Welcoming a new member into your family is an incredibly joyous occasion, yet it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. After all, caring for another life is a big responsibility and it’s okay to have concerns. We understand because we’ve been in your shoes. That’s why we’ve created this guide for new parents – to share insights and tips from our experiences. Continue reading to discover how we can support you in preparing to bring your newborn baby home.
Safety First
When preparing your home for a baby, safety is first. Baby-proof the house by safeguarding them against common dangers such as tipping over furniture, covering electrical outlets, and installing stair-top as well as bottom-of-stair safety gates among others. Ensure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning properly, and think about getting a baby monitor capable of sound and video signals so that you can keep an eye on them from another room.
Water safety is equally important; adjust your water heater settings to avoid scalding – ideally below 50°C for bath or sink water. Remember that as they grow, so does their curiosity – ensure cleaning agents, medicines, or any small items that can cause choking are securely kept out of reach. You won’t enjoy it, but once they start crawling, you really do have to use baby proof locks and on cupboards.
Functional Nursery
The nursery should be a comfort zone and a functionality space. Choose cribs that meet current safety standards with good quality mattresses fitting snugly into these beds while keeping them away from windows, blinds, or curtains to prevent accidents.
Having ample storage space is crucial in any nursery, as it needs to accommodate baby clothes, nappies, toys, and more. Opting for dressers with changing table tops is a wise choice; they not only save space but also remain useful well beyond the potty training years. Essentially, aim for a nursery that seamlessly integrates all essentials.
Feeding and Changing Stations
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it’s essential to create comfortable feeding stations with supportive armchairs, side tables for supplies, and lamps in case of late-night feeds. You’ll need it, trust us.
Stock the changing station with essentials like nappies, rash cream (you’ll need this), wipes, multiple sets of clothes to change when they happily poop themselves mid nappy change, etc. We promise there will be accidents.
Baby-Proof Every Room
The nursery won’t be the only place your child spends their waking hours, so consider creating baby-friendly spaces throughout other parts of your home, too. And don’t let forums deceive you – you don’t need to put carpet in every room. You can get high-quality hardwood flooring that’s, if anything, more baby-proof from the spillages from Macblair. Once they start crawling you can place fluffy rugs and play mats down. In sitting rooms, you can designate an area using playmats for tummy time exercises or general play.
For kitchens, allocate cupboards or drawers specifically for storing feeding supplies such as bottles, bibs, etc. If space allows, attaching high chairs to dining tables would be an excellent alternative as they allow babies to participate in mealtimes without cluttering kitchen space using bulky furniture.
Until the baby is old enough for the regular tub, a baby bathtub that fits over the sink can be used in the bathroom. Or you can get ones that go in the bath. Ensure you always have a set of baby towels and washcloths ready to keep the baby’s bathing needs separate from everyone else in your house.
Feeling anxious about bringing your new baby home is completely normal, especially if you’re currently in the nesting phase. We’ve put together some tips to support you as you start this incredible journey. Remember, for first-time parents, everything is a learning experience. While we’ve packed this article with as much helpful information as possible, don’t hesitate to seek out more resources. You’ve got this!
Last Updated on May 6, 2024 by Lucy Clarke
