Bringing Home Baby
Whether it's your first or your fifth, a baby will change your life. It can also have a big effect on the energy you use. Here are a few tips on how to keep baby comfy and safe and your energy bills down.
You can prevent most hot water-related burn accidents by simply turning down the setting on your hot water heater. We recommend 120 degrees.
Before Baby Comes Home:
-Run hot water from the tap nearest to your hot water heater.
-Check the temperature with a meat, candy or water thermometer.
-If the temperature is above 120 degrees, lower your hot water heater setting.
-Wait a day for the water to reach the new temperature and repeat the test.
Bath Time Basics
-Babies need a room temperature of 70 to 75 degrees to keep warm. You can pre-heat the room and minimize energy use by first taking a bath or shower, yourself.
-The safest way to fill baby's tub is to put cold water in first, then follow with hot, adjusting as you go.
-The ideal temperature of bath water is 90 to 100 degrees. The best way to check is the time-tested "elbow test." Dip your elbow in the water and if you can't tell whether it's warm or cold, it's just right.
-Use a small basin or tub to save water and energy.
Laundry Lessons
-If you wash diapers at home, wash them separately in hot water. You don't need to boil them as a second rinse cycle will do the job.
-Wash all other baby clothes in warm water. Hot water can compromise the flame retardant quality of fabrics.
-When drying heavy items such as diapers and towels, use the high spin cycle. It will extract more water and reduce drying time.
-Wash and dry several consecutive loads. A warm dryer shortens drying time.
-Don't add wet items to a partially dried load in your dryer. It increases drying time and energy use.
Oh, by the way, congratulations on your new arrival!




