Need help from fellow Germ-o-phobes

[Tiger926]

First of all My kids don't leave bodily fluids all over because they use the toilet the way it was designed to be used. It is the hoverers that leave messes.
Second it wasn't my kids because they have never had strep,an extremely commonly occurring everywhere germ by the way. and Third possibly if your DD had been exposed to a few germs her body would have learned how to fight off germs and not gotten so ill. My DS who has had his diaper changed in so many public places I can't recall them all, has never even been on an antibiotic and he is 8 1/2.

And lastly it is all of our business because of the germaphobes killing all the good bacteria and germs and allowing the bad germs to learn how to mutate, we are rapidly breeding SUPER germs that will be near impossible to kill and that will effect my children and all children. So I do feel you are doing your child and mine a dis-service. Ever hear off MRSA? we used to be able to kill it.

I wasn't obviously specifying your kids made my daughter sick, as I don't know them, but I was using a 'collective' you. My DD was very sick the first 2.5 years of her life - she was exposed to tons of germs, thank you, but she has a weak immune system like me (eg. allergies, asthma, etc.) Strep is common, of this you are correct, but not in infants - it is extremely dangerous for infants, and made my daughter very ill. I don't think any doctor is going to agree with you that kids should get Strep, sorry, you are not going to convince me of this whatsoever.

I honestly don't want to argue with you, but perhaps you could argue with the pediatric specialists at Arnold Palmer Hospital who take care of us and are basically fed up with the nasty germs that kids spread around at WDW - some of these germs are good, but many of the serious diseases and illnesses that children come into the hospital with are not. You are very lucky that your son is healthy, but God didn't gift some of us with strong immune systems, and despite catching other people's germs repeatedly, our immune systems don't get stronger; therefore, we have to wash off change tables, doorknobs, etc. Honestly, I am someone who has struggled with illness my entire life, as well as many family members (live in a factory city - extremely high rates of asthma, allergies, MS, etc.) due to our environment. It is very hard to continuously be ill and miss out on every life event you can imagine, so, when your child is facing the same thing, it is very difficult to adjust to. I do feel guilty at times about using hand sanitizer a lot, as I am extremely altruisitic and do think about your kids, but, as per my specialists, I have to watch my germ intake or I am in trouble, as is my daughter. I also have a liver dysfunction, so I take cleanliness and hygiene very seriously. It is really unfair for people to make those of us feel guilty for using hand sanitizers and blame the many illnesses in our world on us - we have enough difficulty as is, we don't need more guilt from people like you who really have no idea what it's like to be ill or have a sick child (by the way, I can't take antibiotics either as I am allergic to most of them - try fighting off serious infections without benefit of antibiotics - it's very, very difficult and downright dangerous).

Thanks for your 'interesting' view, Tiger

 

[LuvOrlando]

How dare you infer that those of us with children who require special health attention be the cause of the problem. You are way out of line. If you are lucky enough to have kids who weren't born a premie and/or who aren't asthmatic then yay for you.

However, there are those of us who stay awake at night when our kids get a sniffle because a 'simple germ' can cause a life threatening incident. This post is obviously not for you so why are you here?

Not everyone is as lucky as you so instead of telling us how we are making your life terrible by removing the good bacteria from your hulk-like kids how about some common courtesy and consideration for the rest of us

As for 'super germs' they actually tend to originate in foreign countries where antibiotics are over the counter &/or allowed to fester in the population which serves as a giant petri dish. Little, if anything, is accomplished by our countries limitation of these meds as evidenced by the fact that these germs are on the rise even though US Dr's now avoid dispensing these meds and many parents refuse to administer them. I would like you to consider the high rate of mortality in this country before antibiotics were developed and how much our life expectancy has risen since then. If you want to see what living without those nasty chemicals would do to us just take a peek at India. So, in conclusion, I sincerely doubt that all the Moms here actually contribute to the evolution of drug resistant strains of various microbes due to wiping potties clean in WDW.

 

[1rockinmamato2]

First of all My kids don't leave bodily fluids all over because they use the toilet the way it was designed to be used. It is the hoverers that leave messes.
Second it wasn't my kids because they have never had strep,an extremely commonly occurring everywhere germ by the way. and Third possibly if your DD had been exposed to a few germs her body would have learned how to fight off germs and not gotten so ill. My DS who has had his diaper changed in so many public places I can't recall them all, has never even been on an antibiotic and he is 8 1/2.

And lastly it is all of our business because of the germaphobes killing all the good bacteria and germs and allowing the bad germs to learn how to mutate, we are rapidly breeding SUPER germs that will be near impossible to kill and that will effect my children and all children. So I do feel you are doing your child and mine a dis-service. Ever hear off MRSA? we used to be able to kill it.

Did you know you can carry strep, give it to someone else, make them sick, but never get sick yourself?

 

[jodifla]

Certainly, if you have compromised immune system, you have to be uber careful.

But really, if you sterilize the baby changing area with an anti-bacterial wipe, and use a changing pad that covers the whole area, what are you worried about?

