With a new baby on the way, you must have a lot on your mind, and preparing your home for the newborn is definitely one of the important steps you need to take before childbirth. Whether you’re a first-time mom or you need to refresh your knowledge from the last time you were pregnant, this checklist will show you all the steps towards a babyproof home:
Make the Entire House Safe
Babies are natural explorers, so it is extremely important to babyproof your entire home, not just the nursery. Basically, pay attention to all the rooms the baby is going to enter. Make sure you secure electrical sockets with covers, anchor heavy furniture to prevent tip-over injuries, put corner protectors on sharp furniture pieces, and install cabinet locks to keep medications and cleaning supplies out of reach. If your home has stairs, you need to place stair gates both at the top and the bottom. In that case, you should also get window locks for second-story windows.
Create a Secure and Cozy Sleeping Area
A safe sleeping environment is one of the most important things you need to provide for your newborn. For that purpose, you must get a flat and firm mattress that ensures safe breathing airflow for a sleeping baby. Next, find a properly sized fitted sheet in the cot to avoid loose bedding that can cause a risk of suffocation.
Balance Comfort and Playtime
The nursery should be a space where both you and the baby are supposed to feel comfortable, but it should also serve as a room suitable for playtime. In other words, it would be great for you to fill it with sentimental items like valuable pregnancy keepsakes such as your 3D/4D scans or a photo diary, as well as some useful items that work for the comfort of the baby. For instance, a white noise machine can help lull the child to sleep, while a rocking chair or a swing could calm the baby down and soothe it. Next to that, the nursery can surely benefit from a playmat of a soft blanket where the baby can practice tummy time and play simultaneously.
Stock Up on Baby Supplies
Before the baby arrives at its new home, you need to make sure it’s properly supplied with all the items necessary for feeding, bathing, and nappy changing for the child.
Feeding Essentials
In case you’re not breastfeeding, get bottles with a slow flow so you can prevent overfeeding the baby. Also, explore different teat sizes and get the right ones for each age level and feeding style. Additionally, consider using a sterilizer to keep the bottles and other feeding supplies germ-free at all times. Keep in mind that formula, again, if it turns out you need it, should be selected in consultation with a healthcare professional. Finally, buy a bunch of bibs and burp cloths, as you will quickly learn they are lifesavers when it comes to protecting clothes from spills and catching spit-ups.
Bath Time Items
Firstly, pick a bath size and style that fits your needs, as well as your bathroom space. Always cleanse your baby’s delicate skin with a hypoallergenic wash, and use soft towels and washcloths for gentle drying. For extra comfort and warmth after each bath time, wrap your baby in a soft, hooded towel.
Information Source : Breastfeeding in Strengthening Mother-Baby Bonding
Nappy Changing Station
Make a proper stock of newborn-sized nappies, but also consider getting a few larger ones to be ready when the baby grows a little bit. The wipes you use should also be hypoallergenic, so they won’t irritate the baby’s skin. But in case of any irritation or a nappy rash, you should have a bay nappy rash cream on hand. To ensure a comfortable surface for nappy changes, get a nice and soft changing mat, and if you want to keep the space smelling fresh, you should also get a nappy pail.
Whether it’s your first child or not, welcoming a newborn into your home always raises a series of questions. Keeping everything in mind isn’t easy, but now that you’ve gone through our detailed guide on babyproofing your house, you will have no trouble getting ready for your little bundle of joy.
