TL;DR: Toddlers are messy, no matter what they do. Something that might seem mess-free can turn into an explosion. If you’re wondering what you can do about it, this blog is full of easy and practical tips for containing, managing, and preparing for toddler messes.
Tips for Managing a Messy Toddler
Now that your little baby has turned into a toddler, you’ve become acutely aware of how messy they can be. Crumbs everywhere, fingerprints on every single surface, toys all over the place, and why are they always sticky? If you are stuck staring at a huge mess every night and it is causing you overstimulation, we are here to help. Keep reading for our tried-and-true tips for managing a messy toddler, including some of our Mom-Approved essentials that will help you in day-to-day messy toddler mom life.
What are Tips for Keeping Up with Toddler Messes?
If you’re sick of spending precious naptime minutes cleaning up after your toddler, there are many ways you can keep up with your toddler’s mess throughout the day. Some of them include:
| Use storage bins. | If toys everywhere are an issue in your household, just put them all into storage bins for easy cleanup. Don’t label them and don’t try to organize them too much. This will just add to your stress. Simply pick up and toss all toys into bins for easy and quick cleanup that your toddler can help with. |
| Contain the mess. | Crumbs everywhere? Designate a specific area for your toddler to eat, or lay down a towel or splat mat for them to eat on for easy cleaning. |
| Clean up before moving on. |
If your toddler is ready to switch gears, make sure you begin the habit of cleaning before moving on. This means spending a few moments cleaning up toys before sitting for lunch, or gathering craft supplies before heading outside to play. These quick cleans make for less stress later, even if you don’t clean all of it in the moment. |
| Keep cleaning tools handy. | Have a pack of wipes in every room so you can quickly and easily wipe messy hands, faces, or spaces as you see them. Investing in a cordless vacuum cleaner is also handy, as it is less of a fuss than regular vacuum cleaners for small messes. |
What are Tips for Keeping My Toddler Clean?
Toddlers spill, they have drippy noses, and they wipe everything everywhere. Wondering how you can keep them clean and ick-free?
Here are some tips:
- Wipe, wipe, wipe. Baby wipes are your best friend throughout the toddler years. Wipe their hands and face throughout mealtimes, craft times, and other messy activities, even if they aren’t done yet.
- Lower your own expectations. Especially if this toddler is your first child, you may not be used to these types of constant messes. It is time to accept that a magically clean and mess-free home is not the season you’re in. Instead, focus on your home being a functional, safe place for your toddler. Everything is a phase, and this phase will soon pass!
- Have outfits ready. Did your kiddo spill all over their expensive, pretty dress? Was your son’s white collared shirt destroyed within ten minutes? They’re just being toddlers! Swap out good, clean clothes only when needed for photos or special events, and have backups just in case. Because, yes, they WILL get messy!
What Can I Do to Be Proactive with my Messy Toddler?
The best thing you can do to be proactive with your toddler during this messy phase is to change your daily routine and build consistent habits. Some of these include:
- Take off your shoes before entering the home
- Involve your toddler during cleanup
- Clean their hands in the sink or with wet wipes frequently throughout the day
- Contain their messes for low-stress cleaning
- Look into washable couch cushion covers and washable rugs
You can also find games and toys that are mess-free for them to play with, such as the Innobaby Toddler-Friendly Bubble Blower!
Our bubble blower is easy enough for toddlers to use, and the included botanical solution is free of harsh soaps and detergents, making it super easy to clean. In fact, you can use it indoors!
If you have more than one toddler, using our lip guards is a great way to contain slobber and limit germs between kids, as well.