Good housekeeping with a newborn and a toddler?

[Laurtopsy]

Good housekeeping with a newborn and a toddler - is this even possible?

I gave birth four days ago and since I came home on the second day I've been doing my regular load of housework because I feel able to. I wash the dishes as they pile up, I keep the kitchen counter tops clear, I clean the toilet daily, hoover the living room and halls daily, put in washing when it needs to be done and let the tumble dryer dry it for me and I try to keep things in some kind of organised chaos so I can find nappies and wipes when I need them.

DF tries to help as much as he can now he's on paternity leave until January but I know I'm going to have to do all of this alone when he goes back to work and it's daunting. The prospect of trying to keep on top of everything with two and a half year old DD and newborn DD2 who will obviously still be breastfeeding scares the bejesus out of me.

Any tips?

Stick to the priorities which are looking after yourself, getting enough rest etc so that you are fit to look after the children. After that it's the kitchen and toilet that needs to be kept clean. You do not need to hoover every day surely? it would wear anyone out. Drop that sort of standard, (nothing bad will happen if you have dirty windows for example) so that you can cheerfully enjoy the children. A bit of fluff can wait. Don't be so hard on yourself and do not apologise to other people when they visit for the "state" of your home. Have confidence in your self.

Stop it, stop it. You will never have this time with your little ones again. And you need to allow yourself to settle into your new life as mum to two kids with very different needs.

What are your priorities: a spotless house or happy kids? You can pay a cleaner to help you withthe former, and then if I were you I'd plan to do specific tasks on the same days each week so that you're freed up to have special time with each child every day. You might even manage a cup of tea and some cake to yourself once in a while. Much as having a messy home stresses me out, the benefits of spending focused, special time with my baby and 4yo far outweigh the costs.

I agree with the others- just make sure the loo and the kitchen are hygienic. Everything else can wait. Congratulations and enjoy your newborn!

Dettol spray and cupboards are your friend. The bin is a very big friend.

Say goodbye to your floors they are soon to be covered in toys.

And for the love of god, sit down. you will not cope with anything if you run round like a loon now.

Congratulations though!

Watching this thread with interest. DC2 due in Feb & DD will be 19 months the. Saldy ignorig the filth will not work for me - I have asthma so if I let the dust build up, it makes me ill....

Ive got a 7mth old and a 3 year old and ive given up even trying to get the house spotless. DS who is 8 helps a lot by tydying his things but the 3yr old is like a tornado!

I sit 7mth old in her bumbo infront of the washer (it really works!) and try do kitchen as fast as i can, then when shes sleeping in afternoon and DD1 is at nursery i try clean living room and hallway. I give bathroom a once over before flopping into bed. Washing is done by DP and DS helps to put away. DS cleans his own room and DD1 cleans her room with a bit of help from DP. I try to have a declutter once a mth but sometimes it doesnt happen :(

Beds are never made and sometimes ironing isnt done for over a week but its not the end of the world.

• Newborn in sling or bouncy chair and placed in each room that you are cleaning / sorting.
• Get toddler involved - give her a feather duster or tea towel to swan around with or simply set her up with an activity
• Clean bathroom when toddler is in bath (and baby in sling/bouncy chair (clean actual bath when toddler is attempting to dry herself / occupied)
• Keep on top of clutter each day - little and often - keep tidying up more than cleaning

Be prepared to be interrupted frequently and let your standards slip a bit.

dc3 due in a couple of months and i'm getting a cleaner. we've cut back on so many things but i really don't think i can cope with 3 under 3yr olds and without the house having a proper clean once a week so this is a luxury dh is treating me to!

i spent a lot of time fussing over housework when dc2 was a baby and now feel v.guilty that i was cleaning cupboard doors instead of spending time with both of them.
i do dishes and clean kitchen after lunch when they're sleeping, dh does them after dinner. put washing on as i'm going out, bathroom gets a wipe when i can manage - usually when dh is home. i got lots of big boxes that stack up/fit on the bookcase to throw toys into so is quick and easy to tidy up, and a handheld hoover to do the really grotty bits till i can manage a full house hoover.

i got totally exhausted and fed up after a few months after dc2 arrived - my mum has since commented about how i was v.short tempered with her and dh. i didn't realise how bad i was but was stressing about trying to keep the house and routines in order and not managing very well.

How are you finding time for all that? I have ds 4 years, Dd 2 years and a 2 week old ds. I feel like I have been glued to the sofa feeding him all the time. My husband has been doing most of the housework and looking after the older 2. I have no idea how I will cope when he goes back to work!