The first few weeks and months with a newborn are exciting, joyful – and exhausting.
So it’s the ideal time to hire a cleaner to give you more time with your baby, friends and family – without thinking about cleaning.
Why hire a cleaner
When you’re expecting a baby, hiring a cleaner isn’t a luxury. Your cleaner is an essential service to support you. Here’s why.
- Your body will recover more quickly if you rest
- You’ll feel more in control and less overwhelmed if your space is clean and calm – so it’s good for your emotional wellbeing
- You’ll have more time to spend with your baby
- You won’t feel the need to do chores when your baby is sleeping – you can sleep too.
The nesting phase
When you’re getting ready for the birth of your baby, there’s a lot to think about. Many new parents feel the need to start “nesting” as the birth gets closer. You might get a sudden urge to redecorate and make everything perfect for your new arrival. But remember, whatever Instagram might tell you, your baby doesn’t need everything new or colour-coordinated. They won’t care whether the curtains match the wallpaper as long as they are loved, clean and fed.
As you get into the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you’ll feel so much more relaxed if your home is sparkling clean, organised and ready for your new arrival.
But this is also the time when you should conserve your energy. You might still be working. You’ll be feeling tired, and you might find you’re not sleeping as well. Spend time doing the things you love, whether that’s sitting down with a good book or bingeing on a box set. Once baby arrives, me-time may have to take a back seat for a while.
So, this is the perfect time to hire a cleaner.
Support when you need it
Don’t wait till your baby is born before you hire a cleaner. By bringing your cleaner on board before your baby arrives, you’ll have time to get to know each other. Your cleaner will get to know your home pre-baby, and they’ll understand how everything works. This means less time and energy spent explaining – and more time for you to spend resting and sharing your newborn with friends and family.
Your cleaner can help with:
- Deep cleaning to ensure your home is hygienic for your new arrival
- Cleaning the fridge and organising the freezer (great if you’re planning to batch cook)
- Organising cupboards to make space for baby’s things
- General cleaning (bathrooms, kitchen, vacuuming, dusting etc)
- Preparing your guest room if you’re expecting family to come to stay
- Laundry and ironing.
By arranging regular cleaning visits before the birth, you’ll come home from hospital to a clean and calm space.
And remember – you do not need to tidy up before your cleaner arrives!
Asking for help
As well as hiring a cleaner, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Often people want to do something to support you, but aren’t sure what you need. Encourage visitors who want to bring a gift to consider practical things like nappies, or a meal, rather than flowers.
Ask for help with dog walking, entertaining older children, the school run, or shopping.
Accept any offers of pre-loved baby clothes. You’ll be amazed how many vests and sleepsuits you’ll get through some days. Your washing machine will thank you if you have plenty of spares.
Sharing meals
In my church, we use the brilliant MealTrain app to organise meals for new parents. It’s simple to set up, and allows people to pledge when they will provide a meal and arrange drop off. It’s also perfect when someone has had surgery or an illness. I was so grateful for the meals my friends brought to me when I was off my feet after I injured my Achilles tendon.
I’ve now introduced MealTrain in my choir and I’ve been delighted to be able to deliver home-cooked meals to 2 new mums. You can find out more about MealTrain here.
Final thoughts
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it’s never been more true than in those first few weeks. Arranging help, whether that’s hiring a cleaner, or asking for support from friends and family, is a gift to yourself and to your baby, so you can take time to enjoy making precious memories.
