Baby Hampers Galore

Think a baby hamper is just a functional item? Think again. Sure, a good hamper needs to do the job. But it can (and should) add safety, convenience and style to the list of attributes.

Every parent knows that babies can go through more clothing in a week than the average teenager getting ready for a date. The pile just keeps growing until there's time to do something about it. Which, for nannies and parents alike, is always in very short supply!

To keep the room odor-free, the clothes safely away from pets, and add a bit of style to the nursery, a good hamper is indispensable.

But what is a 'good' hamper?

Strength of materials is first in line. A good hamper needs to resist the pressure it will get as clothes are stuffed in. It needs to stand up to bumps from busy parents and rowdy dogs. It needs to remain upright even when a tired mom or dad can't. A good fabric blend can provide that feature, especially when supported by a modern, ultra-sturdy frame.

Safety is a major factor, too. Here, that means no sharp edges, protruding screw heads and other harmful items. But, above all that means the hamper should be easy to keep free of germs. When the baby gets that inevitable cold you want to be able to isolate and destroy those germs to prevent the virus from spreading. That can be accomplished in several ways. Some styles allow for easy wiping or spraying with a disinfectant. Others have removable linings that can washed in hot water and mild bleach.

That requirement is increased many fold when dealing with soiled diapers. You can't always toss them immediately or rush to the washing machine with every change. Temporary storage is a must. But keeping odors at bay and germs isolated is tougher with diapers than any other item of baby clothing. A good diaper hamper solves that problem.

At the same time, there's no reason to neglect style.

The hamper is one more item that sits in the room, often in a very visible location since it helps to have the container within easy reach. Getting one that matches the rest of the furniture in the nursery or baby's room adds to the overall look of the room.

Fortunately, that value is easy to achieve, thanks to the enormous range of options available today.

Looking for a baby theme, say dragons or baseball or fairies or trucks or alligators or....? The list is endless. Maybe you've decided on the circus-themed toy chest or changing table and want the hamper to fit right in. You'll easily find one to match. Maybe you've decided to go for the elegant look of wicker or a hardwood, say cherry or oak. A hamper made of the same material, covered with a gingham or brushed cotton blend is also an option.

A hamper in every conceivable material and style, to suit any individual preference, is just a few clicks away.