New Baby, New Mess: A Mum’s Guide to Keeping a Clean Home

Congratulations, new mum! Your bundle of joy has finally arrived, and your home is now filled with laughter, love, and… mess. Let’s face it: with a new baby in the house, keeping things tidy can feel like a neverending battle. But fear not! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can maintain a clean and cosy home while cherishing every moment with your little one.

Set Realistic Expectations

With a newborn demanding your attention around the clock, it’s okay if your home isn’t spotless all the time. Focus on keeping a clean and safe environment rather than aiming for perfection. Your baby deserves all the attention and care in the first months of birth.

Don’t expect the house to be squeaky clean when babies require frequent diaper changes and tend to get messy, even during feeding time.

Try to accept the new reality in which not everything can be tidy and where you will have to spend some time around a less neat environment. It’s okay if you only find time to wash the dishes, but can’t keep the clutter at bay every day.  

Establish a Routine

Babies thrive on routines, and so do clean homes. Set aside small chunks of time each day for tidying up. For instance, you could set a timer for 15 minutes and challenge yourself to tidy up as much as you can within that timeframe.

Whether it’s clearing countertops, fluffing pillows, or quickly vacuuming high-traffic areas, it can make a noticeable difference. You can squeeze that time during naptime or while your little one plays nearby; a consistent cleaning schedule will help you stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed. 

Divide and Conquer

Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your family members or even hire help if you can afford it. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child, and that includes keeping the house in order. Your partner can be in charge of taking out the trash, cooking, and ironing.

Consider having one of your parents move in with you for the first few weeks after delivery to allow for a smooth process and adjusting. If your incomes allow it, hire a person to cook, clean, iron, and look after the household whilst your newborn is attached to you. 

Invest in Smart Storage Solutions

Babies come with a lot of stuff – diapers, wipes, toys. Invest in storage bins, baskets, and organisers to keep clutter at bay. Designate specific areas for baby items so you can easily find what you need when you need it. Maximising vertical storage is another smart solution that can be a game-changer. Install shelves or hanging organisers to take advantage of wall space, keeping floors clear and creating an airy feel in your home.

Get creative with storage solutions by thinking outside the box. Use over-the-door shoe organisers to corral diapers, wipes, and other supplies in the nursery. Repurpose decorative baskets or bins to stylishly conceal toys and blankets in the living room.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

Having cleaning supplies within reach is crucial to keeping your home clean and tidy. Stock up on essential cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes, multipurpose cleaners, and microfiber cloths to ensure that you can quickly address spills and messes as they happen. Disinfectant wipes are great for quick cleanups and can be used to wipe down surfaces like countertops, tables, and doorknobs.

Multipurpose cleaners are excellent for cleaning floors, walls, and other large surfaces, while microfiber cloths are perfect for dusting and cleaning smaller areas. Keep your cleaning supplies organised and in a convenient location. Consider keeping them in a caddy or basket that can be easily carried from room to room. 

Delegate Tasks to Older Siblings

Whilst parenting should be parents’ duty, older siblings can jump in with home cleaning. Instead of having them babysit as you clean, have your teenager assist with washing the dishes or vacuuming. Assign age-appropriate tasks like picking up toys, dusting, or helping with laundry. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also teaches valuable life skills.

Don’t Neglect the Windows

Windows are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they can make a big difference in your home’s overall appearance. Invest in a good-quality glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to keep your windows sparkling clean. Do you have tall windows in out-of-reach areas? Not a problem. Invest in hiring professional window cleaners to ensure your windows are spotless for days on end. 

Tackle One Room at a Time

Cleaning the entire house in one go can be very tiring, especially with a newborn. Instead, focus on tackling one room at a time. Start with high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen. Set aside one day for high-traffic areas, and the other day for the rest of the house.

It’s okay if you need to clean one room per day. You’re in charge and you know best how much cleaning you can handle in one go. So, you’re the only one who should dictate the tempo.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

Write down a weekly cleaning schedule and stick to it as best you can. Assign specific tasks to each day of the week so nothing gets overlooked. For instance, laundry is done on Mondays and Thursdays, vacuuming is done on Fridays, window cleaning is done every third Thursday, and dusting is done every other day. Having a plan in place will help you stay organised and motivated.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a clean home after a new baby arrives is no small feat, but it’s entirely possible with the right mindset and a few simple strategies. By setting realistic expectations, establishing a routine, and enlisting the help of others, you can maintain a clean and cosy environment for your growing family to thrive in.

Make peace with the fact that your new reality won’t necessarily be as perfect as you imagined it, but it’s only for the time being. So go ahead, embrace the mess, cherish the moments, and remember that a little bit of clutter is just a sign of a life well-lived.