How to Clean Your Home While Watching a Toddler

If you are a stay-at-home mom, working parent or childcare provider you know that it can be difficult to complete simple, daily tasks while still keeping a close eye on a toddler. Luckily, there are so many more safety devices, entertainment devices and child carryiers on the market now than there were twenty years ago, so reaching goals in the home is much easier than it used to be and can be accomplished without frustration.

Safety First

The first thing you can do to make at-home tasks easier on both you and your toddler is to make sure your home is childproof. This includes covering outlets, securing mini-blind strings, latching cabinets and anything else that may be a risk to your toddler's inquisitive ways. It is impossible to make your home accident-proof, however, you can stay one step ahead of potential hazards with the many safety aids available.

The easiest way to gain a few extra minutes for yourself is to childproof one room where there is little or no chance your toddler could get hurt. The kitchen or dining area is a great room to do this to because it is a place where you can get the most housework accomplished. Keep a play yard in the room also or near the room in case you need to leave the room for a few minutes. Set up play stations for your toddler to keep them occupied while you work. For example, secure them in a high chair with a toy that keeps them occupied if you really need five minutes to accomplish a task where it helps to be uninterrupted. Save a new toy for a time when you need to clean a large area because new toys tend to keep the attention span of a toddler longer. Always keep a toddler with you. It only takes a second for a child to get hurt in a room that you thought was completely childproof.

That's Entertainment

Toddlers are entertained by almost anything, especially if it is something they don't often get to play with. Keep a box of special toys that are only brought out when you are folding laundry or vacuuming. The special toys will intrigue the child because they know they don't get access to them all the time.

Oddly enough, toddlers often find things interesting that aren't meant to be toys. Keep a cupboard in the kitchen filled with seldom used safe, plastic bowls and cups or anything else they find intriguing. Coffee filters can keep an 18 month-old mesmerized for longer than you would think. Just make sure the toddler is not prone to putting things in their mouth. If that were the case coffee filters would not be something they should play with. Use your best judgment.

Television is controversial these days and many studies have shown that children under the age of two should not watch TV. at all. If your child is over the age of two or you have determined that you will allow a small amount of TV. each day, use this time to get a few things done. It is not a good idea, however, to let the television be used as a babysitter. Toddlers need interaction in order to learn and develop properly.

Carry On

Many child carriers are meant to be used for up to 35 lbs. or more depending on the carrier. If you are physically able to carry your child in a carrier, use it while you vacuum or throw a load of laundry in the dryer. Carriers are wonderful devices for moving from room to room with your toddler and still remaining hands free. Different carriers allow for different carrying positions, including side carrying and backpack style. This will give you more room to attend to other things. Always read the directions for your carrier and understand how to use it properly and securely before toting your child around for any amount of time.

Teach Your Children Well

It is never too early to start teaching your child about day-to-day chores. A toddler will not be able to do chores themselves, but you can involve them in things like helping you hold the vacuum hose while you vacuum, wipe as you spray cleaner (if you are using natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda), or pick up a toy room. This will slow down the cleaning process, however you can still get something accomplished and your toddler will feel included in the process.