Surprising Things I Never Imagined Cleaning Until I Became a Parent

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Ah, the joys of parenthood! You know it’s going to be a bit chaotic, but nothing quite prepares you for the unexpected cleaning tasks that come with a newborn. I figured I’d be dealing with dirty diapers, spit-up, and the occasional snotty nose, but some things really caught me off guard. So, grab your disinfectant wipes, because here are five surprising things I’ve found myself cleaning far more often than I ever anticipated.

1. Lint
   Seriously, it’s everywhere! From under tiny fingernails to between those adorable little toes, lint seems to multiply. And let’s not even talk about what’s lurking in their belly buttons—yikes!
2. Earwax
   I knew babies produced earwax, but I was shocked by the sheer volume. It’s as if those tiny ears are in a constant battle to keep up with the gooey buildup!
3. Boogers
   The amount of snot that can come from such a small human is astonishing. Whether I’m using a bulb syringe or just dealing with it on my shoulder, get ready for a snotty surprise.
4. Bottom Crevices
   You think you’ve wiped thoroughly, only to discover that sneaky little dip at the top of their butt (I like to call it the “cleftal horizon”). It has an uncanny ability to hide all sorts of stuff—poop, lint, and even leftover diaper cream!
5. Neck Cheese
   Oh, the joy of cleaning those adorable neck folds! They seem to attract a weird mix of dried milk, sweat, and more lint. And once you get a whiff, it’s a smell that sticks with you all day long.

But hey, it’s not all bad! These little messes just give you even more reasons to enjoy those sweet bonding moments—especially during bath time. For more relatable parenting insights, check out this post on Modern Family Blog. And if you’re thinking about starting a family, you can find excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination at March of Dimes or check out the top at-home insemination kit provider in the world at Make A Mom.

Summary

Parenting is full of surprises, especially when it comes to cleaning up after your little ones. From lint and earwax to those unexpected neck folds, new parents quickly learn to embrace the mess as part of the joy of raising a child.