The thrill of expecting a new baby is indescribable. You’re about to embark on one of the most amazing journeys of your life. And even though you know the changes that await you, nothing can truly prepare you for parenthood.
One of the first things you must do when preparing for a new baby is to childproof your home. This means making your home safe for a crawling or walking infant. You’ll need to get down on all fours and look at your home from your baby’s point of view. Crawl around and see what they will be able to reach and touch. Here are some of the things you need to do:
Cover electrical outlets
As any parent knows, a new baby brings a lot of changes to the house. One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for your new arrival is to ensure all electrical outlets are covered. Babies are curious and will put their fingers or objects into any open space they can find.
This will help prevent curious little fingers from sticking into sockets and hurting. You can buy outlet covers at most hardware stores or even online. Just be sure to choose ones that are child-resistant and easy for adults to use. Once you’ve covered all your outlets, you’ll be one step closer to making your home safe and welcoming for your new baby.
Consider major restoration
A house will eventually need some significant restoration. It is best to do this before a baby arrives. Some parents wait until the baby is born, but this can be risky. Many dangers come with having young children in the house during a renovation, such as lead paint and other toxins.
One of the most essential restorations you might want to consider is fixing your outdated flooring. If you have wooden floors, it would be wiser to hire experts who are good at sanding and refinishing wood floorings. This is because wood floors tend to be slippery, and babies learning to walk could easily slip and hurt themselves.
Install gates at the top and bottom of stairs
Keeping a new baby safe is a top priority. One way to help ensure your little one’s safety is to install gates at the top and bottom of any stairs in your home. Gates can help to prevent your baby from taking a tumble down the stairs, and they can also provide a barrier to keep curious toddlers from exploring off-limits areas of the house. When choosing gates, be sure to select ones that are made from durable materials and that are easy to install. Also, ensure the gates fit snugly against the stairway, so there is no risk of gaps or openings.
Put locks on doors and cabinets
So you’re getting ready for a new arrival! A new baby brings so much joy and new challenges – especially when it comes to making your home safe. One thing you’ll want to do is put locks on all doors and cabinets. That way, you can keep your little one out of harm’s way. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
- Start with the doors. Look for ones that have childproof locks or other devices that will keep kids from being able to open them.
- For cabinets, look for latches that can be installed inside the door frame. That way, even if a curious little one manages to open the door, they won’t be able to get into the cabinet.
- Finally, don’t forget windows! If they’re low enough that a baby could reach them, make sure they’re locked tight.
Build a nursery room
One of the most exciting things about preparing for a new baby is getting the nursery ready. This is a chance to create a special space just for your little one, and there are few things more fun than picking out paint colors and lovely décor. But before you start shopping for wall art and stuffed animals, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind.
For example, you’ll want to ensure the nursery is comfortably warm since babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults. You’ll also want to childproof the space, keeping harmful chemicals and small objects out of reach. But don’t worry. With a bit of planning you can easily create a safe, cozy haven for your new bundle of joy.
The bottom line
Preparing for a new baby can be a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting time. By taking some simple steps to childproof your home and create a safe and welcoming environment, you can ensure that your little one will have everything they need to live in a happy and healthy home.
