Embracing the Mess: Cleaning Hacks for New Parents

Babies are bundles of joy, laughter, and yes, mess! Whether it's pureed peas and pumpkin splattered on the floor or spit up down their clothes (and ours!) dealing with the aftermath is a daily grind for tired parents.

The team here at M&B are all parenting pros by now, so we thought we would share our favourite parenting hacks for cleaning!

A bit of mess never hurt anyone though, right? Wrong.

We all know that good hygiene is crucial, particularly since babies have developing immune systems and keeping their environment clean lowers the risk of illness (well until they start daycare and then just watch those shared germs take them dowen one by one!)

But clean surfaces also contribute to safety, by reducing slips and falls. If that sounds like a stretch... let me share a little story - a massive parenting fail actually.

When my little bear was a toddler and learning to run, his favourite (most infuriating) game was to reach up the the bench and pull down his older sisters plastic cup, spilling the water. Great.. just great. On one such occasion I ran to get a towel to soak up the water, and arrived back in the room to see him running through the water, slipping and landing with a sickening, loud crack on the back of his head! What followed was a terrifying concussion and 8 hours monitoring our sweet boy in hospital.

Five Cleaning Tips for Parents with Babies:

Invest in Wipeable Furniture: This might sound obvious, but I am shocked by how many fabric material baby products people choose for their children that hold germs and viruses, sometimes just because the fabric is trendy or looks cute (I'm looking at you teddy fabric, linen playmats, velvet covered memory foam floor rugs). My my kids were toddlers I recall a lovely family we had play dates with on occasion. Their babies were usually just in nappies on a hot day often they were visibly full (you know, sagging down and definitely overdue a change!) and they were ok with their kids running around with yoghurt pouches and crackers. I would watch them all sitting on the fabric play mats and sofas together and just shudder at the germs, mess and damp patches which couldn't be easily cleaned!

But there are so many great options for wipeable baby gear and furniture, such as Munchkin & Bear play mats of course, but also high chairs, changing mats, messy mats, toys and bibs. These make cleanup a breeze, saving you time and hassle.

Whilst soft, fabric bibs and mats may seem tempting, the hassle of constantly cleaning them is simply not worth it. Where possible, buy baby products that you can wipe down that won't need to go through the washing machine every day.
 

Use Washable Fabrics: If you need to buy a fabric item, make sure you choose machine-washable fabrics for items like crib sheets, blankets, and clothing. This way, you can toss them in the laundry when spills and accidents occur.
 

Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy: Stock up on baby-safe cleaning products, such as mild detergents and disinfectant wipes, and store them in easily accessible locations throughout your home.
 

Stay Organized: Establish a routine for tidying up your baby's space regularly. Having designated storage areas for toys, diapers, and other essentials makes it easier to maintain a clean and clutter-free environment.
 

Be Proactive: Address spills and stains promptly to prevent them from setting in. The sooner you tackle messes, the easier they are to clean.

Munchkin and Bear Mats: A Game-Changer for Parents

When it comes to cleanable surfaces for babies, Munchkin and Bear mats are a game-changer. These mats are specifically designed with busy parents in mind, featuring wipeable surfaces that make cleanup a breeze. Whether you're dealing with mealtime messes or playtime spills, simply wipe the mat clean with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipe, and you're good to go!

Munchkin and Bear mats prioritize safety and durability. Made from high-quality materials that are free from harmful chemicals, these mats provide a safe and comfortable surface for your baby to play, crawl, and explore. Plus, their durable construction ensures that they can withstand the rigors of daily use, making them a practical investment for parents.

While babies may be messy, embracing the chaos and maintaining cleanable surfaces can make the journey of parenthood a whole lot easier. By following simple cleaning tips and investing in wipeable products like Munchkin and Bear mats, you can create a safe, hygienic, and stress-free environment for your little one to thrive in. With Munchkin and Bear, there’s no point crying over spilt milk!