bugs on teddies

[crisgal]

my son's reception class has a teddy bear that goes home with a child who has been "good" My little boy is over the moon when he is chosen. But, each time he has this scruffy, smelly bear, he has a sickness bug the next day. I am sure it can't be coincidence and even the bag that comes with the bear, containing his many outfits, stinks of smoke. I don't want to be a party pooper, but feel that the toy needs to washed regularly. Does anyone know of any written guidance anywhere, confirming that cuddly toys can spread deseases? I just want a bit of back up before I confront the teacher - I'm not going to be very popular am I? The little boy who had him before my little lad, had to go into hospital for a couple of days, and so the bear went with him!!!

[2centsworth]

Yes, even stuffed animals can carry germs. I would definately spray it with an anti-bacterial spray made for cloth. You could bring it up to the teacher in private, so it isn't a huge scene. Let her know that you are concerned for all the children. If you wash it, make sure to put it in a pillow case before putting in the dryer. The heat will scorch the teddy's fur. The teacher shouldn't get too upset. All the teachers in this area, teach kids about germs and washing their hands. Hope this helps and good luck.

[Lil O'lady]

I would raise it first with the teacher as it has probably just slipped under the radar. Teacher will probably be very pleased if you will scour the Ted as long as it is raised diplomatically.

[annie0000]

Wrap it in a bag and stick it in the freezer overnight if you are not allowed to wash it. That should kill ff most things.

[elginred]

could you suggest a different "reward". such as a trophy of sorts that they can take home. Something that can be easily cleaned (although I understand that young children would not have much fun with a trophy!)

http://www.dettol.co.uk/topic_new_baby.shtml

[crisgal]

thanks everyone. I had a word withthe teacher today. She was very nice and said that someone else had raised concerns too. They are going to review it at the next meeting.
I have been racking my brains all day as to what other reward they could offer. I work in a pre-school and we do exactly the same thing! With ours though, we take it in turns to wash it every fortnight (which is possibly not enough!)

Any sort of special toy would get lost or damaged i suppose.
In my day ( a long long time ago) we were allowed something from the teacher's sweetie tin!

[chattykathy]

Huh, huh! No sweeties anymore! Especially if they are a 'Healthy School'
The teddies are used as something to take home & care for, a lovely idea in my opinion. Is it dressed in the school uniform too? Ahhh! Let's hope a good scrub will do it.
Or how about a plastic toy like a doll which would be wipeable with Dettol or something?

[terambulan]

Surely you can get around this by buying your son a similar bear so he can refuse the class bear.

Your lucky it's not a tank of stick insects that my kids brought home for the hols....and placed in each others beds....ugh!

[Panic Button]

Mum, where's the school teddy?

It's in the deep freeze.

[annie0000]

You may mock panic, ;oP - My freezer pretty much always has a bear or other stuffed animal in it - there are only so many times you can wash them without them falling apart. Remember, these things are sitting on your kids bed and will be full of dustmites etc that are being breathed in every night. My kids are used to having one of their toys disappearing on a rotationalk basis into the freezer for a day! maybe I have a touch of OCD!!

[crisgal]

ha ha talking of OCD annie, i watched my 5 year old's dress rehearsal yesterday. I was literally twitching on my chair as each of the children took it in turns to kiss the baby jesus's head!
I wondered if it would be too much if I shoved an antibac wipe in his pocket!

[onlyme26]

if it was me id stick it in a pillow case in the washing machine, tell your child the bear is going for a swim and will enjoy it, and then at least the bear is clean for the next little kid who gets it aswell.

good luck x

[gen2]

onlyme26, I wouldn't say it was "going for a swim and would enjoy it" That might give the false impression that the washing machine is a 'safe' place. Before you know it, the child will be sending the family kitten/puppy for a 'swim' (or even baby sister!)

[zzxxee]

i think the school should trade the smelly teddy in for a plastic one

[Velvetee]

Oh my goodness, how unhygienic. You would think the school would realise this and adhere to some basic hygiene practices, like washing the bear before a new child takes it home.

I would be up in arms about this, you really don't know what id happening to this toy, or where it's being put whilst in the hands of other children.

I would think soft toys can transfer bacteria. When Diptheria was rife in Britain, it could be spread through bedclothing.

[888sally888]

I hope the poor teddy cant hear all this - it could cause him to have a real complex!!

[tamirra]

Just stick him in the washing machine he will probally be greatful to you for the bath, i certainly would have something to say about it to the head of te school, a very unhealthy thing to do.