SHELTON, Conn., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Most U.S. moms and moms-to-be have basic germ knowledge down pat and most know there is no such things as a "5-second rule," a survey indicates.
The survey of U.S. moms and moms-to-be, commissioned by Playtex, indicated 95 percent of new moms and 97 percent of expectant moms correctly answered that it is best to wash hands after every single diaper change.
In addition, 87 percent of both new and expectant moms recognized that there is no such thing as the "5-second rule" and correctly identified the rule as a myth since germ transfer is instantaneous.
However, germ knowledge of moms faltered on detecting and disinfecting germ hot spots in the nursery -- 49 percent of new moms and 51 percent of expectant moms correctly answered that germ hot spots should be disinfected at least once daily, and 32 percent of new moms and 35 percent of expectant moms knew the changing table is the nursery's top germ hotspot.
Related
Dr. Benjamin Tanner, a germ expert and microbiologist, who assisted Playtex said cleaning these hot spots
-- floor, changing table, toys and laundry hamper -- at least once a day is key to helping keep the nursery as germ-free as possible.
Forty-seven percent of new and expectant moms knew the correct amount of time a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to effectively do its job is 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, wipe the surface down with water to get rid of any chemical residue that may irritate your baby's skin, Tanner said.
No survey details were provided.