 

[tjlovespooh]

My goodness. Talk about overboard!

I just took DS into the restroom and changed him there. I had a changing pad, so he never touched anything in the restroom.

What exactly are you afraid of your children catching?

This is why my thread was directed at fellow germ-o-phobes - nobody else can understand how our minds work

 

[tjlovespooh]

LOL - germ-o-phobes unite! The only thing I wanted to mention is that if you can find it, use the Clorox anywhere spray before you use Lysol. There is a chemical in Lysol that lots of children are developing an allergy too (sorry, can't remember the name of it), and if they inhale the Lysol fumes they can get really sick. Clorox spray is safe to use on any surface, even ones that will be eaten off of. Lysol isn't.

Thanks, I've never heard about the lysol allergy thing before. We use lysol in DS diaper pail regularly so this is good to know

 

[tjlovespooh]

Boys are easy out in public when they are little. Just hold them up other the toliet like they are flying. Then they don't touch anything. We call it the "superbaby pee". Hold him flat with one arm holding his chest and arms and the other arm holds his legs. Very easy and a good arm workout

LOL I love this, "superbaby pee" I can just picture doing this with DS when he's trained

 

[mtemm]

we used the baby care centers. they were awesome! (except the one in mgm, which was very disappointing after visiting the MK and AK ones). it was very funny, the first time the twins needed changing was at our MK visit. Dh took them, along with my friends dh who took their little one. they headed over to the baby care center while my friend and I put our name in for the plaza restaurant. they came out raving about the place.

during lunch, one of my twins needed another change so I trotted over with her. it really was a great place, my favorite part (other that the wonderful facility itself) was the fact that they had the thick disposable paper that covered the pad on the changing table. I got back to the table and was babbling on about it when our dh's looked at me like I was insane...they had no idea what I was talking about. apparently they hadn't even noticed the stacks and stacks and stacks of paper on the changing table shelves.

I try not to think about the fact that my kids were changed without the pads. I like to pretend everyone else that had been there that day had used them, and in fact, the tables used hadn't been used yet. lol. I'm not a germaphobe, but ewwwww.

 

[karenTX]

As a mom of a micro preemie, I am a germ-o-phobe and proud of it!! DD has only been sick once, when she was 22 months. I think it's due to our use of Purell among other things.

When we were at WDW, we used the baby changing stations, which were great!! But when we weren't close to one, I used the disposable table covers from BRU (which are large) and washed hands good afterward. We used purell or purell wipes after the lines & rides. I hope DD will be potty trained by this next trip but we'll see! Just in case, I bought a folding toilet seat (she's very tiny, I'm afraid she'll fall in!) and the Potty covers that stick on to go under the portable seat.

 

[2poohbears]

I use the bed pads as changing pads (someone earlier in the thread mentioned them). You can find them near Depends at WalMart...they are cheaper than the disposable changing pads I've found, and a lot bigger and thicker. Also, the Nighttime Pull-ups(I like the nighttime ones because I find they hold more) have the sides that open like diapers, but they're easier to put on the child while he/she is standing up than diapers are, IMO.

We're just starting potty training, so I haven't faced the nightmare of the toilets yet...but I found these products that might help:

oversized toilet seat covers that stick on---
http://www.kidsonthego.ca/toilet_seat_covers.php

Potty mitts (for worst case scenario)
http://www.kidsonthego.ca/potty_mitts.php

Travel potty-for stops when driving on long trips---
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog...Id=85184&categoryId=85218&subCategoryId=86218

I dread public restrooms even for myself....it's worse with the kids because they tend to want to touch everything. Yuk.

I also use table toppers a lot (I've even used them for myself at a few fast food stops)---they came in quite handy on our trips to WDW. You can find them at Target & BRU. They come in different designs. I usually bring stickers with me & the kids love to put them all over the table toppers while we're waiting for food. It's easy to peel and re-stick them, so it keeps them occupied in addition to giving them a clean area!
http://www.toysrus.com/product/inde...able+topper&kw=table+topper&parentPage=search

I completely understand about the germ thing. (BTW - my twins were preemies as well---born at 32 weeks---so we had to take all the extra precautions their first 2 years of life as well). We've taken the kids twice to WDW and both times they came back with horrible sinus infections.

 

[dunnhorn]

Okay - I regular carry Purell with me as well as the Clorox wipes. I wipe off EVERYTHING. Also, Bath & Body Works has some ****wonderful**** antibacterial cream that either smells beautiful or keeps your hand soft.

As far as diaper changes go - we always changed in the stroller as much as possible. When that didn't work, we brought a blanket, and had the disposable changing pads and always threw those away. If you had to use it, you could wipe it down with Clorox wipe, then put blanket on there (special "changing table blanket") then the disposable pad.

We have also changed on a bench, with appropriate family members blocking. We have changed in just about every corner - we got very adept at changing in the stroller, and I would recommend building those skills....

