Whether your new arrival is nearly here or a good few months away, putting your house in order and making sure it’s ready to welcome its new occupant is critical. It may seem a little daunting at first (particularly when your emotions are all over the place), but it’s actually not that terrible; do it slowly and methodically, and your house will be baby-ready in no time.
The Safety Audit
Before you do anything else, do a complete safety inspection or audit of your house. Walk from room to room, inspecting everything to ensure that each part of your home is secure. Although having a crawling or walking child may seem like a million years away, it happens fast, and the sooner you prepare, the better.
Remove hazardous chemicals (replace them with something gentler on the skin and the environment), install magnetic locks on cupboards that may entice a curious child, and inspect your appliances to ensure they are in good working order. If they are not, they could pose health concerns and cost you money. Look into 24 hour AC service experts, for example, if there is an issue in this department.
Think About Overnight Guests
If you anticipate having relatives and friends come to stay after your baby arrives, you should prepare for overnight visitors. Make sure you have enough clean bedding and a place for them to sleep. Ensure that you have enough essentials, such as toothpaste and toilet paper. If there are no available rooms, contact nearby hotels or bed and breakfasts to inquire about their prices and availability for dates close to your due date. The last thing you want is to have to worry about this when you’ve got a new baby.
Get Rid Of The Germs
In preparation for bringing your baby home, it is important to have the most spotless house possible. Wipe down light switches, door handles, and other places that aren’t typically cleaned on a regular basis (or at all – they’re often overlooked), and don’t forget the kitchen sink, faucets, knobs, and fridge door. Have cleaning wipes on hand when you arrive home from the hospital so you can quickly clean up if things become filthy.
Make Some Space In The Fridge
You may be able to fit everything in your refrigerator right now, but will you be able to say the same after your child arrives? Although they will initially be given just milk, you may wish to keep some of it in the refrigerator, so you’ll need some extra space. But it’s not only about the baby’s diet. Coming home from the hospital with a new baby will be exhausting, and friends and family will be eager to assist. Many will bring meals that you can easily reheat as needed, saving you time, energy, and money. Make sure you have a place to keep this food so you don’t waste it.
Clean The Clothes
You’ll have a lot of baby clothing ready to go before they arrive. Or at least you might think it’s ready to go, but is it really? You can neatly put them in a closet or chest of drawers, but are they ready to wear? Save time later by removing all packaging material and cleaning each item to make it soft and comfy. Fold and store everything so you’ll be ready if your child has an accident and has to be changed. This will happen a lot more often than you anticipate.