News about a new family member is one of the most wonderful moments in a human’s life. A new baby is a confirmation of love and devotion between the parents. This little human, however, will require some major life and home adjustments. Pregnancy only seems to last long since you will go fast from still doing everything to becoming sleepy and not able to lift big stuff around your home. This article is a short guide to preparing your home for the baby’s arrival in time.
Declutter
The first thing would be to throw out anything you won’t need. Your baby will need a plethora of different products in every communal space around your home. So the clothes that you haven’t worn for three or more years? Donate it or give it away. If you have a room full of books or gym equipment, you might reconsider your priorities for the upcoming period and sell or give the things you will not be using.
Babyproofing house
The next step is to make your home safe for a baby. Even if you think it might take a while until your baby starts roaming around the house, it is better to do it before your whole day and night start revolving around your little bundle of joy. Install magnets and baby locks on the cabinets – your child won’t be able to open them. Put away sharp objects and use child-safe covers. Put away the expensive stuff.
Use more natural products
Put away all of the cleaning chemicals, or replace them with more safe versions. Wash all clothes with detergents and softeners for sensitive skin to prevent baby skin irritations. If you have plants that are poisonous for your kids, you should consider putting them on higher shelves. Do not use strong chemicals in the last trimester or use protective gloves and mask.
Cleaning service
As your due date gets closer, it could get hard to navigate the house, especially to clean every nook and cranny. And after your baby is born, your precious time on yourself is better spent sleeping, recuperating, and simply working on your things. It is more than a good idea to have someone help you with it, even better if you can leave it to the professionals. House cleaning services can help you before and after giving birth, thus making it easier for you to concentrate on your baby.
Baby room decoration tips
Stop before painting a decorating baby room with baby pink or baby blue – most chances are that your baby will be sleeping in your bedroom, and in a few years, that lightly used baby room will be outdated. Pinterest has some great ideas for a gender-neutral nursery that can easily be upgraded with a child’s growth. Your baby won’t be looking around their room and asking for decoration any time soon.
Baby supplies
Having a designated area will make it easier for all of you to settle down when you are back home with your new baby. Prepare the set of drawers for nappies, clothes, and baby cosmetics. Prepare a cupboard in the kitchen for the baby bottles and food dishes. Blankets, pillows, and toys should also have their place and need a thorough wash before use even if they are new.
How to prepare the older child for a younger sibling
Involve your children in baby preparation. Pick the clothes, the colour of the sheets, the cartoon character on the baby blankets, you can do a lot together. Show them when the baby moves, ask if they want matching clothes, and pick something similar, help them learn how to do something ‘adult’ themselves (it can be something simple like setting the table). They must know and feel that they are the big brother or sister and that new sibling doesn’t mean that they will be forgotten.
Make pet arrangements for delivery
If you have pets, they will need the same care when you are pregnant, delivering, and when you bring the baby home. You should arrange the care for the pet in advance since many pet sitters and pet hotels require bookings in advance. They will sense that changes are happening, so cuddle with them to ease them into the new order.
Bonus tips
Go for a trial drive if you will be giving birth in a hospital to know how much time you need to get there. Buy a car seat if you don’t already have it. Prepare meals and pet food in advance so that you don’t lack anything when you get home. The last one is to accept help from your family and partner – you will need time to rest and be with yourself for a bit.
Author bio:
Alison Pearson is an interior design student. She is a writer and designer, and her ultimate passion is art and architecture. She is also a bibliophile and her favourite book is “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. Follow her on Twitter.