Getting a baby changes your life forever and calls for many adjustments in many aspects, from your home arrangement, schedule, or lifestyle. Parents-to-be suddenly have numerous things to do, clinic appointments, birthing plans, and shopping for the baby.
Prepping for a baby overwhelms many new parents, but the load is lighter with adequate planning. See below practical tips that will equip you with all the hacks you need to prepare for the arrival of your expected bundle of joy.
Repair and Replace
Over time, things wear out at home, and items may fall apart without immediate attention. When preparing to have a newborn in the family, check around to see if everything is intact. Roofs are susceptible to leaks, rotting, and other issues that may creep in slowly. In case you note any anomalies or discover a developing problem, make plans to have it fixed immediately.
Inspect the house to establish if you may need to fix electrical cables, install or replace the old ones, or need a flooring facelift. If you are unsure what to look out for, hire the services of a home inspector to help point out if you need a water heater repair expert or an interior designer to revamp your home.
Deep Clean and Declutter
The National Sanitation Foundation International reveals that the kitchen is one of the germiest rooms in your house. According to the research, kitchen stove, sinks, rage, sponges, cutting boards, and toothbrush holders carry the most germs compared to other places in your house.
Get a tried and tested cleaning contractor to deep clean the entire house, but pay special attention to areas like the kitchen, toilet, and bathrooms.
There is no better time to rid of anything that you do not need or no longer use than when preparing for the arrival of a new baby. Remove things you do not use, dispose of, sell, or donate to worthy causes. Deep cleaning and decluttering is a sure way of making room for a baby.
Set up an Organize the Baby Room or Space
If you do not have an extra room for the baby, identify a space in your bedroom to set up a nursery. As a safety practice, keep the baby’s crib away from electrical cords, heavy shelves or décor, and windows. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a newborn share a bedroom with parents for at least the first 6 months for safety reasons.
Once you have established the best position or room for your baby, get the furniture and storage to organize your baby’s room.
Finally, organize the baby’s room as you consider safety. Place the changing table near the baby’s sleeping area, and keep toys from the baby to avoid choking hazards. Consider supporting baby things in different containers to avoid chaos and prevent things from piling up.
Make Space for the Baby in the Other Rooms
Since the baby will not be confined to the nursery and main bedroom, ensure space for your little one in the rest of your home. Get a playpen, bouncy chair, toys, and kids’ electronics in the living room. Create room for baby bottles, plates, silverware, high chairs, bibs, and food in your kitchen. Look at your closets and bathroom, and then stock them up with what the baby will need before arrival.
Conclusion
Bringing a baby into your home is one of the most fulfilling things, but a lack of proper preparation can make it daunting and extremely stressful. This guide will help you prepare for your next life chapter and make the transition to parenting seamless.
