Cleaning the house is hard enough, but it adds a toddler into the mix and can feel like an impossible task. Here are some tips to help clean your home while also caring for a toddler, so you can avoid feeling insane. From meal planning to taking advantage of nap-time, these tips will help make cleaning with a toddler a little bit easier.
How to clean the house with a Toddler?
If you have a toddler and would like to know how to clean the house while they are around:
- Keep things out of reach. Toddlers are curious and will touch anything they can get their hands on. So it’s essential to keep cleaning supplies, including bleach and other chemicals, out of their reach.
- Please put them in a safe place. If you can’t put them away, put them in a safe place where your toddler can’t get to them. A high shelf or cupboard is ideal.
- Keep an eye on them. Even if you think they are safe, always watch your toddler while cleaning the house. They can be quick and sneaky!
- Give them something to do.
Lower your expectations:
Many parents go into parenthood with high hopes and expectations. They expect their children to be perfect little angels who always obey and never cause trouble. However, this is only sometimes the case. Children, especially toddlers, can be very challenging at times. Parents need to lower their expectations and be prepared for the challenges of parenting a toddler.
Toddlers are notorious for being stubborn and rebellious. They often test their limits and push boundaries. This can be frustrating for parents who are used to having obedient children. However, it’s important to remember that this is normal behavior for a toddler. As long as your child is healthy and happy, there’s no need to worry about their behavior.
Parenting a toddler can be exhausting, but it can also be advantageous. Seeing your child grow and develop is a fantastic experience.
Play with your kids first:
Getting caught up in work and other obligations is easy, but it’s essential to make time for the things that matter most. One of the most important things you can do is play with your kids.
With young children, play is essential for their development. It helps them learn about the world and how to interact with others. Playing also provides an opportunity for bonding with your child.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to playing with your kids. Get down on the floor and build a block tower together, go for a walk in the park, or read a book together. The important thing is that you’re spending time together and having fun.
Setup multiple play areas:
When raising active toddlers, having multiple play areas is a must. By having different locations for your toddler to explore, you can keep them entertained and engaged without feeling overwhelmed yourself.
Here are a few tips for setting up multiple play areas in your home:
- Look for unused spaces. An empty corner in the living room or a spot in the basement can easily be turned into a play area with a few simple toys.
- Get creative with storage. Use bins, baskets, and shelving to create designated space for your toddler’s toys. This will help keep the rest of your house tidy while giving them plenty of things to do.
- Think outside the home. If you have access to a backyard or nearby park, set up some toys so your toddler can enjoy the outdoors.
Have a cleaning schedule:
Keeping a clean house when you have a toddler can be challenging. They are always on the move and make messes wherever they go. However, there are some things you can do to help keep your home clean.
One of the best ways to keep your house clean with a toddler is to have a cleaning schedule. This way, you can plan and know when you will have time to clean up the messes. Toddlers are also more likely to cooperate if they know when it is time to tidy up.
Another tip for keeping your house clean with a toddler is to be childproof as much as possible. This means keeping things out of reach that might be dangerous or that they could make a mess with.
Clean/ work when your kid is sleeping:
If you’re a working parent with a young child at home, you know that finding time to get your work done can be challenging. But there are ways to make it work.
First, try to take advantage of nap time. If your toddler is sleeping, that’s the perfect time to get some work done. Even if you can only get a few things done during this time, it’s better than nothing.
Another way to make it work is to get up a little earlier than your toddler. This way, you can have some quiet time to get things done before the day’s craziness begins. Getting up early might be challenging, but it’s worth it if you can get some work done.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends.
Wash the dishes at night:
Do you have a toddler who won’t stay in bed at night? If so, you’re not alone. Many parents of young children struggle with getting their kids to sleep through the night. One way to help ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep is to provide the dishes are done before bedtime.
It may seem small, but doing the dishes before you go to bed can make a big difference in your child’s sleep patterns. For one, it will help you avoid waking up in the middle of the night to a sink full of dirty dishes. It also helps create a calm and peaceful environment in your home before bed, which can be vital for getting your child to relax and fall asleep.
So next time you’re struggling to get your little one to sleep, try washing the dishes before heading to bed yourself.
Wash the dishes while cooking:
Finding time to wash the dishes while cooking dinner can take time and effort. Here are a few tips to make it work with a toddler:
- Involve your toddler in the process by giving them a step stool and letting them help.