 

[diz8297]

I too am a germaphobe-it's easier tho now that my kids are older-7 and 11. As previous posters have suggested-use the baby care centers. And yes, strollers. I must confess, we never used the restroom changing tables. DH, bless his heart once trecked halfway across AK to change one of our children. Something for you to think about is the swimming pools. Normally, they are clean, however 3 years ago we met up with my inlaws at the Pop Sports resort and went swimming. My youngest kept swallowing pool water no matter what I said. Next night: last night in WDW: stomach virus-I'll spare the details. Now, I'm not suggesting no swimming, but make sure your kids don't swallow the pool water. People just aren't as careful or considerate as they used to be. Sick children are taken everywhere.
I do hope you have a wonderful vacation, however. You are taking every precaution you can and it is understandable.

 

[Twingle]

Just wanted to thank everyone for all the great ideas! I don't know who posted it, but the link to the potty liners was fantastic. One of my girls is totally potty trained, and I'm hoping her sister will be by the time we go in June, and those liners will work great.

So nice to have fellow parents that are concerned about germies - I know most of us have horror stories, since you usually become a germ-o-phobe due to extremely bad illness, and know first hand what can come of not being deligent in washing hands, etc.

 

[tjlovespooh]

Thanks to everyone who so kindly volunteered some great ideas on keeping ds clean and germ-free during diaper changes

I am going to pose yet another germ-o-phobe freak question and please don't laugh or criticize I know I'm crazy but I need to know how other germ freaks handle staying in the hotels. It sounds insane but I desperately want to bring my ds own PNP, but what's more is the fact that I can't seem to imagine bathing him in a hotel tub Would it be too bizare for me to scrub down the tub before bathing ds or should I bring a inflatable infant tub that I can pack?
I know, I'm insane - but seriously, how do all of you vetran travel germies handle bathing DC on the run?

 

[1rockinmamato2]

Thanks to everyone who so kindly volunteered some great ideas on keeping ds clean and germ-free during diaper changes

I am going to pose yet another germ-o-phobe freak question and please don't laugh or criticize I know I'm crazy but I need to know how other germ freaks handle staying in the hotels. It sounds insane but I desperately want to bring my ds own PNP, but what's more is the fact that I can't seem to imagine bathing him in a hotel tub Would it be too bizare for me to scrub down the tub before bathing ds or should I bring a inflatable infant tub that I can pack?
I know, I'm insane - but seriously, how do all of you vetran travel germies handle bathing DC on the run?

To me, those are two totally understandable concerns.

I do intend on taking our own PNP, not only for the cleanliness but for the familiarity of their own PNP with the smells and look of home. I'm hoping that will help with any sleeping problems we may have.

Also, as far as the bathing goes, I think I will either bring my own bleach cleanser and disinfect the tub before using it or bring the inflatable tub.

Whenever we travel, I always bring my cleaning products which include everything from spray disinfectant to liquid hand soap (I don't like soap bars).

 

[dunnhorn]

To me, those are two totally understandable concerns.

I do intend on taking our own PNP, not only for the cleanliness but for the familiarity of their own PNP with the smells and look of home. I'm hoping that will help with any sleeping problems we may have.

Also, as far as the bathing goes, I think I will either bring my own bleach cleanser and disinfect the tub before using it or bring the inflatable tub.

Whenever we travel, I always bring my cleaning products which include everything from spray disinfectant to liquid hand soap (I don't like soap bars).

Okay - we have always taken our own PNP and had the littlest ones sleep in the big stroller that laid flat.

Regarding bath - we actually used the *sink!* We stayed in 1 bed DVC, so we had a large bathroom sink, and that was easier to sanitize.

I would seriously consider/recommend the inflatable bathtub because of packability though.

 

[2poohbears]

I completely understand your concerns. If mine were young enough to still be sleeping in PNP, then I would bring my own for sure.

I always bring cleanser for the tub and a spray bottle of Lysol. I wipe down all the drawers before I put any clothing in there. I spray the bathroom and countertops, etc. I clean the tub myself the first night. I also completely remove the bedspread and blanket from the bed. And I bring my own soap pump of Dial aloe antibacterial hand soap for the sink area & I bring my own soap and shampoo.

We drive so we can pack a lot in the van--I like to bring the boys' small air purifier from their room as well. It helps keep the air clean (they have allergies) and provides "white noise" during naptime and at bedtime.

 

[1rockinmamato2]

I also completely remove the bedspread and blanket from the bed.

I've always done that too! It just gives me the heebie jebbies to think of sleeping under unwashed blankets and bedspreads. Yuck!

 

[traci]

watch out for the nasty hotel room floor! that's what grosses me out the most i actually spray lysol on the floor! hey, whatever it takes right!

 

[720L]

I'm so happy to find fellow germ freaks! I should buy stock in wet wipes. I also scrub the bathtub before putting my kids in it. And every time we come back in the room I wipe the toilet seat off because who knows if the housekeeper had to go?! I can't bring myself to put our clothes in the dresser. For the record--we have never gotten sick at Disney but have been there many times when it seemed everyone was sick (spring break). I think our carefulness helped us. My kids are exposed to enough germs at school where I don't worry about their immune systems not getting exposed and learning to kill germs.