6 Ways to Update Your House For a New Baby
When you’re expecting the arrival of a new baby, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of things you have to do and prepare for. One of the most helpful things that to-be parents can do to take some pressure off in advance is to ensure that your house is well prepared for your new addition. Getting this ticked off the list before you bring your baby home will make your life much easier as you care for your newborn. Today, we dive into 6 ways you can update your house for a new baby, so read on to find out more!
1. Preparing The Nursery
A nursery served more than just a pleasant aesthetic purpose. It is a room in which you are given the privacy to feed and tend to your new baby, away from distractions in the form of pets or other children in the household. A nursery is also the perfect place for you to store books, bottles, toys, baby clothing and anything else that your little one may need, offering utmost convenience during a notoriously demanding period in your life. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on a nursery — all you really need is to buy a cot, set up a nursing station and install a few storage solutions that will help keep all your baby’s items organised.
2. Have Multiples of Each Item
In the first few weeks of acclimating to your home with a new baby, things can get hectic. You will almost always have your hands full, whether you’re feeding, changing or rocking your little one. Going between rooms multiple times a day can be tiring, stressful and downright annoying, which is why it is always recommended that parents keep multiples of the most used items such as nappies, bottles, bedsheets, blankets and clothing.
3. Cleaning and Disinfecting
Cleaning may not be on the top of your priority list when preparing for your new baby, but parents are always encouraged to spend some time deep cleaning the home before the arrival of your little one. Cleaning and disinfecting your home is essential to keep your baby healthy and develop their immune system. Because your baby is so new to the world, they are vulnerable to germs, bacteria and other nasties that can hurt them during this fragile time of life. Ensuring that your floors, kitchen and nursery are thoroughly cleaned can be the best way to keep your newborn safe, healthy and happy.
4. Baby-Proof The Home
Baby-proofing your home in advance and before your little one starts crawling all around the home can help ease the stresses of caring for a new baby early on. Although supervising your baby at all times is the gold standard for keeping him/her safe, one should always be prepared for the worst. Pay attention to sharp edges on furniture (baby edge and corner guards are a lifesaver) and be sure to purchase a baby gate that will stop your little one from entering the kitchen, bathroom or staircase. Be sure to get rid of small items such as coins and small toys that pose as choking hazards too!
5. Make Room in Your Fridge
Even though your baby will start off on an all liquid diet, it is important to make some room in your fridge for breast milk and formula (you’ll be surprised at how quickly breast milk starts to take over your freezer). While you’re at it, spend some time cleaning your fridge and getting rid of any expired items that are taking up precious real estate that you will need when friends and family come over with casseroles, pies and other delicious treats to help sustain you during the first few hectic weeks of parenting!
6. Sort The Washer and Dryer Out
Last but not least, with new parenthood also comes a mountain of laundry that needs to be done on a daily basis, courtesy of your little one. The last thing you want is to find that your washer and dryer aren’t in prime condition when you have a hundred nappies, onesies and bibs to wash, so ensuring that you give your washer and dryer a servicing prior to baby arriving is key. Most brands offer servicing/repairs if you book an appointment in advance, so be sure to reach out at least a month before your due date.
Updating house for a new baby
The best advice we can give to-be parents is to make things easier on yourselves by preparing your home for your new baby in advance. By ensuring that you get all the nitty gritty out of the way, you’ll be able to navigate through your new role as a parent with less stress, giving you more time to enjoy and appreciate the wonders of parenting.
