While welcoming a baby can be exciting for parents, this significant milestone can also bring challenges. You may feel uncertain about how to properly take care of newborns, especially if you’re a first-timer. Perhaps you’ve never changed an infant’s diaper before or don’t have a lot of funds to buy baby items.
You may have also have designed your home or purchase a property with only grown-ups’ needs in mind. Fortunately, there are cash loans you can take advantage of and still have time to set up a safe and comfortable environment for your child.
Whether you still have eight months or nine weeks until you welcome your new baby, you can transform your home into a baby-friendly haven in no time with these tips:
Buy Convertible Items Your Baby Can Use Longer
A crib and stroller are some of the main purchases you’ll make as expecting parents. While shopping for the right baby furniture, consider your baby’s safety and be practical with your purchases. For example, getting a bassinet is great for infants until they reach about four months old. After that, they need to move on to a crib for their safety. Instead of making multiple purchases, get something that your baby can use for longer, like a convertible crib This baby furniture can serve as a bassinet and be transformed into a toddler’s bed and playpen later on.
It’s the same when you shop for a stroller. Look for something your baby can use as they grow up. For example, some strollers are designed so that they can accommodate the needs of infants and then be modified for a toddler’s use later. You’ll also find strollers with car seat carriers, which are helpful to keep your baby safe while in a car.
Reorganize Your Space
Part of your home preparation checklist should be to rearrange your space. Plan out where you want to place baby items like their crib, feeding kits, and baby toys. Whether you’ll set up a nursery in a spare room or your baby will be sleeping with you in the same bedroom, it’s important to ensure that you have enough space to move around.
Additionally, keep all your baby’s essentials organized by using storage baskets or chests. These items are also perfect for concealing baby items when not in use. Having a newborn might mean a lot of mess, but your home doesn’t have to look like a baby’s playground all the time!
Stock Up on Baby Supplies
Once your baby arrives, you might not have a lot of time to shop for supplies. As such, make sure you have everything you need beforehand: feeding bottles, pacifiers, nursing pillows, baby clothes, breast pumps, and other items your baby will need for the first few months.
If you’ll be bottle-feeding your baby, remember to have at least two types of feeding bottles and nipples at home. Having pacifiers and a couple of toys is also a good idea since you don’t know what your child will prefer. Buy an ample supply of diapers and babywear, as well, as your baby will go through these quite quickly.
In addition to what your baby will need for eating and sleeping, ensure you have some washing and cleaning kits ready. With a baby at home, you never know when you’ll be cleaning up stains. For less hassle, get some cleaning products and tools to help you make cleanup a breeze. Also, some messes might get stuck on your, or your baby’s clothes, and bed sheets. Stock up on laundry products that are gentle enough for your baby, so you can easily wash soiled clothing and bedding when needed.
Prepare Your Meals
Aside from preparing for what your child will need, anticipate what you and your partner will need in the first few weeks of becoming new parents. For example, you might not have the time or extra energy to cook or go to the supermarket when you’re taking care of your child. Thus, use the time now to get cereals, groceries, and any food items to help you to stay nourished during the first few weeks. You can also do some batch-cooking and freeze these foods. Another alternative is to sign up for food deliveries so you don’t need to worry about your weekly menu.
Baby-Proof Your Home
While your baby may be content sleeping and feeding when they first arrive, soon they’ll be crawling, reaching out for electrical cords, or opening cabinets with your cleaning supplies. For your peace of mind, baby-proof your home as early as now when your child isn’t mobile yet and you have more energy. Some things you need to pay attention to are:
- Place child-safe covers on exposed electrical outlets.
- Install safety gates to restrict your baby’s access to certain areas like the kitchen and stairs.
- Put safety locks and latches on cabinets and drawers, especially those that contain chemicals.
- Place soft play mats on hard surfaces.
- Cover sharp edges of chairs and tables.
- Conceal electrical cords.
- Remove heavy hanging décor, especially in areas your child will stay.
As you wait for your baby’s arrival, take the time to prepare your home. If you’re uncertain where to start, consider the suggestions mentioned above to ensure your space is safe and comfortable for your child. Take on the task of getting your home ready for your child as soon as you can. This way, you have more energy and time to prepare what your growing family needs in the first few months.
