The birth of a new child is one of the most exciting moments in life. It’s simple to forget about one important task, though, in the midst of organizing the nursery and buying baby supplies: getting your house ready for the arrival of your child. When it comes to baby-proofing your home, it’s just as important to make sure your baby and your family are safe as it is to make it a clean, calm, and welcoming place for them.
This thorough guide will help you prepare your house for a new baby, from sanitizing surfaces to anchoring furniture, so you can welcome your bundle of joy with assurance and comfort.
1. Secure and anchor large, heavy furnishings.
Despite their initial immobility, babies can quickly get involved in everything once they start to crawl. If you want to avoid dangerous tipping accidents, you should secure any heavy furniture to the wall. This contains:
- Dressers
- Bookshelves
- TV stands
- Changing tables
Use wall brackets or anti-tip kits, which are available at most hardware stores. Make sure all screws and brackets are properly installed and that nothing can fall if pulled on by a curious toddler in the future.
2. Put in entrance locks and safety gates
As soon as your baby begins to move, safety gates must be used. Place them in doorways leading to dangerous spaces like the kitchen, garage, or restroom, as well as at the top and bottom of stairwells. For the safest installation, select hardware-mounted gates, particularly for the top of stairs.
You can also prevent your infant from getting to cleaning supplies, prescription drugs, and other potentially harmful objects by installing cabinet locks and childproof doorknob covers.
3. Frequent Surface Sanitization
Because babies explore the world with their hands and mouths, it’s important to keep surfaces as germ-free as possible. Clean high-touch areas first, such as:
- Handles for doors
- Light outlets
- Counters in the kitchen
- Switching tables
- Toys and baby gear
Make use of safe, non-toxic cleaning supplies when around young children. To stay away from harsh chemicals, you can also use natural disinfectants like vinegar and baking soda. Baby-safe wipes are handy for fast sanitization during daily cleaning.
4. Clean every baby’s clothes and linens.
Washing every piece of clothing your baby will come into contact with is crucial because their skin is extremely sensitive. This comprises:
- Infant clothing
- Sheets for cribs and bedding
- Blankets and swaddles
- Towels and burp cloths
Make use of a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free baby detergent. Even brand-new clothing and fabrics may contain dust, chemicals, or allergens from production and shipping, so wash everything before your baby uses it.
5. Thorough Cleaning of Upholstery and Carpets
It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your carpets before your baby begins to crawl. Dust, allergens, pet dander, and bacteria that are not always visible but can have an impact on your baby’s respiratory health can all be trapped in carpets.
Hiring professional carpet cleaners in Shoreline, Washington ensures that your carpets are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Experts use high-temperature steam cleaning and eco-friendly products to remove deep-set dirt without leaving behind harmful residues. A clean carpet provides a safer, softer, and healthier surface for tummy time and early crawling adventures.
6. Create a Sleeping Space That Is Baby-Friendly
A crib or bassinet that complies with modern safety regulations is the safest place for your infant to sleep. This is what you must do:
- Use a firm mattress and a crib sheet that fits snugly.
- The crib should not be used for bumpers, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
- There should be no more than 2 3/8 inches between a crib’s slats.
To lower the risk of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping the crib or bassinet in your bedroom for the first six months of life.
7. Establish a Station for Changing
Create a space specifically for changing diapers where all necessities are easily accessible. You’ll want:
- Wipes and diapers
- Cream for diaper rash
- Extra clothing
- A lidded diaper pail
When changing the table should be sturdy and equipped with a safety strap. Your baby may roll over without warning, so never leave them unsupervised for even a moment.
8. Make the bathroom baby-proof
Even for adults, bathrooms can be dangerous. To ensure your baby is safe in this area:
- Put locks on the toilets.
- Make use of non-slip mats in the tub.
- All medications and cleaning materials should be kept in locked cabinets.
- To avoid burns, turn the water heater down to 120°F (49°C).
Additionally, you might want to install anti-scald devices and use soft spout covers.
9. Get Rid of Choking Risks
A serious risk for babies and toddlers is choking. Look around your house to see if there are any small objects within easy reach. Typical choking hazards consist of:
- Coins
- Batteries
- Buttons
- Toys with small parts
- Loose food crumbs or pet kibble
To see the world from a baby’s point of view and to detect any possible hazards from the floor or low surfaces, get down on your hands and knees.
10. Preserve a Healthy Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air pollution will affect the development of the baby’s lungs because they are still growing. Here are some pointers:
- Steer clear of incense, scented candles, and air fresheners.
- Particularly in the nursery, use a HEPA air purifier.
- When the weather permits, keep windows open for ventilation.
- Replace HVAC filters on a regular basis.
To cut down on dander and allergens, think about brushing your pets frequently and vacuuming more frequently.
11. Get ready for feedings at night.
Whether you are bottle-feeding or nursing, having a cozy feeding station will help with those late-night feedings. Arrange a comfortable chair with:
- A supportive pillow
- A dim nightlight
- Burp cloths
- A water bottle for you
A small side table close by might also be useful for holding your phone or snacks during extended sessions.
We hope you found this blog post on How to Prepare Your Home for a New Baby, useful. Be sure to check out our post on Baby’s first Air Purifier: Features to Look for for more great tips!
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