As parents, we’re all too familiar with the endless cycle of colds, coughs, and runny noses that seem to come home from daycare on repeat. It’s exhausting. While we can’t put our babies in a bubble (as tempting as it sounds), we can take small but powerful steps to minimise the spread of germs. One of the easiest and most effective ways? Upping our hygiene game!
From home to out and about, keeping baby essentials germ-free is key to reducing unnecessary sickness. Let’s dive into the best ways to keep your baby’s dummy clean, store it properly, and why the Buggalugs pacifier case is a must-have for parents looking to keep their little one away from germs more.
1. Why Dummy Hygiene Matters More Than Ever
Pacifiers are lifesavers, but they also spend a lot of time on the floor, in the pram, and being passed from tiny hands to mouths. This means they can be a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and general grossness.
Considering how much time babies spend chewing, sucking, and dropping their dummies, keeping them clean should be high on the priority list. Proper pacifier hygiene means fewer germs, fewer infections, and a lower chance of bringing home yet another round of daycare bugs.
2. How Often Should You Clean Your Baby’s Dummy?
A good rule of thumb is to clean your baby’s pacifier:
✨ Daily – Even if it hasn’t been dropped, a quick wash keeps bacteria from building up.
✨ After Every Drop – If it hits the ground (especially outside), it needs a clean!
✨ After Being Shared – If another baby or sibling has had a go, wash it before giving it back.
For newborns, sterilising daily is recommended, as their immune systems are still developing. Once babies hit the 6-month mark, washing with hot soapy water or using the dishwasher (if safe for your dummy brand) is usually enough.
3. Best Ways to Clean a Pacifier
There are a few simple ways to clean your baby’s dummy effectively:
✓ Boiling Water: Drop it in boiling water for 5 minutes to kill germs (best for newborns).
✓ Dishwasher: If your pacifier is dishwasher-safe, pop it in on the top rack.
✓ Hot, Soapy Water: A simple yet effective way to remove bacteria.
✓ Sterilising Solutions or Steam Bags: Great for quick and convenient sanitisation.
Avoid the old "just pop it in your mouth" trick to clean it – adult saliva can actually introduce more bacteria!
4. Storing Your Baby’s Dummy Hygienically
Cleaning is one thing, but where you store your baby’s dummy is just as important. Tossing it loosely into a nappy bag, pram, or pocket means it’s quickly exposed to dirt and bacteria again. That’s where a Buggalugs pacifier case comes in.
The Buggalugs Case is designed to keep your baby’s dummy hygienically stored, protected, and easy to grab when you need it. It’s:
- BPA-free and made from PLA (not traditional plastic!)
- Easy to clean – just pop it in the top rack of your dishwasher or hand wash
- Lightweight and easy to attach to your pram, nappy bag, or keys
No more digging through your bag and pulling out a dusty dummy! Keep it fresh, clean, and ready to go.
5. Extra Hygiene Hacks for Home & On-the-Go
- Always have a backup dummy – if one gets dropped, you have a clean spare.
- Use a dummy clip to keep it from falling on the ground.
- Wash hands before handling your baby’s pacifier.
Final Thoughts: A Small Change with Big Benefits
Hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated, but small habits like proper pacifier cleaning and storage can make a huge difference in keeping your little one healthier.
With a Buggalugs pacifier case, you can store dummies safely, reduce germ exposure, and save yourself the headache of constantly cleaning lost pacifiers.
A cleaner dummy = a healthier (and happier) baby! 💛
