We all know it goes: that shiny and new backpack becomes a little worse for wear after a few months of riding on the bus, being dragged along the halls and getting chucked on the playground. If it’s still in decent shape, but covered with mystery stains, we have good news. You can totally clean your kid’s backpack. And prevent it from getting too darn gross, too. Here’s how to clean, disinfect and refresh that backpack! 

How to Machine Wash Your Backpack

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Yes, most likely you can wash it in the washing machine (unless it’s leather or has leather or suede trim/bottom, in which case you'll want to use a hand-washing method). Use a gentle cycle and and use your regular laundry detergent, but don't use very much detergent. Here's the real trick, though: place the backpack inside a pillowcase or washable laundry bag. Make sure the pillowcase is tied at the top. Be sure and spot clean (see below) any tough mystery stains before machine-washing.

Let it air dry. Be sure and open all pockets and compartments to let it dry out thoroughly.

Don’t put it in the dryer. Strange things will happen.

Tip: Make sure you empty the backpack of all notes, chewed up pens, half-eaten apples, fidget spinners, tiny erasers shaped like food or any other items.

How to Hand-Wash Your Backpack

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Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and use a mild soap or detergent directly in the water. Before you submerge your backpack, make sure you’ve cleaned it out entirely and spot treated any tough spots.

If you have a Jansport backpack with a suede bottom or leather bottom use this method minus the detergent. 

Submerge the bag in the water and “agitate” slightly to get it clean. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the zippers, mesh areas and embroidered threads.

Once you’ve washed it, drain the soapy water and refill with clean water to rinse.

Soak in clean water and then squeeze out as much water as you can. 

Air dry. 

Tip: Keep the backpack tidier by tossing in snacks that won’t spill out of their packaging and rub into the bottom or inner lining. It also helps to provide snacks you know they will actually devour like these Jif® Power Ups our editors (and their kids) love. 

How to Spot Clean & Disinfect

little boy going to school with a backpack
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Use a tiny bit of detergent in water and spot clean with a clean sponge.

Use an old toothbrush to scrub the zippers, mesh areas and embroidered threads.

For really tough spots, try a spot-cleaning stick or stain remover.

Don’t let the mixture of detergent or stain remover dry out before rinsing it off with clean water or washing the bag using one of the methods above.

Tip: If your kiddo’s pack has been exposed to something like Athlete’s foot or another fungus, or you can just tell it is extra funktastic (your PE shorts have been in there how long??) use a spot cleaning method as above but sub in a disinfectant like Pine-Sol (never use bleach).

 

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The pandemic has brought about some unique shopping trends this year, and while sales of toilet paper may have calmed down slightly, Instacart has shared some other trends that continue to thrive.

In a new report, the grocery delivery company has found that Americans are prepping for the winter months by stocking up on pantry, freezer, home supply staples, vitamins, supplements and of course, disinfectants. All in all, the trends are not surprising given the impending flu season and America’s battle with the coronavirus.

photo: Anna Shvets via Pexels

Instacart Insights have demonstrated that people are looking for immune boosting products, with searches for products like “Vitamin D” and “Emergen-C” skyrocketing from 2019. Ironically, searches for over-the-counter medicine has dropped by 35 percent from last year. Instacart credits the likely surge of pandemic stockpiling as the culprit, with many American’s having a well-stocked medicine cabinet and no need for more products.

In a new twist, Pine-Sol sales have increased by 98%, likely due to the EPA approving the product as a COVID-19 disinfectant. So what’s the deal with toilet paper? Instacart reports that TP is once again seeing surge in searches, meaning folks are concerned of a shortage and craving a stockpile again.

And finally, searches for products like chicken broth, frozen veggies, oatmeal, juice, and crackers are trending upwards as we head into colder months. Are these indicators of a fear as we settle into the pandemic even further, or just preparation for chilly nights and flu season? We’ll have to wait and see!

––Karly Wood

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Editor’s Note: Here at Red Tricycle, we respect and celebrate every mom’s feeding journey. Bottle? Boob? It doesn’t matter—we believe fed is best. Our Spoke Contributor Network is inclusive and open to all parenting journeys—yours, too!

Breastfeeding is hard enough, but going through the ups and downs of lactation and feeding during a global pandemic makes things infinitely more stressful for moms. It’s such a vulnerable time for both mom and baby that extra care should be made to make sure everything is functioning properly and the mom feels well supported.

There are 5 essential things new moms can do while breastfeeding during this challenging time:

1. Go Big on Sanitizers: Wash your hands before feeding or pumping. Step up your sanitizing routine by creating a nursing nook that includes a hand sanitizer for your hands and disinfectant wipes for your materials. Make it an important part of your baby feeding schedule but also for any other time with the baby.

2. Balance Your Time Online. While it’s great to stay informed on current events around the web, prioritize time away from the screen to maintain balance of mind and body when feeding your baby. Embrace that time while keeping stress low, practicing both social and mental distancing.

