What to do if there are bedbugs in a baby's crib? - briefly
Remove the infant from the crib, seal all bedding and clothing in airtight bags, and launder on the highest safe temperature; then vacuum, steam‑clean the crib, and apply an approved insecticide or contact a licensed pest‑control professional for complete eradication.
What to do if there are bedbugs in a baby's crib? - in detail
If an infant’s sleeping area shows signs of bed‑bug activity, isolate the crib immediately. Remove all bedding, toys, and accessories; place them in sealed plastic bags to prevent further spread.
Conduct a thorough inspection of the surrounding room. Examine mattress seams, headboard, frame joints, and nearby furniture for live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting. Use a flashlight to improve visibility in cracks and crevices.
Launder all removable items at the highest temperature the fabric tolerates, preferably 60 °C (140 °F) or higher, and dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes. For items that cannot be washed, seal in airtight containers for a minimum of two weeks; bed bugs cannot survive without a blood meal for this period.
Apply non‑chemical heat treatment to the crib structure. Place the assembled crib in a portable heating chamber or use a professional heat‑treatment service that raises the temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a sustained duration, ensuring complete eradication without chemicals.
If chemical control is required, select products labeled as safe for use around infants and follow manufacturer instructions precisely. Apply only to non‑contact surfaces such as the underside of the headboard and interior corners of the frame. Avoid direct contact with any surface the baby will touch.
Engage a licensed pest‑management professional experienced in residential infestations involving children. Request an integrated pest‑management plan that combines monitoring, targeted treatment, and follow‑up inspections to verify elimination.
After treatment, reassemble the crib with freshly laundered bedding. Install a protective mattress encasement designed to block bed‑bug entry. Maintain regular vacuuming of the room, seal cracks in walls and baseboards, and monitor for any recurrence using sticky traps placed discreetly near the crib.