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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

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Original poster

So - how do you clean with no DP and a baby who will not sleep

22 replies

beanlet · 20/02/2011 17:40

And cries when you put him down/walk out of the room?

Sorry - first time mum thread, and I know it will just sound laughable to some of you. But I'm Slightly beside myself, as I have a disaster area of a house and can't work out how to do it. Do I leave DS (7 months) to cry his little heart out? Strap him to me in a sling? that works for some things but not washing up or hoovering or lots of bending over to pick stuff up.

I have no help - no nearby family or friends. Normally DH and I do it between us, but he's in the States for two weeks working.

Any advice welcome!

OP posts:

Plumm · 20/02/2011 17:40

Can you afford a cleaner for a couple of weeks?

OhYouBadBadKitten · 20/02/2011 17:44

in teeny tiny bits. I used to concentrate on 3 things:
keeping up with the washing (dont bother with the iron)
make sure dishes are done
and make sure that where I usually sat I had one lovely clear surface next to me for my cup of tea/book.
The rest will come but a sling/backpack does really help.

Panzee · 20/02/2011 17:46

How is he with a travel cot and a pile of toys?

onepieceoflollipop · 20/02/2011 17:48

I agree with Kitten. I try and break jobs down into 5-10 minutes chunks and do a few of those per day. for example, loading washing machine takes say 3 minutes. Change bed 5 minutes. Hoover one room, 5 minutes.

You may find that the baby is more amenable if you do the noisy jobs e.g. hoovering (or he may hate it.)

MogadoredMemoo · 20/02/2011 17:49

A combination of doing the essentials when he is asleep and lowering you're standards.

earwicga · 20/02/2011 17:51

Do you have a bouncer chair or a playpen? Both can be moved around the house.

caughtinanet · 20/02/2011 17:55

For 2 weeks I wouldn't worry too much.

How does your DS sleep at night ?

Could you throw in a wash and do the dishes as soon as he goes to bed and at 7mths crying for a while isn't going to do him any harm.

I guess there's not too much else to tidy upw with just the two of you at home

create · 20/02/2011 17:59

I agree with Kitten too. Before DC I used to think it wasn't worth bothering cleaning uless I had time to do the whole house in one go, now I think 20 mins in one go is a lot. Its amazing what can be achieved in 10 mins - takes 7 mins to strip and remake a double bed , 3 mins to empty the dishwasher

DS1 used to like being in a sling while I hoovered. It gets easier once they can sit/stand. I used to let them play in the bath while I cleaned the rest of the bathroom for example.

Trina82 · 20/02/2011 18:05

I used to do stupid dancing whilst walking around dusting/tidying up etc...worked a treat, made sure curtains where shut tho! This is probably a bit of 'seperation anxiety' aswell, so maybe research that and try some tips, leaving a little bit longer each time till you pick him up etc. If he is beginning to eat how about putting him in highchair with a few finger foods in the room you are in? Might keep him occupied for 10 minutes... or I had one of them net things with handle on to put food in so they get the taste, this worked really well ith my ds. x

CeliaFate · 20/02/2011 19:40

Put a dvd/cbeebies on for 30 minutes. It won't do any harm. Or make a "nest" in the room you're cleaning with cushions and toys. Shove bleach down the loo after you've used it. Wipe the seat with a Flash wipe.

Can you put him in a buggy and wheel him from room to room?!

Put him in the highchair when you clean the kitchen.

swanriver · 20/02/2011 20:35

it doesn't sound laughable to me - I can't remember getting anything done whilst ds1 was awake. He did have a long nap though. Could you concentrate on the nap part of the day, and making it work, then think about cleaning...ie: take baby for walk to get him to sleep.

Original poster

beanlet · 20/02/2011 20:47

These are all great suggestions THANKYOU! Yes, I've always been one to do chores in one big blitz, but it just doesn't work now.

I managed to wash up while he was sitting in his highchair waiting for his dinner to be defrosted and reheated, which was a great achievement! He's asleep now, but I have to work this evening. I'm putting a couple of loads of clothes through, and will think about the rest of the house tomorrow... Will let you know how I get on!

OP posts:

tomhardyismydh · 20/02/2011 20:50

not ideal at 7months but I did still from time to time use a sling with my demanding dd even when she was a year old and I had specific things to do.

Original poster

beanlet · 20/02/2011 20:54

BTW love the stupid dancing! I do this too, to distract him from crying e.g. when I put him down to put my clothes on (yes, at the moment it's that bad. The weird thing is he goes to nursery two days a week and loves it, no problems. I wonder whether he's compensating with loads of mummy cuddles when he's with me?)

OP posts:

mousymouse · 21/02/2011 09:04

get a sling/carrier where you can carry baby on your back.
sit heim in a bouncer next to you.
give him a "task", just give him a clothh to (pretend) polish

twinky · 21/02/2011 09:48

To be honest I can't remember when you are supposed to be able to put a baby in them but my DS loved being in his baby walker in the kitchen while I dashed around manically doing as much as I could. I remember how exhausting this stage is but when he's older he won't remember or care if the house was a state! Do what you can and don't worry if things are a bit messy for two weeks. You can only do so much.

trixymalixy · 21/02/2011 19:27

Bouncy chair in front of the washer/ dryer. Will either send them to sleep or keep them fascinated for 20 mins or so!!!

MoonUnitAlpha · 21/02/2011 19:33

I have a carrier that I can wear on my back, keeps ds out of the way for washing up/hoovering/cooking. I also put him in a door bouncer.

Actually, I think I would put him down and let him cry sometimes - keep in sight and reassure him verbally, but let him know it's fine to be put down and nothing bad will happen.

jinxediam · 21/02/2011 19:35

I used a sling which was a godsend as DS2 was a velcro baby was hard work tho as I had an CS and he was a lump!

OADCB · 21/02/2011 19:36

Trixy that is much better advice than my offering.

I was going to say bouncer and Hoover. It drowns the noise out

BluddyMoFo · 21/02/2011 19:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

beanlet · 21/02/2011 19:58

Well, I managed to tidy our bedroom today by putting DS in his cot with lots of toys. Still wailed like a banshee whenever I left the room, and would only sleep in my arms... Tomorrow i think we will attempt to clean downstairs with baby in his travel cot. Think I need to buy a bouncy chair.

OP posts:

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