3. Switch up the Normal Routine. You want the newborn journey to be enjoyable, but it’s hard to enjoy your time with your baby when you can’t leave the house. The key is to find activities around your home that are enjoyable—like creating fun new ways to play with the baby, taking the baby into the tub with you, going on walks, creating a fun nighttime routine, etc.

4. If You Have Been Diagnosed, Wear a Mask. If you have symptoms or have been diagnosed, you should still breastfeed, but do so with a mask. The CDC says breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for baby and limited early data suggests that there is no risk of infection to babies via breast milk. However, always check the CDC website for any updates and new findings around breastfeeding.

5. Control Visitors. Keep “non-essential” family members away from the baby. If grandparents want to be close, they must quarantine, or wash their hands, use sanitizer and wear a mask—and even though he/she may seem irresistibly cute, no kissing baby’s face.

This is a hard time for everyone but moms and babies are particularly vulnerable right now to experiencing challenges along the breastfeeding journey. These are just a few of the things moms and their caregivers and family members can do to make sure things go as smoothly as possible during this precious moment in time in the baby’s life.

 

Linda M. Hanna, RNC, MSN/Ed., IBCLC, and co-founder of Mahmee, has been a registered nurse since 1978. She pioneered the Great Starts program at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, which was so successful it was adopted by Kaiser locations throughout the US. She also developed Cedars-Sinai's Lactation Education program. 

While Halloween will look different this year, many still plan on taking part in the holiday. Mars Wrigley is launching the first-ever digital trick-or-treating app, Treat Town on Oct. 1. Treat Town will offer an immersive experience encouraging celebration and connection, allowing users to collect “candy credits” that can be redeemed for real candy while trick-or-treating in digital neighborhoods near or far.

Treat Town

The virtual Halloween portal will offer Halloween fans of all ages the ability to create personalized spooky avatars, customized Halloween decorations for your in-app door and most importantly, the ability to “knock”on the doors of friends and family across the country. Mars Wrigley Treat Town offers people the chance to still experience Mars Wrigley’s beloved portfolios of brands such as M&M’S, Snickers, Twix and Skittles this season. Participants will earn candy credits in the app which can be redeemed for real Mars Wrigley products through national retail partners, online and in-store.

Treat Town

For those trick-or-treating in-person: Mars Wrigley has partnered with the National Safety Council to help create tips and guidance for a mindful Halloween experience for all during the pandemic. See below for tips for communities, parents and caretakers to keep in mind before, during and after trick-or-treating, as well as safety pointers for those staying behind to pass out candy at home.

Treat Town

2020 Halloween Safety Tips:

Before:

  • Buy wrapped candy to hand out to trick or treaters. Fun-Size packs are the easiest form of candy for trick-or-treaters to grab and go. Consider creating fun individual candy goody bags to give out on Halloween – a fun activity to complete with the entire family.
  • Make sure your yard is well-lit; replace any burnt-out light bulbs.
  • Create signs encouraging trick-or-treaters to stay 6 feet apart and display them in your yard.
  • Don’t hand out treats if you’re not feeling well.
  • Consider socially distanced options such as “trunk or treating,” during which prepackaged goodies are handed out, or a virtual costume parade.

During:

  • Carry a trick-or-treating care pack with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and extra face masks. Use the sanitizer after picking a piece of candy, and help little ones clean their hands throughout the night.
  • Maintain a distance of 6 feet from other groups of trick-or-treaters, allowing one group to collect candy at a time.
  • Wear face masks and reflective tape or clothing and carry flashlights or glow sticks if you’re walking in the dark.
  • Do “mask checks”: Stop in a safe place and make sure young children’s masks are covering their mouths and noses.
  • Use sidewalks and crosswalks; don’t cross the street between cars and be as visible as possible as drivers are often distracted.
  • Respect the latest guidelines – such as trick-or-treating hours – provided by your local health and safety officials.
  • If you’d prefer to stay indoors but still want to offer treats for your neighbors, consider setting up a grab-and-go “candy corner” for visitors, inclusive of hand sanitizer and treats. Setting up an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process for sanitizing and collecting candy is quick and efficient.

 After:

  • Wash your hands when you get home.
  • Let the candy sit for 24 hours or sanitize the wrappers before eating.
  • Throw out any candy that is open, ripped or has torn packaging, an unusual appearance, or pinholes. Discard any homemade items made by people you don’t know. Follow the rule: When in doubt, throw it out.
  • If you have a young child, make sure candy they collected isn’t a choking hazard. If it is, discard it.
  • Keep candy away from pets, especially chocolate and sugar-free gum, which can be poisonous for your furry friends.

Staying home to hand out treats?

  • Move out of the way any items that children could trip over and keep pets inside. 
  • Stand outside when handing out treats, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer often. Consider keeping a large bottle near you for visitors to use as well.
  • Allow one small group at a time at your door.
  • Find fun, hands-free ways to give candy to trick-or-treaters to minimize the number of hands reaching into a bowl. You can place candy on your lawn or driveway – maybe in the shape of a pumpkin – so trick-or-treaters don’t have to crowd around your front door, touch handrails or knock.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Mars Wrigley

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While vacation plans have drastically changed this year families are still looking to get away. Parents have relied on Totts to deliver needed supplies to their destination. Now Totts is learning how to serve families in a new way by offering a new Safe Travels Kit

Totts takes care of all the consumables you need for your trip so you don’t need to tote around those bulky diaper and wipes packages. They also will send those little things that pile up like detergent, body wash and hand sanitizer. 

