Okay - so I bought a beautiful new crib set for our baby boy who will be appearing in late September/early October. I am not a new mom, he is #3 for us and this seems like a silly question! :)
This bumper pad that came with our new set is much firmer/stiffer than the other two crib sets I had. I think it is because I bought it new and the other two came used from Ebay. It isn't hard by any means, just new. I cannot imagine shoving this thing into my washing machine - it just seems like it wouldn't fit!
Any practical ideas to suggest on getting it clean for baby before he gets here!? :)
Thanks so much ladies! I wrapped it around and around in the washer on gentle cycle with just a bit of free & clear detergent. The bathtub proved hard... even just bathing my older two is a struggle because my belly has officially lost it's bend! LOL It did soften a bit and I feel better knowing it is clean.
I would wrap mine in circles around the cylinder in my washing machine but if you don't feel comfortable with that, take it to the laundromat and wash it in a commercial washer that has no agitator.
It's stiff b/c it's new...if you want to keep the stiffness one washing shouldn't bother it...but the more you do wash the less stiff it will be.
My suggestion is DO NOT USE IT!!! Since slats are now closer together, they are unnecessary and dangerous! They are shown in baby stores in order to try to get parents to spend more money. "They are so cute," the make the set look more complete, whatever. The use of bumper pads has been linked to SIDS. It may not result in your baby's death, but WHY take a chance!??!!
Direct quote from SIDS.org website: "Place infants to sleep in a baby bed with a firm mattress. There should be nothing in the bed but the baby - no covers, no pillows, NO BUMPER PADS, no positioning devices and no toys. Soft mattresses and heavy covering are associated with the risk for SIDS."
PLEASE read these articles:
http://www.sids.org/nprevent.htm
http://babyproducts.about.com/od/recallsandsafety/a/bumpe...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070918165353...
Your putting your baby at risk for SIDS.I'm sure you have read all this stuff before on SIDS.
Most laundromats have a couple of big washers.
they are always stiffer when you first buy them. You can wash it in your machine, it will get softer like the others you had. Just wash it on the gentle cycle.
I've fit them in the washing maching the way the other poster mentioned...around and around the middle thing...and then just put it on a gentle cycle and only a teeny bit of the "Free and Clear" detergent.
Good luck!
Good Morning M., you could take it to a laundry mat with the big front loaders, or there is always the Bath tub...lol I use my bath tub to wash my comforter. Takes a bit to get all the water out but works pretty well.
Of course with your little guy coming soon I would opt for the launder mat for now. It will probably become softer and easier to handle once it is washed and used.
God Bless you and yours, Congrats on your upcoming little Prince
K. Nana of 5
Hi Missy,
You can wash it, I would recommend taking it to a laundry mat and putting it into a front loading machine - this is the way I always wash my big things - it's much easier on the items!
Congrats on the baby!
N.
i bought mine brand new from babies r us and had the same problem. it looked to delicate to was but i just carefully wrapped it around the agitator, and put it on the gentle cycle. make sure to use a gentle detergent too, because the starches they use to make it still will break out babys skin.
