Things to Clean Before a Baby Comes

An expectant mother hopes to bring a healthy baby into a pure world, free from harm. Parents can take a proactive approach by cleaning and preparing their home before the baby arrives. You should consider the impurities that could be harmful to a newborn's skin and prevent issues through thorough cleaning.

  1. Clothing

    • Prior to your baby's homecoming, wash a portion of your newborn's clothing. Try to wash all of the 0-3-month clothing that your baby will most likely be able to fit into from day one or early on. Use a special baby detergent or one that is free of dyes and fragrances. Wash baby clothing like onesies, bodysuits, socks, T-shirts, pajamas, sleepers, pants and scratch mitts. Additionally, you should wash your own clothing like shirts, camisoles, nursing bras or reusable nursing pads that will likely come in contact with your child. Avoid waiting until the last minute to do this when you may be too tired or end up going into labor earlier than you expect.

    Linens

    • Clean any linens your baby may come into contact with by running these items through the washing machine. Use a gentle baby detergent or one that has no dyes or added scents that could be potentially harmful to your baby's sensitive skin. Linens to wash include crib or playard sheets, blankets, receiving blankets, bumper pads, quilts, bibs, burp cloths, washcloths and towels. Consider washing your comforter and bed linens if you think you may partake in cosleeping with your baby.

    Toys

    • Clean any toys that you plan to give your baby. Some toys come with specific cleaning instructions to follow. Otherwise, play it safe by using natural cleaning options. Plastic and wooden toys can be cleaned in warm, soapy water. Another safe option is to spray a washcloth with a spray bottle that consists of 1 cup water and 1 cup distilled white vinegar and then wipe the toys with the washcloth. Most fabric toys can be washed on the gentle cycle in the washing machine or hand-washed, unless otherwise instructed on the tag.

    Home

    • Clean your home prior to bringing your baby home from the hospital. You will not have the time or energy to clean once you have your little one home. It is also likely that you will have visitors, and you'll want your home to be ready for company. Complete the necessary cleaning that you would normally do, such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, surface cleaning and toilets. Rearrange furniture, if needed, such as placing your rocking chair or glider in a location where you can have easy access. Additionally, you may want to reorganize cupboards or closets so that the baby items can be easily reached.

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