Having a new baby is going to be one of the most exciting times of your life. However, if you’re used to the childless life, your home might not be adequately prepared for your child’s arrival home. Make your home a safe oasis for your newborn by tackling the following home maintenance tasks before you give birth.
Add Storage in the Nursery
One of the first things you probably did when you found out you were pregnant was to decorate the nursery. However, one step many new parents often neglect in favor of picking paint colors and assembling the crib is adding enough storage.
Your baby is going to have a lot of things, especially as he or she continues to grow. You’ll need an arsenal of clothing in various sizes so you can accommodate those seemingly overnight growth spurts. Maximum storage space by installing stackable bins and hanging shelves in the closet or along the walls. Color coordinate each bin by size or season to keep clothes and accessories organized when things get hectic.
Upgrade Your Laundry Room
With the baby at home, your laundry duties are going to skyrocket. Whether you’re washing a soiled onesie or the dress shirt your baby just spit upon, you’ll need plenty of space for the onslaught of dirty clothes.
Consider adding a folding station so you can have a clean space to organize clean clothes. Also, think about a closed storage bin beside the washer and dryer for keeping your various detergents and softeners tucked away out of the baby’s reach.
Install an Air Purification System and Ceiling Fan
You want your baby to grow up happy and healthy, and one way to facilitate that is by supplying clean air in your home. An air purification system can filter allergens, toxins, and contaminants for air that is fresh and pure. Air purification systems are also great if you have pets, as an overload of fur and dander can irritate a young child’s respiratory system. These irritants and dust mites may even cause your baby to develop allergies, which could cause a hive-like rash, red eyes, and coughing, and sneezing.
In addition to an air purification system, consider installing a ceiling fan in your baby’s room. This helps circulate the air that the baby is breathing, preventing him or her from inhaling too much carbon monoxide. Overall, ceiling fans are thought to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by 72 percent.
Secure Banisters and Barricade Stairs
Do your stair railings wobble a bit when you lean on them? This might be fine for a grown adult with ample coordination, but when you’re carrying a young child in your arms, you can’t be too careful. Even a small stumble could have drastic consequences for your child.
While your baby won’t be able to get around on his or her own at first, it won’t be long before he or she is crawling away. Prepare early on for the inevitable escapades around the house by installing baby gates at the top and bottom of every staircase in your home.
Having a new baby is one of the most rewarding and stressful things you’ll ever do. Minimize the stress as much as possible by taking care of these maintenance tasks before bringing baby home.
