Essential Home Cleaning Tips Expectant Mothers Should Know

All the family is excited to welcome the sweet little pea!

But this excitement comes with anxiety and the overwhelming desire to provide the best for our new one. As the due date nears, expectant mothers begin to immerse themselves in many preparations, and planning and creating a nurturing home is one of them.

Creating a meticulously clean home is more than just aesthetics. It is crucial in safeguarding the health, comfort, and well-being of the mother and their newborn. 

Set a Foundation by Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning is more than just a routine tidying up; it is a process that lays the essential groundwork for your baby's safe and healthy introduction to your home. By meticulously addressing hidden nooks, germs, and allergens, deep cleaning ensures that every corner of your living space is a haven of comfort and cleanliness.

Deep cleaning:

• Eliminates potential hazards: Babies are naturally curious and explore their surroundings through touch and taste. Deep cleaning helps remove potential hazards like small objects, dust, and allergens that could risk their delicate health.

• Promotes healthy indoor air quality: Newborns still have developing respiratory systems, and they are most sensitive to allergens and pollutants. Deep cleaning removes dust, pet dander, and mold, improving indoor air quality for your baby to breathe.

Here is how you can effectively manage to deep clean your home:

1. Declutter each room first to make it easier for you to clean and organize.
2. Always start from top to bottom. Dust and debris tend to fall as you clean, so begin with higher surfaces like shelves and ceiling fans before moving to lower surfaces.
3. Pay attention to hidden areas. Often neglected spaces have the most dust. Clean behind furniture, under rugs, and inside cupboards to ensure thorough sanitation.
4. Clean air vents and filters as they accumulate dust. 

If the deep cleaning process feels overwhelming, consider hiring professional cleaning services. They have the expertise and tools to ensure a thorough job.

Only Use Safe Cleaning Products

The products you are accustomed to using for cleaning and laundry may not be safe with your newborn now. You must consider every product you purchase on a new level of importance. Safe cleaning products will ensure your baby’s well-being, health, and comfort.

Choosing a safe cleaning product matters because:

• Newborn skin is sensitive and prone to irritation. Harsh chemicals in conventional cleaning products may lead to adverse reactions such as rashes and allergies.
• Conventional cleaning products often leave chemical residues on surfaces and clothes. These chemical residues may lead to potential concerns.
• Harsh chemicals contain strong fragrances and volatile organic compounds that can negatively impact your newborn’s respiratory health.

We have tips to help you choose safe cleaning products to use:

• Read the labels carefully, not just the brand and what it claims. Read the ingredient label. Do not buy products that contain parabens, phosphates, and artificial fragrances.
•  Seek products with certifications like "baby-safe," "hypoallergenic," or "ECOLOGO." These certifications indicate that the product has been tested and approved for use around babies.
• Do not purchase and use fabric softeners. Fabric softeners often contain chemicals that can irritate delicate baby skin. Instead, use natural alternatives to soften fabrics.

This tip is not just about cleanliness but a conscious choice that reflects your commitment to giving the best to your baby’s well-being. 

New Laundry Practices You Should Know

Laundry becomes a whole new level when you have a newborn. If you rely on a laundry delivery service, baby clothes should be an exemption, and only delegate the adult clothes. Babies have delicate and sensitive skin. Washing adult clothes may cause cross-contamination and exposure to harsh chemicals from the laundry detergents the laundromat uses.

It is also best to line-dry your baby's clothes under the sun. Sunlight is efficient in drying clothes and has a natural antibacterial property. 

Balance the Needs of Your Pets and Newborns

This might not be every expectant mother’s concern, but if you are also a fur mom, this cleaning tip will help you. 

As fur moms, we consider our pets as part of the family, but it is crucial to be cautious about letting our pets bond with our newborns. Newborns have weak immune systems, and pet hairs and danders may cause allergies or pulmonary complications. Always groom your pet to reduce loose hair lying around the house.

Creating a home that accommodates both pets and newborns is a journey that demands patience, understanding, and proactive management. So, do not do it alone. Ask help from your family members or hire maid services.

Cleanliness is the Key to a Nurturing Home