Plush stuffed toys can get pretty dirty, especially if your baby plays with it everyday.  It is important to keep your baby’s plush toys clean because disease-causing germs can thrive in them.

Here’s how to wash your baby’s plush stuffed toys:

• First, pre-treat stains using a laundry stain-remover. Remember to use a mild stain remover since your baby’s skin is extra sensitive. You may also use a baby-safe upholstery or carpet stain remover.

• Next, use a white washcloth or sponge to gently remove the stain.

• Take out all accessories that are on the toy, such as clothes, collars, sound boxes, etc. and clean these separately.

• Stuff the plush toy inside a white pillowcase tied securely. This will protect the plastic eyes and catch stuffing that fall out of a tear.

• Run the toy on the gentle cycle with cool water and baby-safe liquid cleaner. You can also use an upholstery or carpet cleaner. Just make sure to use a tiny amount and that your carpet or upholstery cleaner is safe for your baby.

• After washing, pop the plush toy in the dryer and put it on medium heat. The length of time depends on the size of the toy: for a small plush toy, run it on the dryer for about 20 minutes; for a medium sized toy, dry it for about 30 minutes; for a large toy, run it for about 40-50 minutes. You can also use the fluff cycle after drying if you want. Run the plush toy in the fluff cycle for about 5 minutes and then brush it if needed.

• Check for loose seams, buttons or eyes. Repair them if necessary.

• Dress up the plush toy with its clothes that were taken off and washed separately. Replace all accessories, including sound box if it has one.

Surface dusting

For toys that can’t be washed (or if you are simply not sure how to wash them), you can try the surface dusting method using cornstarch or baking soda.

• Simply pop a plush toy in a large zip lock bag then add one or two cups of baking soda or corn starch.

• Shake the bag vigorously until the entire plush toy is coated.

• Leave the toy inside the (closed) bag for two hours for the powder to absorb odors.

• Afterwards, take the toy outside and brush it lightly with a soft or vacuum cleaner to remove the powder.

How to clean up collectible plush toys:

Some plush toys can’t be cleaned in the washing machine. These toys are collectibles and will be worth a lot in time. To clean collectible plush toys:

• Dust them up regularly using a soft, clean cloth. You can also use a clean cloth and a mild detergent to spot clean them if needed.

• For Ty Beanie Babies collectibles, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe them clean, and then use a hair dryer set on medium heat to dry.

• Place a collectible plush toy in the dryer and run it on the lowest heat setting for about 5 minutes.

• To get rid of odors, add a baby-safe dryer sheet when you run it on the dryer.

• Vacuum toys with the drapery nozzle.

• You can also use a lint roller.

• For collectible plush toys that have long fur, give them a gentle brushing after they are cleaned.

Baby Detergents provides objective reviews about the pros and cons of using laundry detergents, and help people to find laundry soap products which are environment-friendly and safe for children.
Article Source

A baby shower is a way of announcing to your close friends and relatives how grateful you are to have a baby. If you are an invitee to a baby shower, it is always a good idea to bring something as a gift for the baby.

And if you find it difficult to think of what to buy out of the wide array of baby essentials in the department store, here are some inexpensive ideas, which most parents would wish to have for their baby.

1. Clothing. One of the basic necessities of a baby is clothing. Baby clothes are available in different sizes for 0-3 months old, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, and so on. It is safer to buy baby clothes which he can use later, because chances are the excited parents might have bought tiny clothes for a newborn.

2. Teething Toys. All babies will undergo the teething stage. During this stage, their gums are in pain. To help relieve the pain, they need chew toys. Giving the baby a number of these would be helpful, as it needs to be replaced once they get dirty and wear out. Make sure that the toys are safe for the baby and check for small parts that the baby may swallow.

3. Stuffed Toys. Everyone loves stuffed toys and this could be a safe gift for your baby. Some stuffed toys have feature like producing sound. Just make sure that the toy you are going to buy will not cause any allergy to the baby.

4. Diapers. Newborn would always need diapers up to their toddler stage. Giving diapers as gift is practical and will help parents save from their daily expenses. The baby needs tons of this and as the he grows and his diaper size also changes. It is also a good idea to ask the parents what type of diaper they opt to use for their baby.

5. Baby Books. It is a good practice for parents to read stories for their baby. Giving them books will help in their mental development period. Storybooks will be useful for the baby up to his childhood stage.

Want more source of knowledge? Visit solar pond pump which showcases various garden pond pumps, information, and purchasing guides.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/5-lowcost-baby-shower-gift-ideas-that-parents-will-appreciate-1788042.html