There’s no doubt that caring for a baby takes up most of a parent's time and energy. Even home cleaning for new parents can be very overwhelming –– especially if you don’t have any help. On top of this, your tiny little baby is constantly producing enormous amounts of laundry, dirty bottles, and a little chaos everywhere they go!
So while spring cleaning may start to feel a little impossible as a new parent, we are here to tell you that it is possible. With the right tools and strategies, even the busiest parents can create a clean and safe space for their baby. Our helpful house cleaning tips and tricks will help you adjust to doing housework and keeping your home clean, even with a newborn. Creating baby-safe cleaning routines– as well as establishing routines that will save you time– is the key to handling household chores with a newborn. Let’s dive into some simple and effective ways to tackle spring cleaning with a baby.
What Should I Clean Before Baby Arrives?
Preparing for a newborn isn’t just about folding tiny clothes and stocking up on diapers, it’s also a great time to give your home a strategic clean. You don’t need to scrub every baseboard, but focusing on the areas your baby will interact with most can make a big difference in safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
Here’s what to prioritize:
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Baby Gear
Wipe down or wash anything that will come into direct contact with your baby. This includes the crib, bassinet, stroller, car seat, play yard, bouncer, and changing table. If you’ve received hand-me-downs, clean all surfaces with baby-safe disinfectant and wash any removable fabrics. -
Feeding Supplies
Sterilize bottles, nipples, pacifiers, breast pump parts, and any baby food prep tools. Using a Baby Brezza Sterilizer or Bottle Washer Pro can save time and ensure everything is germ-free before baby’s first feed. -
Baby’s Laundry
Wash all clothing, swaddles, burp cloths, towels, and crib sheets in a fragrance-free, baby-safe detergent. Babies have sensitive skin, so even brand-new items can irritate if they’re not prewashed. -
Diaper Changing Area
Disinfect the surface, set up a trash system, and organize wipes, creams, and diapers so they’re easy to grab with one hand. Consider having a portable caddy stocked and ready to go. -
Your Bedroom (if baby is room-sharing)
Declutter and clean your nightstand, make space for a bassinet, and wipe down nearby surfaces. If you'll be nursing or bottle-feeding at night, set up a small station for supplies and snacks. -
Kitchen
Clear a dedicated space for baby bottles, drying racks, and sterilized gear. Clean out one cabinet or drawer to store feeding essentials safely and separately. -
Bathroom
Sanitize the tub or baby bath, clean bath toys if you have them early, and wash towels and washcloths. Make sure any baby hygiene products are easy to access and stored safely.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to do it all in one day. Tackle one area at a time in the weeks leading up to your due date to avoid burnout—and recruit help where you can!
How to Clean Your House With a Baby
1.Create a Daily Cleaning Schedule for Household Chores with a Baby
If you’re learning how to get housework done with a baby, make sure to keep time on your side. Creating a cleaning schedule will allow you to prioritize what areas of the home need to be cleaned the most, as well as help manage expectations for what you can accomplish each day. Start with small, consistent tasks, such as tidying up toys or wiping counters, and build momentum over time. Time management is key when juggling all the responsibilities of caring for a baby, yourself, and the house. You should break the housework down into small, manageable tasks and stick to a simple routine.
2. Leave the Baby in a Bouncer/ Rocker for Baby Safe Cleaning
When learning how to manage housework with a baby, always remember to use toys and fun to your advantage! Baby bouncers and rockers can be a parent’s best friend –– if the baby likes them. If you’re lucky, they will possess the magical ability to soothe a fussy baby while also distracting them with hanging toys and music. This distraction technique can free you up to tackle high-priority cleaning tasks like loading the dishwasher or sweeping floors. This is a perfect time to get some cleaning done, or to just sit back, relax, and focus on your self-care.
3. Clean While They Nap
Sometimes, cleaning is best done when there’s a little downtime. A baby's nap time is no doubt the best time to catch up on housework. Use this quiet time to focus on quick wins, such as folding laundry or tidying up cluttered areas. If your baby has trouble staying asleep during naps, try a white noise machine or a vibrating mat.
4. Use a Carrier/ Sling
Managing housework with a baby takes a little creative thinking sometimes. If your baby loves sleeping in your arms, consider carrying them around with you! Baby carriers or slings allow for hands-free multitasking, making light cleaning tasks much more manageable. A carrier or sling is perfect for when you need to do light household chores but still want to keep your baby close to you. Household chores with a baby can divide a parent’s attention in many ways. Just remember to be safe, avoid more labor-intensive chores, and never expose them to any dangerous cleaning chemicals.
5. Take Advantage of Effective Cleaning Tools
Doing household chores with a baby all on your own doesn't mean you have to say no to help! Modern cleaning tools are game-changers for busy parents and can simplify your cleaning routine. Nowadays, there are so many amazing cleaning tools specially designed for busy parents. Sanitize and dry your baby’s bottles quickly and easily with the One Step Sterilizer Dryer Advanced from Baby Brezza. This reliable appliance can hold up to 8 bottles at one time and dries 33% faster. Then, save even more time with the convenient Instant Bottle Warmers and intuitive Formula Makers. Each of these tools will make feeding and food-prep a breeze, so reimagine easy bottle-making today. Smart vacuums, handheld scrubbers, and self-cleaning mops can also help you tackle everyday messes with less effort.
Household chores should never be more stressful than they have to be. Balancing cleaning with baby care is all about finding what works best for your family and being open to adjusting your approach as needed. The most important thing to remember when cleaning with a baby is not to do everything yourself. Whether it’s your partner, family member or a cool cleaning gadget, it’s completely okay to accept help.