Kids are messy. There's no way around it. For someone who tends to feel a certain level of anxiety when it comes to mess, I've somehow managed to embrace my tiny messy humans. In fact, I've learned the messier the situation, the happier kids seem to be.
Sometimes that's a good thing...and sometimes it sends my inner OCD for a major loop.
For example, supervised finger painting - messy, but fun messy. Unsupervised attempt at making pancakes, with syrup, not so fun messy. That kind of messy requires a date with a shop vac, wipes, and a large glass of wine.
But really, when aren't wipes a good idea? Seriously. I use them for
everything. I have them stashed in almost every room of the house. I also keep them in my diaper bag (obviously), my car, my gym bag, the kids sports bags...
You get the idea. I use them anywhere for everything.
Wipes are just so much more effective at cleaning messy little hands and battling germs. When it comes to sanitizing, wipes can remove dirt and soil in one quick swipe. Not something a sanitizing gel can do. I like the reassurance of knowing that I'm really getting everything clean - especially when wipes kill 99.9% of germs and about 80% of common infections are spread by hands. And guess who gets those yucky germs after a tiny cute little set of hands touches them? The mom. The mom always manages to get those germs. So long live the wipe!
My favorite all purpose wipes are these
Nice 'n CLEAN Antibacterial Hand Wipes. I usually stock up on the 5x20ct. Family Value Pack at CVS. They are available at a lot of major retailers, but they are located in the allergy section of CVS so I can quickly grab a box or two when stocking up on our allergy meds or on our way to pick up our prescriptions.
I also love that Nice 'n CLEAN wipes are natural. For the last 61 years, Nice-Pak, has worked on being the leader in the wipes market, and they created Nice 'n CLEAN wipes with TENCEL, a 100% plant-based fiber, and gentle formulas. So I can wipe as often as I like knowing they are safe to use on the sensitive skin of my precious little messes.
Not to mention, I think it's amazing that the Nice 'n Clean wipes have been proven to be 99.9% effective in cleaning peanut residue from hands and hard surfaces. They've partnered with FARE (Food Allergy Research Association) to donate 1% off all proceeds to support their mission of allergy safety and inclusion. We have so many friends with children that have peanut allergies, and almost every year in school there's been at least one fellow student with the allergy. It is reassuring to know that we can use the wipes knowing we are helping in some small way to protect those sweet little ones.
CLEAN FUN CARE KITS
I've shared before that one of my favorite mom-hacks is having little prep kits stashed everywhere. Whether the kids and I are traveling, headed to the park, or hosting a playdate I always have a special "clean fun" kit with me.
The kit is so simple to put together. I grab those mini zipper cosmetic pouches I always seem to accumulate (they are so easy to throw in a diaper bag or purse!), and put all my essentials for battling any sort of mess or germ that might occur during playtime. The
Nice 'n CLEAN wipes are my number one addition. Not only do they have superior antibacterial capabilities, but they are the perfect little size to easily throw in the kits.
In addition to the wipes, the kit contains:
- A stain pen - If you've ever been to a playground or have eaten with a child you know this is a must!
- Disposable gloves - Because sometimes it's a code red mess.
- Hair ties - To keep hair back out of paint, mud, etc.
- A travel size baby powder - To keep the sand in the sandbox! Sprinkle on your little ones skin and it makes sand clean-up so much easier!
- A gallon sized baggie - A multi-purpose essential. It can either hold special treasures your little one finds on the playground, or store wet socks and shoes from an impromptu puddle jumping session.
- Tissues - These need no explanation, but they tend to also serve a multi-purpose function.
While I would love to have a germ-free perfectly clean little world, I know that my messy care-free and oh so cute world is one I am much happier to live in. There's so much more joy in letting kids be kids and embracing all that comes with it. With my kit as my back-up, I can quickly wipe away all the mess, but know those joyous giggles and sweet memories will remain.
What would be the number one item in your "Clean Fun" kit?
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