Baby expert Annalisa Thomas has highlighted that babies are “especially vulnerable” to unsanitary environments as their immune systems are not yet fully developed.

As a result, the accumulation of dirt, allergens, bacteria and dust mites in a baby’s cot can lead to “allergies, respiratory issues, skin irritations, and eye infections”.

Keeping your baby’s cot clean is crucial, but not all cleaning materials and methods are 100% safe and effective, according to the Oilo Studio expert.

She warns against using bleach, ammonia, harsh chemicals and scented cleaners, advising parents to opt for baby and skin-safe products or ideally organic cleaning products.

Annalisa’s recommended crib cleaning routine involves completely stripping the cot, including removing any mattress protectors, sheets, pillows and toys which should be washed in hot water with a baby safe or organic detergent. 

She advises: “You can do this by hand or in your washing machine. Make sure that the water you wash and rinse them in is clean, too.”

Firstly, vacuum the cot to remove any dust and bed ticks that might lead to allergies or respiratory issues.

Then, mix a skin-friendly soap with warm water and use a clean, soft cloth to wipe down all the surfaces of the cradle, paying special attention to those hard-to-reach spots.

Allow it to air-dry thoroughly before replacing any bedding or fabrics in the cot.

Annalisa recommended that parents should clean their baby’s cot every couple of months to ensure their little ones remain healthy while they sleep.

For cleaning your baby’s mattress, Annalisa suggests adhering strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions.

She also issued an important caution to parents: “You won’t know the damage has been done until it’s too late and your baby has more serious problems such as with their skin, lungs, or eyes, or an allergy that could be with them for life.

“While cleanliness is crucial, over-sanitising can affect a baby’s health negatively, too.

“Having a clean crib or cradle to sleep in is very important, exposure elsewhere to a small amount of everyday dirt can help to make their immune systems stronger, ready for the big wide world beyond.”