Preparing Your Home for the New Baby
You’ve had your baby’s room painted, bought all the necessary gear, and stocked up on diapers. You’re ready to go! Well, not exactly. If you want to be truly prepared for the new addition to your family, then it is time to start preparing your home for an infant.
Preparing your home for a baby is much more than just cleaning. It involves everything from changing the way your living room looks to modifying daily habits and routines. Here are some of the tips for preparing your home for a baby.
Declutter
One of the best ways to make room for a baby is to get rid of stuff. You will no longer need some items when you have your little one, so it’s time to purge! Start by setting aside everything you know you won’t be able to use with an infant in the house.
Plan Activities Before your Baby Arrives
The first weeks after your baby is born will be filled with lots of rest and feeding times. It is best to plan activities your baby can do alongside you before the little one has arrived to ensure that you are not spending all day in the house after being discharged from the hospital.
Preparing for a new baby is essentially preparing for change. If you want this transition to be as smooth as possible, you need to step out of your comfort zone and plan for the future.
Safety First
Make sure plastic safety plugs cover all electrical outlets in the baby’s room. Check that there aren’t any exposed cords that a baby can get entangled in. All window guards and door locks should be safe enough to keep the little one out of trouble as well as prevent him from escaping.
Air Quality
Check if all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are in working condition and change the batteries when necessary. Also, install a clean air stove or furnace filter, which you can find at most hardware stores.
Baby Proofing
Put plastic caps over all the electrical outlets, install window guards and safety locks on all exterior doors before your baby arrives. Consider putting a plastic film over any glass tables or tall furniture to prevent scratches if your baby should fall. If you have a basement, make sure to look into basement waterproofing from ‘58 Foundations to prevent slips and falls.
Nourishment
Prepare sterilized feeding equipment for when you are discharged from the hospital, along with bottles, formula milk, and other sensitive food. Also, prepare a feeding schedule with your partner while you are still in the hospital so that one parent is at home to feed the baby while the other rests.
Outdoor Safety
If you live in an apartment, make sure all windows can be easily opened and locks on exterior doors are sturdy enough for any intruder.
Diapers and Wipes
Stock up on enough diapers to last your baby two weeks after you are discharged from the hospital. Pack extra wipes in case they are needed for something else as well.
Stroller
Make sure that it is assembled properly and has all its parts before the baby arrives, including any safety belts required by law where you live. Ensure that your partner knows how to assemble and disassemble it.
Crib
Ensure that it meets safety standards and has not been recalled. Check if the mattress is a firm, breathable crib mattress for your newborn. You can check out Naturepedic organic crib mattresses for newborns that are breathable and incredibly soft.
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Preparing Your Home for the New Baby
