New products give parents ways to protect against germs

As a new mom, I always was on the look out for ways to eliminate the spread of germs between children through the use of public changing tables, bathrooms and restaurants. I quickly realized that a child’s hand-to-mouth instincts make them too susceptible to the passing of many common illnesses.

After contacting several companies devoted to tackling the spread of germs, I was provided with shocking information regarding the types of bacteria and viruses that can be spread in public places. According to an article in Canada’s National Post, bodily fluids like mucus, blood, saliva and urine all could be lurking on regularly used shopping cart handles. In fact, shopping carts were in the top five worst offenders in a study conducted by Dr. Kelly Reynolds, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona.

Colder weather brings more and more illnesses like respiratory flus and stomach bugs, and proper precautions should be taken to eliminate their daily spread. But short of living in a bubble, what can we do?

The companies offered a sampling of their products such as covers for high chairs and shopping cart seats and public restroom germ packs. Each item turned out to be a must-have for helping tackle the problem of unsanitized public items.

Remember, wash hands often in hot, soapy water and never let your child share straws, cups or silverware with other children — you never know what invisible predator could be waiting to pounce.



potty911 by Toddler Essentials



What it is: potty911 contains everything necessary to “survive” and stay clean in a public restroom, including sanitary toilet seat covers, flushable moist wipes and hand sanitizer.

A learning card that illustrates the proper hand-washing technique also is included in the clear, easy-to-carry bag.

What I thought: My daughter hasn’t actually started potty training yet but has become extremely curious of the big girl potty. A few months ago we bought a training potty and she’s enjoyed experimenting with the concept of using the bathroom like a big kid. When we found out I was pregnant, however, my husband and I decided not to push the potty issue until our daughter was well accustomed to having a baby around.

With that said, anyone who reads my column already knows that I am a germaphobe. The potty911 went directly into my daughter’s diaper bag, where it has remained. My daughter becomes curious in public restrooms when mommy needs to potty and each item in the kit has come in handy. The sanitary toilet seat covers are great to use to protect against germs that can be spread on the toilet seat. (Unfortunately, most public restrooms do not supply such amenities, as they should.) And the hand sanitizer is great for all occasions, especially since the sinks are typically too high for a small child to reach.

Recommended age: Any age.

Recommended price: $12.25.

Where to get it: www.potty911.com.



Clean Diner by Babe Ease



What it is: The Clean Diner completely covers the seating area, sides, back and front of wooden restaurant chairs, eliminating the spread of common hand-to-mouth germs between children while using messy public seating in restaurants. The cotton-quilted design is easy to use, wash and store and comes with two toy loops, a safety strap to help baby sit more securely and a carrying tote for compact storage.

The disposable Clean Diner that the Babe Ease company also offers provides all the benefits of the reusable cover in a disposable three pack. Each cover can be used, then tossed.

What I thought: Babe Ease has been added to my product list of must-haves. After reading information provided by the company that stated that the sanitation of trays and rails of highchairs and boosters in restaurants is not regulated due to the lack of direct food contact, I was eager to begin using the covers.

Both the disposable and reusable Clean Diners are simple to use and cover the entire seat provided in restaurants. They also can be installed with one hand and then washed and reused or stored in the diaper bag, used and tossed. What better way to protect against these hand-to-mouth illnesses?

FYI: The Clean Diner is available in nine designs for both girls, boys and unisex.

Babe Ease also is the maker of other products designed to eliminate the spread of germs in public, like the Clean Shopper and Clean Change and offers My Traveling ABCs that conveniently attaches to each of the items. The 26 plush letters provide entertainment at the restaurant or at the grocery store, while helping children learn their ABCs.

Recommended age: For use with children’s restaurant high chairs.

Recommended price: The Clean Diner, $22.50; The Disposable Clean Diner three pack, $7.99.

Where to get it: www.cleanshopper.com.



Good Clean Fun Color-On Disposable Placemats by Fresh Baby



What it is: Designed to promote healthy kids, a healthy planet and happy parents, these placemats are made of corn, crayons and soy. The new plastic called PLA used in the making of the placemats is derived from corn, making each of them 100 percent biodegradable when commercially composted.

Using a placemat provides a germ-free barrier for children when traveling or dining out while offering a place to color at the table. The mats are offered with “Number Fun” and “Endangered Animals,” and each pack includes 10 mats and a pack of four soy crayons.

What I thought: Not only do these mats keep kids from touching tabletops, but they also provide entertainment while waiting for food. More than likely, a small child’s food ends up cut into small pieces and placed directly on the tables. Good Clean Fun makes this much easier with the stick-on mats and because all of them are biodegradable, the plastic isn’t loading up dumping grounds.

FYI: Fresh Baby offers a podcast series called “Peas & Carrots” that discusses everything from the benefits of making your own baby food to the best practices for starting babies on the path to healthy eating.

Each are only three minutes long and can viewed at http://freshbaby.typepad.com.

Recommended price: $9.99.

Recommended age: Ages 1 to 6.

Where to get it: www.pregnancystore.com.



Tat’r Tot products



What it is: Tat’r Tot has taken the protection of babies and small children from illnesses one step further with its plush fabrics and stylish designs. The car seat cover, burpie set, Lil’ Cuddle blankets, and grocery cart and high chair covers are available in almost four dozen fabric combinations from elegant, to classic, to stylish and hip. Each cover is easy to use and fits most standard infant products.

What I thought: I absolutely love the designs and fabrics offered by Tat’r Tots. Even though my daughter’s infant car seat was covered in a unisex zoo design, the change to the mocha and blue polka dot cover was refreshing and, not to mention, incredibly soft! The silky, plush fabric is the perfect comfort for babies and small children.

Each product is easily usable and covers most car seats, with slits designed for the straps, including the one we owned. I was worried I would have to cut slits for the straps, but was thrilled when the openings were already there. The shopping cart cover is simple to use and is large enough to cover the entire section used by children, eliminating the touching of those yucky handles.

FYI: Additional matching accessories also are available, including Big Cuddles, Really Big Cuddles and Posh-Posh Bathrobes.

Recommended age: For use with infant and toddler car seats and carts.

Recommended price: Car seat cover, $135; burpie set, $26; Lil’ Cuddle blankets, $24; grocery cart cover, $124.

Where to get it: www.tatrtots.com.



— All information is compiled from product Web sites and companies.



What to watch for



Inspirational books for parents, including:

• “Living With Cheese Eaters and Bald-Headed Monkeys,” Stephenie Bentley Freeman.

• “The Parent’s Guide to Family Friendly Work,” Lori K. Long.

• “ScreamFree Parenting,” Hal Edward Runkel.

• “Generation Next Parenting,” Tricia Goyer.