since germ
transfer is instantaneous. However, moms faltered on detecting and
disinfecting germ hot spots in the nursery – 49% of new moms and 51% of
expectant moms correctly answered that germ hot spots should be
disinfected at least once daily, and 32% of new moms and 35% of
expectant moms knew the changing table is the nursery’s top germ
hotspot. Dr. Benjamin Tanner, a germ expert and microbiologist, said
cleaning these hot spots – floor, changing table, toys and laundry
hamper – at least once a day is key to helping keep the nursery as
germ-free as possible. Forty-seven percent of new and expectant moms
knew the correct amount of time a disinfectant must remain wet on a
surface to effectively do its job is 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, wipe
the surface down with water to get rid of any chemical residue that may
irritate your baby’s skin, Tanner said.
