Tips for Easier Cleaning Routines with a Baby at Home

by: Shawana Shawana S. Moore, DNP, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC

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Cleaning with a new baby in the house can be challenging. As a parent, cleaning can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With preparation and a plan, you can get your home in tip-top shape without sacrificing precious time with your little one. We’ve got ya with six practical strategies:

  1. Make a list: Identify all the areas in your home that need to be cleaned. Break the list into smaller tasks to make it manageable. Instead of “clean the bathroom,” separate the goal into simpler tasks like “clean the toilet,” “wash the sink,” and “scrub the shower.”
  2. Set realistic goals: With a baby, your time is limited and energy level may be low. Don’t try to finish everything at once. Set realistic goals that you can achieve in short bursts.
  3. Involve your baby: If your baby is old enough, get them involved in the fun! Or, they can lay on a blanket or play with a toy while you clean nearby. Over time, you’ll learn how to best spend quality time with your little one while getting things done.
  4. Use safer cleaning products: The safety of your baby is a top priority. Choose cleaning products that are safe for your little one and the environment. You can also make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
  5. Declutter: Sort your belongings and donate or sell items you no longer need or use. Decluttering will not only make your home look neater, it will also make cleaning easier
  6. Get help when needed: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. If you need additional support, ask someone to watch your baby while you complete a larger cleaning task. Consider a cleaning service if that’s an option for your family.

Areas to consider cleaning include:

Area to Clean Suggestion
Walls and Windows ·      Use a damp cloth to wipe walls

o   Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and spots where  dust or dirt collect

·      Use a vacuum or soft-bristled brush to clean window screens
Floors

 

 ·      Vacuum, sweep, or mop all floors

·      Use a steam cleaning machine to clean grout and sanitize tile
Kitchen and Bathrooms ·      Start by cleaning the dishwasher, fridge, and oven

·      Remove everything from your kitchen cabinets and wipe inside and out

·      Scrub all sinks, counters, and floors with a good cleaning solution

·      Wipe bathrooms down from top to bottom

·      Clean tiles, grout, and shower stalls

·      Use a disinfectant cleaner on toilets, especially around the inside rim of the bowl
Air Conditioner and Vents ·      Change the filters and clean the vents before each season  starts

o   Ensure your A/C unit works properly since it will be working overtime during the summer months
Outside

 

 ·      Clean the exterior of your home, including gutters, windows, and the roof

·      Pressure wash the patio, deck, and/or driveway to remove any dirt and grime that has accumulated from the winter and spring seasons

Cleaning may seem overwhelming, but with a plan in place and by following these tips, you can achieve a clean and organized home while still enjoying quality time with your little one. So, grab your cleaning supplies and get to work – you’ll feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to make the most of the season ahead!

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AUTHOR

Shawana Shawana S. Moore, DNP, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC

Shawana S. Moore, DNP, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC, is a nationally recognized, board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner who specializes in providing care throughout the lifespan. She’s an Associate Professor and DNP Program Director at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. She developed the nurse-led Girls Empowerment Program, to support the healthy growth and development of adolescent girls as part of her commitment to providing reproductive health care to underserved populations. Dr. Moore is President of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH). One of her many current research efforts includes an examination of HPV vaccination uptake in women involved in the legal criminal system. She is an alumnus of the National League for Nursing LEAD Institute.