- Do one task at a time so that you can focus on either washing or cooking.
- Create a system that works for you and your family so everyone knows what needs to be done.
- Take advantage of downtime, such as when the pasta is boiling, to quickly wash a few dishes.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner or other family members.
Let your kids help:
You know the drill: it’s dinnertime, and your toddler is having a meltdown. You’re trying to cook, but they’re just not having it. What if I told you that involving your toddler in the cooking process can be helpful?
Kids are naturally curious, and involving them in the cooking process can be a great way to teach them about healthy eating habits. It also gives them a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. And let’s be honest, it’s nice to have some help in the kitchen!
So next time you’re making dinner, try involving your toddler. Let them help wash the veggies or stir the pot. They may not be able to do much, but every little bit helps. And who knows, maybe they’ll even enjoy it!
Deal with messes right away:
No one likes dealing with a mess, but it’s essential to deal with them right away when you have a toddler. If you leave a lot for too long, your toddler will likely find it and make an even bigger mess. Not only is it essential to clean up the mess as soon as possible, but you should also take measures to prevent your toddler from making the same mess again.
Here are a few tips for dealing with messes quickly and efficiently:
- Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. This will help you stay on top of the daily cleaning that needs to be done.
- Set aside time each day to tidy up any areas that tend to get messy. This way, you can avoid letting the messes pile up.
Grocery and Cooking
Grocery shopping and cooking with a toddler can be challenging, but it can be done with some planning. Here are some tips for making it work:
- Make a list before you go to the store, so you know what you need.
- Go to the store when your toddler is napping or otherwise occupied.
- Let your toddler help you choose items at the store and put them in the cart.
- Involve your toddler in the cooking process as much as possible. Let them stir, measure, and taste as appropriate.
- Be prepared for messes and accept that not everything will go according to plan.
- Take breaks as needed, and try to have fun with it!
Buy a baby gate:
If you have a toddler, you know they are constantly on the move. Whether crawling, walking, or running, they are always into something. This is why having a baby gate in your home is so important.
A baby gate will help to keep your toddler safe from harm. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that they are not getting into something they should not be. There are many different types of baby gates on the market, so you will need to research to find the right one for your home.
When you are looking for a baby gate, make sure that you choose one that is made from durable materials. You also want to ensure that it is easy to install and use. With some research, you can find the perfect baby gate for your home and your family.
Turn on the TV:
Most parents have a love-hate relationship with television. We know that too much screen time is wrong for our kids, but sometimes it’s the only thing that will keep our toddler occupied so we can get things done.
You can do a few things to ensure your child is getting the most out of their TV time. First, try to find shows that are educational and age-appropriate. There are many great options these days, and many of them can help your child learn to read or improve their math skills.
Second, limit the time your child spends in front of the TV. An hour or two a day is plenty and includes some breaks for active play. Finally, ensure you’re watching with your child and engaging with them about what they see on the screen.
Take it easy:
It can be tough to slow down when you’re used to a hectic pace, but toddlers need lots of patience and care. Here are a few tips on how to take it easy with your toddler.
Slow down your speech and movements around your toddler. They may not be able to understand or keep up with you if you’re going too fast.
Get down on their level – sit on the floor, kneel, or pick them up, so you’re face-to-face. This will help them feel comfortable and heard.
Make sure there’s plenty of time for cuddles, laughs, and hanging out together. Toddlers thrive on affection and attention from their loved ones.
Try to avoid getting frazzled or frustrated in front of your toddler.
My Takeaway on How to Clean the House with a Toddler:
Cleaning the house can be daunting, especially when you have a toddler running around. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are my top tips for cleaning the house with a toddler:
- Put away all toys before starting to clean. This will help prevent your toddler from getting underfoot and making a mess while you’re trying to clean up.
- Vacuum or sweep first before doing any other cleaning tasks. This will help eliminate any dirt or crumbs your toddler may have tracked through the house.
- Use child-safe cleaning products. Many commercial cleaners can harm toddlers if they get into them, so using safe products for kids is essential.
- Get your toddler involved in the cleaning process!
Conclusion:
These tips on cleaning your house with a toddler without going insane will help any parent get through the task while maintaining their sanity. Following these tips and tricks, parents can make cleaning with their toddlers a fun and bonding experience instead of a nightmare.
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