A Dash of Listerine Can Do Wonders

Filed in archive Health on December 6, 2007

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Kids often spit out (intentionally or otherwise) their binkies. It's ok when you're at home, because you can easily rinse it with hot water, or simply snatch a new one from the sterilizer. But when you're outside, say at the playground or strolling in the city, it's just plain irritating.

Thanks to Sarah of Parent Hacks for suggesting an easy way to disinfect your kid's binkies.

Here's a tip on keeping binkies (pacifiers) somewhat clean in public. My son would never tolerate his binky being clipped to his person, so I was forever picking up, rinsing (or sometimes not!) and plugging him back in. Then I started carrying a small, watertight snack container filled with water and a dash of Listerine mouthwash in the diaper bag. Then when a binky hit the floor, I just popped it into the container, closed the lid and shook for a few seconds. The Listerine has an antiseptic that kills any germs that made it onto the pacifier in the 3.2 seconds it was on the floor.

Not only will it keep you child's binkies clean, but it also helps keep their breath fresh!