Not too long ago I had my daughter, and let me tell you! Having 3 boys (including one cantankerous toddler) when I had my daughter I was a little nervous about how I was going to keep my house from falling apart. Whether you are a first time mother or, like me, a mother of many, some simple tips and tricks can help you keep your house from falling apart.
Become a time master
Staying organized can keep things from piling up. Doing a small load of laundry every day can feel much less overwhelming than doing 3 loads twice a week. Now that you have a little one in the house (whether for the first time or as a new little brother or sister) your laundry is going to pile up, and fast! Babies mean more clothes, more sheets, more burp clothes, and if your cloth diapering you can add another load on top of your regular clothes. By washing, drying, folding and putting away your laundry every day you will see yourself spending less time doing it and it won’t be sitting on your couch or bed waiting to be put away. Studies show that if you do something 21 times in a row, it will become habit. Try it!
Do like the koala’s do!
Not only will carrying your little one create a wonderful bonding experience for you and your precious one, but you will be amazed what you can get accomplished with her hands free. The gentle rocking with help your little one sleep more soundly and you now are able to vacuum, wash the dishes, and play with your other children without having to worry about your new baby.
Tag team
If you have other kids, enlist their help. Children, even toddlers, want to help. Older children can do more complicated chores like washing the dishes, or doing the laundry. Younger children may need a little guidance, but with some patience and a little time, your toddler can learn to clean up their toys or even sweep the floors. Every little bit helps, and your teaching your children responsibility. Why not!
Don’t sweat the small stuff!
You’re a new mommy! Enjoy looking into your precious one’s eyes. Enjoy these moments. If the floor isn’t vacuumed or the dishes are in the sink, that’s okay! Take a moment to enjoy those moments. The dishes will be there when you are ready. Your baby is only young once!
Ask for help
It is always okay to ask for help. Being a new parent is tough. Having a child is a major change in your life. If you have family, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You would be surprised to know how many of your friends or family would gladly jump in and help. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest differences! If family isn’t available, why not hire a service? There are many reputable cleaning agencies out there that are affordable and amazing.
Take a deep breath! You can do this. With these few tips, you too can tackle motherhood and housework in the same day. After all, they don’t call us super moms for nothing!
I do all of these but some days I literally just say “screw it”. While the kids are home this summer I have discovered just how comfortable I am with a messy house. Agghhh well school starts in a few weeks and I guess I will be doing a crazy cleaning then
Great post! It can be so tough at first to figure out how to get anything done with a new baby around. Baby wearing was a must for me!
These are great tips. I can remember the first few months of trying to keep up with the housework and a new baby were so horrible until I started wearing her around. It was such a great help.
It is really tough keeping the house clean when your child is a newborn. Asking for help is always a wonder.
Mhar Mg
http://www.brightbundles.com/