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Bath time just got a little harder for parents. Swiss and American researchers recently counted the germs swimming inside your kid's favorite rubber duck and say the murky liquid released when toys were squeezed contained “potentially pathogenic bacteria” in four out of the five ducks studied. The study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, ETH Zurich and the University of Illinois was published Tuesday in the journal Biofilms and Microbiomes. In it, the authors wrote that some of the bacteria found in their study included Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which they said is "often implicated in hospital-acquired infections."While certain amounts of bacteria can help strengthen children’s immune systems, they can also lead to eye, ear and intestinal infections, the researchers said. Among the vulnerable users: Children “who may enjoy squirting water from bath toys into their faces,” a statement from the institute said.But don't blame the tap water. It's low-quality polymers in the plastic, bodily fluids (like urine and sweat) and other contaminants in the bath water (including soap) that breed bacteria. "We've found very big differences between different bath animals," microbiologist and lead study author Lisa Neu told The Associated Press about the other types of bath toys, like rubber crocodiles, that were examined. "One of the reasons was the material, because it releases carbon that can serve as food for the bacteria." That's why the scientists noted that using higher-quality polymers to make the ducks could prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Another preventative measure Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, recommends is proper care: "The only way to prevent mold inside plastic toys is to make sure they are cleaned and thoroughly dried." To do this, clean washable plastic toys in hot sudsy water or the dishwasher. Then, disinfect them with a solution of 1/2 cup of bleach per every gallon of water. Soak them for five minutes, rinse, and air dry.How often you should clean these toys depends on the frequency of use. If used daily, Forte recommends cleaning them at least once a week. And don't let these items sit in water or leave them with water trapped inside between baths or cleanings. "If you squeeze them and black gunk comes out, just toss them. Better yet, use only solid plastic toys in the bath and avoid those with holes where water gets inside," Forte said.And while you're investigating your child's bath accessories, don't forget about their teething toys, like Sophie the Giraffe. When not cleaned correctly, the spit and water that gets inside of it can also breed mold — which is not something you want to have your kid sticking into his or her mouth.The Associated Press contributed to this report.