Finding out that you’re expecting is truly a remarkable moment, and chances are that you will remember it for as long as you live. That second when the doctor confirms that you’re definitely with child is exciting, bewildering, and utterly inexplicable – that’s why it’s yours to cherish and remember forever. Amidst the excitement and sheer joy, numerous troubling questions arise; problems you will have to prepare for well in advance.
One of these, of course, is transforming your home into a baby-friendly environment, and equipping it with all the necessary features for a thriving family. From creating a nursery and keeping the place clean, all the way to the essential baby supplies, let’s tackle everything you need to keep in mind before bringing your baby into your home.
Safety comes first
When a new family member is expected to come home, the interior needs to portray an oasis of safety, positivity, and serenity. Without a doubt, safety is the most important element, so make sure you prepare well in advance so that you can make the necessary alterations before the baby arrives if need be.
You can start with the kitchen, making sure every cabinet and drawer is baby-proof. Don’t forget to cover all sharp edges and corners with adhesive cushioning, and make sure there are no slippery surfaces in your home. Finally, the crib should have a tall sliding fence to prevent your baby from reaching over – add a baby monitor to the nursery and you’re set!
Build a healthy, organic nursery
Moving on, there is a need to address the biggest of all challenges for a new parent, and that is building a nursery imbued with health, flexibility, and day-long positivity. After all, you will be spending a whole lot of time here during the day, so making it as cozy and healthy as possible should be your no.1 priority. Luckily, there are several key ways you can easily make this happen.
First up is the crib. Not only does it have a tall fence, but the crib itself should be made out of healthy, sustainable materials such as bamboo wood. Make sure the linens your bundle of joy will sleep with are hypoallergenic and made out of natural materials as well.
The same should go for all accessories around the room, so choose natural jute rugs instead of synthetics that collect dirt and dust to create a comfy spot for your feet under the nursing chair. Throws and blankets should also be hypoallergenic and easy-to-wash and don’t forget to have a separate set of clean clothes just for the nursery. Finally, ensure there’s plenty of natural light in the room to banish mites and bacteria and consider improving the air quality by installing an air purifier.
Cleanliness is non-negotiable
You might have been fine with using proprietary cleaners in your home up until now, but that’s all about to change. The toxic chemicals in these products are the last thing you want your baby to touch through the fabric or worse, inhale. So, don’t think about it, just throw it all out. Instead, use natural, homemade cleaners for all your cleaning needs and you will have no problem building a healthy, chemical-free home.
Keep your home free of clutter
Physical clutter has no place in a family home, especially if you have a newborn on your hands. Not only is household clutter filled with choking hazards and is completely unsanitary, but living in a messy environment can also affect you as a parent.
Keep in mind that physical clutter quickly becomes emotional and psychological stress, so just throw away everything you don’t need and enjoy your time in a clean, clutter-free interior. Before you move on, though, remember that preserving such a living environment will require regular decluttering when the baby arrives as well.
Stock up on supplies and baby products
Lastly, there are two golden rules you need to follow: buy everything you need for the baby well in advance and never let the father make that shopping list. Be an active part of the shopping process, research the best products on the market and browse through the stores for the best toys, hygiene equipment and amenities for your new bundle of joy. When you bring all that stuff in, don’t forget to organize everything into their corresponding storage units or you will clutter up the place pretty quickly.
Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest blessings, but there are numerous precautions to take if you are to enjoy the new chapter of your life to the fullest. Follow these steps, and you will have created a baby-friendly home in no time.
