Toddler Sensitive Skin, Frequent Colds and Cleaning Effectively

I like Green Works by Lysol. Its more natural.

You should also consider getting him tested for allergies for the colds.

Colds are caused by viruses and not usually by bathroom germs which are bacterial. Washing hands well (using soapy lather and some good rubbing) after using the toilet or changing diapers gets rid of the fecal material that causes bacterial infections.

Excessive use of antibacterial soaps and harsh cleaners can cause the weaker germs to die off and more virulent "super-bugs" to flourish, so all the news reports lately have urged people NOT to use antibacterial products except in rare instances. That includes the medical reporters from the major news stations (e.g. Dr. Tim Johnson from ABC).

I would use natural products and not go too crazy about worrying about germs. I think your son's skin is definitely going to be sensitive to chemicals. You should probably use very gentle soaps on him when you bathe him too.

There are things you can do nutritionally to boost his immune system and also help with his skin IF it's due in part to internal issues and not just surface issues. He is more likely getting colds from other people and not from bathroom or household germs.

I think it's too bad you have to ask for "no mean comments" - I've seen this from occasional other posters as well. Please moms, can't we be kind to each other??

Green Works claims it's more natural, but it's really not. Which cleaners are you using?
I use products from a local lady called Nothing But Soap. They are WONDERFUL! They clean better than the harsh stuff I have bought in the past. I wouldn't use the cleaner on the glass though, It does leaves streaks. But anything else, I haven't had a problem.
I would look up a lot of natural cleaners and research how well they really clean. You would be surprised. Especially tea tree oil, vinegar, baking soda, ect.

Natural cleaning stuff is best, harsh chemicals stress the immune system so they will aggravate his skin AND contribute to vulnerability to colds... there are natural cleaning compounds that work as well as or better than the standard commerical chemical products. Have you tried orange peel based cleaners? Vinegar, baking soda, borax, etc.? Germs don't cause illness unless your immune system is suppressed - focus more on boosting immune function with natural foods and supplements, reducing stress, balancing the energy system (aura/biofield, chakras, meridians, etc.) If you want to really wipe out germs, fungi, molds, etc. in your home then get an ozone air purifier (you can find a good one for around $150 on ebay)

frequent colds are due to dietary excess. Do you feed him dairy, sugar and processed foods? Flours? These are unhealthy and lead to illness. Is he getting enough veggies, grains, beans and sunlight?

To clean the house use baking soda, vinegar, and some eucalyptus oil mixed together in a spray bottle with some water and a bit of natural, chemical free soap. This will clean the house properly without chemicals, expensive and stench.

It's not the germs, it's your child's immune system! Give more right brained activities and it will get better.

Hi J.,

I use a line of non toxic cleaners that work better than the harsh stuff. I buy them online. My youngest used to get those little contact allergy rashes and had horrible seasonal allergies (as did I) but they're gone. That was about 5 years ago. Let me know and I can get you some information.

Definitely stay away from the harsh stuff. It breaks down the immune system so your little one doesn't have a fighting chance.

God bless,
M.

I love bleach for areas of the house that really need to be disinfected like the toilet. However for areas that the kids come in contact with frequently I use steam. I have a steam mop for the floors which require no chemicals at all just distilled water and another steam sprayer that can be used on anything. Steam kills germs naturally with no chemicals at all. As for the colds make sure hands are cleaned all the time with regular soap and water (NOT antibacterial soap) and add vitamin supplements if not already taking them.

I use Windex with vinigar in it to clean counter tops and mirror in bathroom and then lysol for the toilet. The toilet needs to be cleaned with a harsher chemical in my opinion - just b/c WAY too many germs and icks hang out there.

Have you changed your soap he washes his hands with? Make sure you are using fragrance and dye free hand soap.

My son has vey sensitive skin too. We use either Tide Clear and Free or Purex (much cheaper then tide) Clear and Free for laundry. Also use Downey Clear and Free for our softner.

I would just make sure his shampoo and body wash (Suave has clear and free for both as well).

Me personally, I think harsh chemicals are just needed in some areas (the toilet!!). But your preferance.

Good luck!