Welcoming a new baby is both an exciting and stressful time. There are so many things to do to prepare your home for bringing a new member into the family. When setting up the perfect nursery, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Home Extensions
Space can be one of the main issues when welcoming an infant. If your house is not big enough to fit a new addition, now is a good time to consider home extensions to accommodate your growing family. This project will go much smoother before you have little ones running around, and it can help ensure you have enough space for your family to grow into.
When planning your home extension, make it large enough to suit your needs, both current and future. If the extension is for the new nursery, you need plenty of room for things such as a rocking chair, changing table, crib, and storage. Don’t forget that this space will need to be large enough to accommodate your little one as they grow up.
Baby Proofing
It will be a few months before your little one is independently mobile, but it’s still smart to baby proof before you bring your new baby home. All cords should be hidden or out of reach. This includes both electrical cords and cords for the blinds. Additionally, all electrical outlets should be covered. Any tall furniture that they could knock or pull onto themselves should be either secured or put out of the way. Finally, make the house safer by removing anything that could hurt you while you’re holding the baby. For instance, if there’s a rug in the living room than you often trip over, either secure it to the floor or get rid of it entirely.
Crib Placement
Crib placement is very important when setting up a nursery. You want to make sure your baby is not exposed to direct heat, cold air, or sunlight. Therefore, you should ensure that the crib is not placed in front of a window unless it is properly covered with blinds or curtains. You should also avoid arranging the crib directly in front of an air conditioning or heating vent.
Bedding
There are a ton of cute bedding supplies for babies. However, not all of it is safe for infants. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a real threat. According to Boston’s Children Hospital, more than 2,300 babies die each year from SIDS.
You can help keep your baby safe by supplying them with proper bedding. Blankets should not be thick or fluffy, and you should not place toys, stuffed animals, or pillows in the crib.
Baby Monitor
In a world where technology rules, there are so many styles of baby monitors from which to choose. You can go with the old-fashioned monitor that only allows you to hear your baby, or you can choose to set up a monitor system that allows you to see your baby. Go with whichever makes you the most comfortable, and don’t worry about what other people think. Just make sure that you have it situated properly, allowing you to adequately hear and see your little one.
Planning for a new baby is exciting, but setting up the perfect nursery needs to be done right, and it can be stressful. Don’t let the details overwhelm you. Just ensure that you have the proper space and make it as safe as possible for your new baby.
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.