Yes, washing bottles cannn be overwhelming. Ifkyk.
One of my most popular lemon8 posts so far is a post where I’m sharing my experience being and overwhelmed first time mom, trying to keep up with the dishes which now include baby bottles with little parts in each. It may not seem like much but over time with everything else, little can become so much.
We didn’t need that many bottles, but in the beginning it helped having many clean when washing dishes was the last thing on my mind I could wait a bit longer before needing to worry about them. Dad was able to help much more in the beginning as well and we had bottle sterilizers etc.
However, now that my son has turned one and even the past few months before then, I’ve been using less bottles. Im trying to get rid of a lot of extra, unnecessary items around the house in general. Thats how you kick off spring cleaning right? Sometimes I still wash one bottle each feeding.
But I’ve gotten rid of some and just kept some to the side so it’s not much. He’s learning to use a sippy cup and regular cups. Straws and all lol. Bottles will hopefully be out of here very soon. Unless of course another baby came along lol.
no, that’s no hint.
Maybe I should get rid of a few dishes next. A little goes a long way. Less is more they say lol. In this case more peace of mind and time to do other things.
How often do you wash dishes? Any tips other than using less or rotating with family members in the house? For those who may not have that option or already use less and still find things overwhelming.
... Read moreYou know that feeling, right? Even after you’ve cut down on the number of bottles, those tiny parts can still morph into a mountainous challenge. I remember staring at a kitchen sink overflowing with numerous dirty baby bottles and their small parts, just completely defeated. My journey from being that overwhelmed first-time mom struggling with endless washing to having a clean, empty double kitchen sink didn't happen overnight, but it started with small, intentional steps.
One of the biggest game-changers for me, especially without a dishwasher, was adopting a 'rinse and soak' method immediately after each feeding. As soon as a bottle was empty, a quick rinse with warm water and then straight into a basin filled with hot, soapy water. This simple act prevented milk from drying and becoming a nightmare to scrub later. I found a compact bottle drying rack that fit neatly on the counter, making sure everything had a designated spot. It’s not about doing it perfectly every time, but about making it easier for your future self.
Beyond the bottles, I realized a lot of my mental load stemmed from just having too many 'things piled up' everywhere. The 'less is more' philosophy wasn't just a catchy phrase; it became my survival guide. I started with one small area—a junk drawer, a single shelf in the pantry. Instead of aiming for a perfectly styled home, I focused on reducing visual clutter. It felt like I was decluttering my brain as much as my home. Donating items I hadn't used in months or years, even if I thought I 'might need them someday,' freed up so much space and, more importantly, mental energy.
For fellow busy moms, especially those of us whose brains operate on a slightly different frequency, establishing simple, repeatable routines has been a lifesaver. My 'productivity hack' isn't about cramming more into the day, but about simplifying what needs to be done. A quick sweep of the living room before bed, wiping down the kitchen counter, or loading the drying rack before turning in. These aren't huge tasks, but they prevent the overwhelming build-up that can paralyze you. It’s not about being a 'joy loving home sahm' with a perfectly pristine house, but about creating an environment that supports your peace and sanity.
Seeing fewer baby bottles and sippy cups, and instead, a tidy counter with just a few essentials, really does shift the vibe of the whole house. It’s a quiet victory, a small moment of calm in the beautiful chaos of motherhood. The transformation from an overwhelming pile of bottles and general household clutter to a more manageable, organized space is a continuous journey. But every step, no matter how small, counts towards a less overwhelming, more joyful mom life. What small changes have made the biggest difference in your daily routine?