Lower the bar
The first weeks with a baby are about feeding, sleeping and recovering. A perfectly clean house isn't the goal. Focus on a few things that matter for hygiene, keep surfaces reasonably clear, and accept help when it's offered.
What genuinely matters
Some things are worth keeping on top of:
- Washing hands before feeds and after nappy changes
- Cleaning and sterilising bottles and feeding equipment as directed by the manufacturer and your health visitor
- Keeping the changing area clean
- Keeping kitchen surfaces and the fridge clean for food preparation
- Washing baby's clothes and bedding
What can wait
Skirting boards, windows, inside the oven, spare rooms and the garage can wait. So can perfectly folded laundry. A quick daily tidy and a weekly basic clean of the kitchen and bathroom is plenty.
Products and safety
You don't need special 'baby' products for general cleaning, but it's sensible to use products as directed and avoid strong fragrances near the baby. Ventilate rooms while cleaning. Most importantly, store all cleaning products, laundry capsules and dishwasher tablets well out of reach – it'll be sooner than you think before your baby is crawling.
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Floors
As babies start rolling and crawling, floors matter more. Vacuum regularly and mop hard floors with a mild cleaner, rinsing if needed so no residue is left on surfaces little hands will touch. Choose washable rugs in play areas.
Preparing before the birth
If you have the energy in the last few weeks of pregnancy – or someone willing to help – a few jobs make the first months easier. Wash baby clothes and bedding, clear and clean the nursery or the space where baby will sleep, defrost the freezer and fill it with meals, and declutter surfaces you'll use for changing and feeding.
Avoid heavy lifting, climbing ladders and using strong chemicals in poorly ventilated spaces. It's a good job to hand over to someone else – or to a professional for a one-off deep clean.
Laundry
Babies create a surprising amount of washing. Follow the care labels, and use the detergent you're comfortable with – many parents choose non-bio or sensitive detergents for baby clothes, though this is a personal choice. Little and often stops it piling up.
Washing bedding and muslins regularly, and stain-treating promptly by rinsing in cold water, helps more than any special product.
Getting help
Many new parents book a cleaner for the first few months – sometimes as a gift from family. A fortnightly clean of the kitchen, bathroom and floors takes a lot of pressure off. Let the cleaner know about the baby, nap times and any products to avoid. A one-off deep clean before the birth also helps you start with a fresh home.
