What does spring cleaning look like when you’re a new parent

As a new parent, life changes in ways you can’t fully plan for. Between sleep deprivation, feeding schedules, and figuring out how to balance work and parenthood, spring cleaning may be the last thing on your mind. And that’s okay.

Still, as winter fades and longer days return, there’s something about spring that evokes thoughts of fresh starts. You might feel the urge to open the windows, clear the winter dust bunnies, or make your home feel a little lighter, even if a full deep clean feels impossible right now.

We will walk you through smart strategies for new parents to spring clean your home, and the dos and don’ts.

Acknowledge where you are (and lower the bar a little)

Before grabbing the mop or the vacuum cleaner, take a moment to acknowledge that caring for a little human is already a full time job. It might help to let go of the idea that spring cleaning has to be monumental this year or has to be a big weekend mission. 

Trying to clean the entire house in one go may leave you exhausted and discouraged. Accepting that progress could be slow and interruptions are part of the day now, and planning around feeds, naps, and energy levels will make cleaning feel more doable.

Tip: Instead of aiming for “everything,” maybe try focusing on one small area, one room, one drawer, or even one surface at a time. 

Make a flexible checklist

One thing that genuinely helps is writing things down. A short, realistic checklist makes the chaos of spring cleaning feel more manageable because it provides direction. But here’s the key: this list is for you, not for anyone else’s expectations.

Asking yourself a few simple questions might help – 

• Where does the clutter feel most stressful right now – the nursery, kitchen, or bedroom?
  
• How much time do I realistically have – 20 minutes during a nap, or an hour while someone else watches the baby?
  
• When do I usually have the most energy?

Then think in terms of “quick wins” –

• Wiping down high-touch surfaces
  
• Clearing out expired items from the fridge
  
• Vacuuming the carpet
  

Some days you will cross things off. Other days you won’t. Both are completely okay.

Tip: When making your list, add time estimates, even if it’s just 10 minutes per task, so you can pick something that fits a gap between feeds or naps.

Focus on high-impact areas, not every corner

A full house deep clean might be out of reach right now. Instead of aiming for a spotless house, focusing on prioritizing spaces that matter the most or bring the most function to your daily life will be a more realistic goal. If it feels doable, schedule one “focus area” per short evening or weekend session.

In the kitchen, think in terms of:

• Wiping down countertops and cabinet handles
  
• Clearing the fridge of old food
  
• Freshening the oven with a simple lemon-and-water steam clean
  
• Handling that jar that has been hiding in the back since last June (maybe)
  

In the nursery, it might mean:

• Washing crib sheets, blankets, and curtains
  
• Sanitizing the changing mat and high chair
  
• Clearing surfaces that collect dust and clutter
  

Cleaning these smaller spaces will feel like progress, and a clutter-free kitchen or nursery will make your days feel calmer, even if the rest of the house stays imperfect.

Tip: Identify bigger time slots in the day when your energy is at maximum and plan on taking the biggest or hardest tasks then.

Clean in pockets of time

Instead of waiting for a “free day” that rarely arrives, cleaning in small windows, during naps, while your little one explores tummy time, or when Grandma offers to watch baby in the park, will make your progress look slow but consistent.

Using baby-safe cleaning products and tools that work quickly also makes a difference. The goal isn’t perfection, but creating a functional, safe space without adding more stress.

During these bursts of available energy, tackle easy tasks like:

• Dusting shelves
  
• Wiping doorknobs
  
• Folding a small stack of laundry

Little by little, the home might begin to feel lighter without you feeling exhausted.

Tip: If a 10-minute task feels worthwhile, go for it. Progress adds up even in pieces.

Clean safely and simply

When you do reach for cleaning products, being mindful of baby safety might matter more than ever. Consider:

• Baby-safe, fragrance-free cleaners that avoid harsh fumes
  
• Microfiber cloths that glide over surfaces with less elbow grease
  
• Quick tools like handheld vacuums that make tidying easier
  

All of these small choices can make spring cleaning feel safer and smoother, without adding stress.

Tip: If you’re unsure about a product, maybe test it in a small area first, especially near where your baby spends most of their time.

What to keep and what to let go

Spring can also be a gentle reminder to reassess what you are holding onto. Giving away outgrown clothes, unused items, or things that no longer serve your family creates space, both physically and mentally.

A few things you might choose to let go of:

• Clothes your baby has clearly outgrown
  
• Toys that haven’t been touched in months
  
• Kitchen tools that feel more like clutter than helpful
  
• Decorative items you haven’t thought about since before baby came home

Storing seasonal items like winter gear or holiday decor in labeled bins can help create space, so does moving “future size” clothes to the back of the closet. Go through the keepsake container with fresh eyes. And if a particular keepsake doesn’t spark comfort anymore, it’s okay to pass it on. 

Tip: Divide items into keep, store, donate piles and trust your instincts on what feels right today. 

A gentler way to think about spring cleaning

Spring cleaning as a new parent is about small resets, lighter and cleaner spaces, and doing what you can with the energy you have. Maybe open a window, let a bit of light and fresh air in, and consider it a win when the surfaces sparkle, even a little.

Some good reads you may like to read:

• Decluttering tips for your baby’s nursery
• Spring clean your baby’s bedtime routine
• Botanical nursery decor ideas you’ll love for spring
• Spring cleaning: Cradlewise edition – How to clean your Cradlewise