Newborn babies don’t have fully developed immune systems. They are vulnerable to microbes. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., can affect them easily and cause various diseases which can be fatal. For example, pneumonia alone causes more than 700,000 deaths every year, according to the WHO. Keeping the house clean is important to protect them. And it should be done before the new baby arrives. Clean the living space, kitchen, bathroom, nursery, carpets, and other surfaces. Make sure the air is safe and dust-free. This will help keep your baby safe, healthy, and happy.
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Why Is Deep Cleaning Necessary for New Born Babies?
Children are delicate creatures with complete vulnerability. They are easy targets for diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. Since their nutrition is limited, it’s difficult to treat them when they get ill. According to UNICEF, about 4.9 million children under 5 years old died in 2022. A major reason for this high mortality is a lack of hygiene and cleanliness. So, creating a clean and safe environment for newborn babies is essential.
Millions of microbes live on every surface of household items. It’s important to clean them regularly. Children’s safety is also related to their caregiver’s hygiene. If you touch a dirty surface before touching the baby, bacteria and other microbes can be transmitted to the child. Therefore, only cleaning the nursery is not enough. You have to perform a deep cleaning of the house before the baby arrives.
14 Tips to Preparing Home for Baby with Deep Cleaning
With some caution, you can create a risk-free environment for infants. The following tips will be helpful to achieve the goal.
Make A Maternity Pre-Baby Cleaning Checklist
You must make a deep cleaning checklist beforehand. Start planning months before the big day. This will help you make a full-proof list that does not leave anything behind. Think of all the surfaces that the baby may be taken near. Go through the list again and again to ensure you have everything covered. Some of the common entries are:
- Cleaning floors
- Furniture
- Living space
- Window, ceilings, and stairs
- Fabrics, clothes, and carpets
- Bathroom and toilet
- Kitchen Appliances
- Baby toys
- Disinfecting the surfaces, etc.
Vacuum the Living Space
Start by focusing on areas where you spend the most time. Vacuum and dust all surfaces, including tables, shelves, and other high-touch areas. This will keep dust, dirt, and debris away. They trigger allergy and respiratory issues for both children and the mother. Consider using hypoallergenic products to avoid any harsh chemicals. Don’t forget to clean the bedsheets and curtains, as these can also hold dust and allergens.
Disinfecting Surfaces for Newborn
Cleaning is not enough to create baby-safe zones. You need to disinfect surfaces, too, for newborns. Use a mild disinfectant or a baby-friendly cleaner. You must avoid harsh chemicals as exposure to them can be harmful to children. Disinfect all the items in the house that the baby may come in contact with.
Try Deep Cleaning Carpets for Baby
Dirty carpets can hide dust, allergens, and germs that can harm new babies. It’s important to deep clean them thoroughly. Use vacuums with HEPA filters to remove dust and small particles. A steam cleaner can then clean the carpet and kill bacteria and viruses. This will sanitise the carpet and prevent germs that pose threats to babies. You may have to contact professionals in case you don’t have the necessary equipment.
Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is often a highly infected area in the house. It should be deep cleaned before bringing a new baby into the house. Though children won’t eat cooked food, you may have to use kitchen appliances for various purposes. Clean the sink, countertops, and kitchen appliances, such as the microwave and refrigerator. Pay special attention to where food is prepared. Make sure not to skip high-touch areas like handles and knobs.
Cleaning Air Vents and Filters
Vents and filters are crucial to maintain air quality. Over time, they can get dirty and clogged. It’s important to check on them before the arrival of the new member. Clean them thoroughly and replace the filter if needed. They will maintain air quality and prevent air pollution, the second leading risk factor for death among children. UNICEF shares that it caused 709,000 deaths in children under 5 years old in the last 5 years. You must not be lazy to clean air filters in HVAC systems every few months. And you must do it just before the new baby arrives.
Baby Nursery Cleaning
Since the baby will spend most of the time in the nursery, it should have priorities. Don’t add too many items in the nursery. Include only the necessary ones. This will offer less place for microbes to grow. Besides, it will also make the cleaning process easier. You can always add more items when the baby grows. Clean the room properly, including the windows, ceiling, floors, and other items.
Washing Baby Clothes Before Birth
Infants have sensitive skin. New clothes often have chemicals, dust, or allergens. They can irritate the baby and cause health issues. Washing them will remove these harmful substances. You should do this while cleaning the house for the baby. This improves time management after birth. You may find it difficult to clean the clothes once the baby comes to the house. Keep prepared multiple sets of:
- Blankets
- Towels
- Clothes
- Shocks
- Shoes
- Headwear, etc.
Cleaning Baby Toys and Bottles
Many may not want to include these items when cleaning the house. But you should. These are going to be near the baby all the time. They may grab and even try to put them into their mouths once they are a few months old. New toys often have substances on them that are not safe for babies. Therefore, you should clean them with clean water and dish soap before bringing them near to the baby.
Sanitising Baby Furniture
If you have bought furniture for them, clean them first. They are probably holding thousands of bacteria. Don’t let the child sleep on them without cleaning. Use a damp cloth to remove dust and spills. Baby furniture to sanitise includes:
- Crib
- Changing table
- High chairs
- Rocking chair
- Toy storage
- Playpen, etc.
Clean the Bathroom and the Toilet
Bathrooms can harbour germs and bacteria that might affect your baby’s health. E.coli, salmonella, enterococcus, etc., are commonly found in bathrooms. While deep cleaning, don’t leave anything overlooked. Maintain this short checklist for deep cleaning bathrooms:
- Toilet bowl, seat, lid, and outer parts
- Sink and faucets
- Mirrors and glass
- Countertops and cosmetic shelves
- Tiles
- Empty the trash.
Decluttering the House and Organising Baby Essentials
Decluttering before a baby arrives helps create a more organised and safe environment. It helps to have a baby-proofing home. Sort through all the items and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Organise remaining items in designated spaces. This process also contributes to stress reduction. Also, focus on organising baby essentials. Make sure they are clean, disinfected, and safe for the baby.
Use Safe Cleaning Products for Babies
You must keep it on top of your priority list. Using safe cleaning products is as important as cleaning the house. You must avoid any cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. They can get mixed into the air or stay in the item, eventually finding their way to reach the baby.
Chemical exposure is severely harmful to children. It can cause various diseases, even death. Chemicals used in cleaning products can lead to acute poisoning. A study shows that acute poisoning from household chemicals causes around 45,000 child deaths every year. It shows the danger of using chemical cleaners. You had better use green cleaning products for deep cleaning. They use natural cleaners, such as:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Castile soap
- Essential oils, like tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, etc.
Call Professional Cleaners
Many new parents often make the mistake of DIY cleaning. It’s not safe, especially when you are about to bring a new baby into the house. Professional cleaners have advanced tools and equipment to offer you a stainless result. Their cleaning checklist covers everything from the living room to bathrooms and other items. Besides, they know how to handle different items. Carpets, kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, etc., all require different cleaning approaches.
Deep cleaning the whole house can be time-consuming and stressful. You may miss some of the corners. But, expert cleaners know the commonly overlooked spaces. They will clean, check, and recheck to confirm everything is thoroughly cleaned. It may seem expensive, but professional services are proven cost-effective in the long run.
Final Thought
Babies need and deserve a clean environment. Follow these pre-baby home deep cleaning tips to have a safe environment for babies. If any help is needed, call Eco Cleaning Brisbane. We have expert cleaners who are accustomed to cleaning any household item. Our cleaning method only includes non-toxic cleaners. We are committed to making the house clean, sanitised, and safe for the baby. Our 20 years of experience and reputed service bear our testimony.