Totts created a comprehensive package of the most trusted brands for each stage. Packages are developed based on age and length of stay. Packages are delivered to your hotel or vacation rental just in time for your arrival so you are never without necessary supplies. 

This summer, Totts has updated safety procedures in accordance with CDC guidelines and will continue to offer boxes of select items focused on safety and curated for your family’s trip. Based on availability, the Totts site and product pages will be updated frequently to reflect what’s in stock.

Totts Safe Travels Kit

The new Safe Travels kit retails for $19.99 and includes:

  • Clorox Disinfectant Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Sensitive Hand Wipes 
  • Adult and Child Size Masks
  • Gloves
  • Alcohol Device Wipes

For more information, visit Totts.co

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Totts

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Summer is the perfect time to come up with all sorts of unique ideas to make sure your kids stay busy all vacation long. From fort building to movie marathons, the options are endless! 

However, it’s vital to make sure their space is fun while being free of harmful obstructions. There are plenty of options to consider that will ensure your playroom is secure and enjoyable. Read on for a great list of helpful tips to make sure your children’s playroom is the ultimate space they will want to spend hours creating in!

1. Create a Creative Corner: Creativity should be a focal point in your playroom. Rather than kids tuning out to TV or tablets, establish an area where their wildest dreams can be made into reality. Think about ideas that correspond with a kids’ interests. If your child likes drawing, try covering a wall in that area with chalkboard paint so they’re able to start the minute inspiration strikes. Or if they’re more into music, fill a corner with small instruments that will foster their artistic development over time. 

2. Provide Soft Seating: Seating may seem like an insignificant addition to your playroom, however, when you remember how rambunctious your child can be, you begin to appreciate the gravity of the situation. Seating with sharp edges, hard buttons or embellishments are a definite no. Instead, choose from various seating options that are soft, cozy and kid-friendly. Sofas are the hub of any room and can accentuate your personal style through color, material and throw pillows in fun patterns. 

3. Use Safe Cleaning Products: Non-toxic household cleaning products are necessary for basic upkeep, especially if you have young children using the space. A clean home will ensure your children are safe from dangerous germs and bacteria while green, organic disinfectant products guarantee hazardous substances won’t be consumed. Don’t forget to keep all chemicals and cleaners out of reach and away from the playroom to prevent ingestion or misuse.

4. Use Kid-Friendly Tech: While it’s not encouraged to allow your child to become completely consumed by technology, there are some noteworthy alternatives that help them learn and grow. Tablets and TVs can also be helpful when entertaining your child as long as you are following guidelines like parental controls and time limits to help decrease your child’s dependence. 

5. Choose Durable Furniture: Durability should be at the forefront of your playroom design. Forgo purchasing furniture that is unstable as it probably won’t last very long. Look for pieces with a solid base that won’t tip over if they are bumped or jostled. Also, choose styles in durable, heavy materials like wood or metal. If any of these pieces have sharp corners though, utilize protective corner pieces so your child cannot injure themselves.

6. Functionality Matters: Furniture should also be functional. Look for pieces that serve dual purposes. For example, storage ottomans are a great way to hide unsightly belongings like toys while also providing another area for seating or relaxation. Add enough areas for organization so that your playroom doesn’t accumulate mess. Built-in shelving or entertainment centers supply ample storage space while also allowing you to add some flair with playful decor accents.

7. Display Their Artwork: Some of the cheapest artwork you can get will come right from your home—your kids! Display their artwork throughout their space to spur their love for this skill. Use frames that match the playroom’s themes to enhance their look and make it more refined. Gallery walls are a very trendy addition to any room!

8. Make Reading a Priority: Similar to a creative corner, having a space dedicated to reading may inspire your child to become an active participant when it comes to reading, rather than just doing it when they are told. Make a space exclusively set aside for reading with small bookshelves and kid-sized seating. Update their bookshelf with all of the bestselling kid’s books to spark a lifelong love for reading!

9. Create Zones: Constructing zones in your playroom help a lot with organization and allow for a little more elbow room. By keeping your child’s space organized, you may foster a love for order and cleanliness. Situate your room by activity by separating the space into zones. Innovative projects like painting or drawing stay in their own area while more relaxed pursuits like movies or other tech should be grouped together.

10. Choose Timeless Pieces: Avoid choosing expensive products that are too kid-centric such as furniture or decor that will become dated quickly. Instead, purchase staple pieces in modern or contemporary styles that will withstand the test of time that your child will be able to cherish for years to come.

Jennifer is a design guru and furniture fanatic with a specialty in cozy interiors. She believes that mindful living is the key to happiness and success.