12: Wait...I'm supposed to clean the house too?!

I have to admit, I wasn't very good at keeping my house clean before the baby so you can imagine my worry keeping the house clean with and for a baby!  I have certainly surprised myself! I think I've vacuumed more in the past nine months than in my entire life!  I'm not kidding! Before I begin my suggestions and what I TRY to routinely do, keep in mind I am a stay-at-home-working-mom. Also remember, baby comes first, cleaning will fall in place when it should so try not to let it stress you out or drive you crazy. But once you find those golden opportunities, here are some tips to help keep your home tidy. 

Picture Source: someecards.com

• Once baby naps, and you don't need to take one yourself, use this opportunity to get some cleaning done. 

• Get a baby carrier to use during vacuuming.  Make sure it is ergonomically safe for baby such as the carrier in the link.  (Which was a gift from my awesome friend ZD!) Babies actually enjoy the hum of the vacuum and McKayla has actually fallen asleep several times while I was vacuuming.  The carrier listed is for front, back and hip so you can choose what is best for you. Added benefit: great workout! Especially if you have stairs (be careful!!) and your exercise naturally increases its own weight!  Once your baby is grabbing and can reach the back of your head, I suggest wrapping a bandana or scarf around your head. The last time I vacuumed I HAD to do something, she was going crazy on my hair! I folded it in half once to make a triangle, placed the straight edge at the base of my hair, tied the ends at the top of my head and tucked the corner under the tie. She grabbed at it, but couldn't grab any hair. It also helps to attach a toy for baby to play with or chew on. 

• Use an umbrella stroller to walk baby around the house.  This was actually a life saver when she would cry and we couldn't get her calm. It works great for me when I'm trying to pick up the house. I attach a toy for her and I walk around the house, pick up this, put it away, pick up that, put it away.

• Once baby is more mobile, carry a microfiber cloth in your back pocket.  When she gets entertained by something and I see something within arms reach that I can I dust, I do a little wipe. Before, I always noticed dust in the oddest places that would never get touched, so while I'm walking her around the house and watching over her as she explores, I can dust those places she'll get into that I would otherwise never have thought of touching. 

• Clean dishes after every meal. I know, I know. That's what your supposed to do, right? Not me. Not ever. Until now. It makes it so much easier to clean a couple of dishes or even a few dishes as opposed to an entire sink full.  I was usually good keeping the sink clear until the dishwasher was running or waiting to be unloaded, then the dishes would pile up. Now, I've made a rule to myself that every time we eat, I clean out the sink whether that means dishwasher or hand wash. I haven't had a problem since I decided to follow this rule. And when my husband is home, my rule turns into clearing the sink every time I visit the sink. LOL!  Update: Let your toddler help with the dishes.  I only let McKayla help/play with the sliver ware and cooking utensils.  This helps to keep her within eyesight when you're trying to wash the dishes.  It teaches her that there's more to just eating the food on the plate with a spoon, but now that spoon and plate must be cleaned afterwords.  It also teaches her boundaries because I won't let her touch anything else on the rack like glass dishes.  Just make sure there is nothing sharp she could hurt herself with.  Hand wash sharp knives, pizza cutters, graters, etc.  And also make sure she doesn't wander off with a handful of forks that she could trip on.
• To help me keep her high chair tidy, I keep a pack of baby wipes in the holder underneath.  I use these to clean her face and hands and her tray top so that I don't have to make an extra trip to get a washcloth or deal with the hassel of cleaning that cumbersome tray.  And just recently I've started collecting the dirty ones in a mesh laundry bag and washing with her laundry to reuse in an all natural, home made solution.  Trying to be greener and healthier.
• Once you have a toddler who can be in the bathtub safely without you having to constantly have a hand on her, you can have an opportunity to clean the toilet.  I say this because my toilet is conveniently located within two feet of the tub, so I literally don't need to move anywhere.  To keep your toilet tidy, keep a container of disinfectant wipes near your toilet (out of toddler's reach) and do a quick wipe down during the bath.  I've also just started a new thing (this may be because I'm nesting at 8 months pregnant) where after every time I use the toilet, I take a piece of toilet paper and do a quick wipe under the lid, on the rim or where ever I see could use a wipe.  It's so quick and easy and help keeps my toilet clean in between major cleanings.