by Debra Menager

Created on: August 18, 2009   Last Updated: August 20, 2009

As steadfast friends, stuffed animals and other toys are likely to go anywhere and everywhere that our child does. In big hugs they stay close. They also often go in or near a child's mouth. So keeping these dear little friends fresh and clean is very important. That will also help keep your child healthy and happy. Wash them often.

Check stuffed animal for a tag: it should say whether this friend is surface clean only or washable.

Wet wipes (used on little hands) and baby wipes do an excellent job for surface cleaning their stuffed animal friends too. Or use slightly damp washcloths: one wrung out after being dipped in very diluted dish soap (a little less soap than when hand washing glassware, as it's not as easy to remove the excess from a teddy or a tiger) the other dampened with clear water. Remember that anything remaining on their friend's surface may get on, or even in, your child as they hug and love their companions.

Don't leave a stuffed animal sitting wet, unless it's resting in a clean and sunny spot. Mildew is definitely not healthy for your child or their little stuffed friends. If you went a little heavy on the soap, you may have needed a bit more water, and more repeated scrubbing with the rinsing wipes, leaving dear Teddy very tired and damp. Revive him with an exhilarating warming wind (but not too hot!) from your hairdryer. Your child may like to join in this fun, with a bit of make-believe about that buffeting breeze (like the celebrated Christopher Robin and his friends).

If your stuffed animal tag states it's washable, a trip to a bubble bath spa followed by a dip in a cool clear pond may be a bit of clean fun you can enjoy together. Follow it with loads of soft drying hugs with thick, thirsty towels. And a buffeting breeze finishes the fun.

Washable stuffed animals can also go in with load of towels. Check any button noses and eyes, or other parts that may pull off. Be certain that they are on tightly (something you want to check routinely on all your child's toy friends, even those not going for a washing machine bath) before you place your stuffed animal in a pillow case tied closed or inside a lingerie bag. Then dry as you did the others, or if sturdy enough allow it a fun tumble in the dryer inside its bag cocoon, protected by tumbling towels .

Either explain to your child that it's a safe journey for Teddy but not for a child or do this during nap time. Or pick another time when they won't be around to observe, miss, or worry about their friend (or want to follow after).

On a routine basis wipe and clean other well-loved toys. Surface wipe with wet wipes or washcloths before it becomes visibly obvious they need it. Depending upon your child's age and abilities, let them do some with you, or have them be your assistant.

Keeping your child healthy and clean, washing hands and faces, taking baths, and brushing teeth are important parts of your child's day. Let him take those lessons into his play with you and his toys. It allows him to role play as a more knowing friend or parent to his toys. Routine and play reinforce habits; make-believe games during the cleaning of toys become fun, creative learning times for your child's growing knowledge of his own good health coming from good hygiene.

Learn more about this author, Debra Menager.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.