5 Things to Do to Get Your Home Ready for a New Baby
Being prepared to bring a new baby home is good for your mental health and will be good for the recovery of your physical health. The sooner you get started getting your home ready for your new baby the better. Here are five things you should do to get your home in tip-top shape for that bundle of joy.
Declutter Everywhere
Bringing a new baby into your family is an exciting time. New babies come with a lot of gear. You have to make some room in your home for all that baby stuff. The best way to make room is by decluttering your home. Changes need to be made to ensure that you will have the space you need to add a new member to your family.
Go through your home methodically (as long as your health allows it) and start giving things away, selling things, or just trashing them. Selling old unused things can help to improve your bank account while you get the house ready for the baby.
Fix What Needs Fixing
While you are waiting for the baby to arrive it is a good time to fix things that need to be fixed. Some repairs will improve your home while it ensures that everyone’s health is protected. For example, if you live in one of the 60% of homes according to This Old House that has a wet basement that is at risk of developing mold, fix that. About 38% of homes that have basement dampness problems will develop health-threatening mold problems. Investing in waterproofing your basement is good for your home and good for your new baby’s health.
Foundation issues are another big problem that affects many homes. These types of issues not only reduce the value of your home by 10%-15% but they also can let disease-carrying pests into your home which can put your health and that of your baby at risk.
Paint and Prep the Nursery
Get the nursery all set up for a safe sleeping space for your baby. Learn about what “safe sleeping” is and the recommendations of the American Pediatric Organization for safe sleeping. Consider the window treatments you will use in the room, the flooring and other decorations.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the right blinds and curtains can reduce heat loss by about 10% and heat gains by about 33%. It is a small thing in the scope of getting your home ready for your baby, but still important. Every detail of your baby’s nursery is important because you want to create a safe environment that promotes good health.
Have Carpets Professionally Cleaned
Getting ready for baby and preparing your home for baby is a great time to have your carpets professionally cleaned. Professional carpet cleaning not only restores your carpet to like new condition but also helps to remove allergens. Keeping both you and your child in good health is essential, professional carpet cleaning can help by removing irritating allergens.
Clean From Top to Bottom
The final step in getting your home ready for your new baby is to clean your home like you really mean it. If you need help getting to the tough spots either, ask a family member or hire someone. Clean from the ceilings to the floors. Getting the house deep down clean is not only good for the health of your baby but it will be really good for your mental health. It may be a while before you can clean it again. There is nothing better than relaxing with your baby in a nice clean well-organized home to boost your mental health after having a baby.
Getting your home ready for a baby is as easy as following these five tips. Remember slow and steady wins the race, pace yourself. Learn more about getting ready to bring your new baby home.