Mom Life Made Easier: Quick Tips for a Cleaner, Calmer Home

Motherhood Is Messy—And That’s Okay

In my last post, I talked about how messy motherhood can be (and shared a few of my favorite mom-approved products that help along the way). Today, I want to shift gears and share the practical habits that help me stay organized, keep our home tidier, and bring a little calm to the inevitable chaos of raising kids.

These small, intentional changes make a huge difference in our daily routine—and in my sanity!

These small changes make a big difference in our daily routine:

  1. “Food stays in the kitchen, please!”

    This is one of the most repeated phrases in our house. With little ones still learning, I remind them that food belongs in the kitchen (or outside).

    Sticking to this rule helps keep our home more orderly—and let’s be honest, it saves me from wiping yogurt off the couch or finding crackers under the bed.

    Parenthood is full of small wins like these. For more everyday sanity savers, check out our blog for other parenting tips and practical advice that supports moms during feeding transitions and beyond.

  2. Tidy up after meals and playtime

    Depending on our schedule, I make it a habit to clean up after each meal—wiping tables, counters, and chairs. The same goes for playtime: if I know a certain set of toys won’t be revisited, I put them away right away.

    This simple habit prevents a full-blown disaster zone at the end of the day. With young kids, things can spiral fast if you don’t stay ahead of the mess!

    If you’re juggling cleaning while managing bottle refusal or feeding routines, take a look at our Feeding FAQ for quick solutions to make your day smoother.

  3. No shoes in the house

    This rule started for sanitary reasons (since we spend plenty of time at farms and parks), but it also makes a big difference in keeping dirt out of the house.

    My kids know the routine now: shoes off at the door. It’s a small habit that keeps our floors cleaner and reduces the time I spend vacuuming.

    When we’re coming home from busy days, I love having comforting routines that help the kids feel settled—just like using our Bottimals bottle-lovey does for feeding transitions.

  4. Weekly car cleanouts

    If you’re a parent, you know the car is often the messiest place of all. Snacks appear the second seatbelts click, and spills happen no matter how careful you are.

    One of my best mom hacks was getting a monthly car wash membership. I do a quick weekly cleanout inside and out—it keeps things manageable. If a membership isn’t in your budget, set a reminder to clean out your car once a week and keep wipes handy.

    You’ll thank yourself later (especially when you’re not discovering that dreaded month-old milk bottle under a seat). For more small habit ideas that free up your time, read how I simplify our daily routine

  5. Evening bedroom cleanup

    Before bedtime, I have the kids do a quick tidy-up of their rooms. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just enough to reset the space.

    Starting the next morning fresh makes a huge difference in our family’s rhythm. A calm environment sets the tone for calmer feeding moments, too—especially during tricky transitions from breast to bottle.

    Learn more about the emotional side of baby feeding on our Science Behind the Scent page.

Finding Calm in the Chaos

Motherhood may always be a little messy, but with a few intentional routines, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These habits help our home feel calmer, more manageable, and—most importantly—give us more time to enjoy the moments that really matter.

For more insights, visit the Bottimals Blog for stories, tips, and science-backed support to help your baby love feeding time again.

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