When you have a new baby on the way, there is a very long list of things that you need to get or do in order to be prepared for his or her arrival. But with pregnancy brain fogging you up and a lack of energy throughout your pregnancy, it can be hard to know or remember all there is to do, especially when it comes to preparing your home. So to help ensure that you and your partner are physically prepared when your little bundle of joy arrives, here are three ways you should prepare your home for the birth of a new baby.
Ensure that Your Home is Mold-free
It’s vital to be aware that mold exposure can lead to respiratory issues and allergies, which can be particularly concerning for newborns with developing immune systems. Therefore, when preparing your home for a newborn, ensuring a mold-free environment is of the utmost importance. Regular inspections and cleaning of moisture-prone areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, are necessary to prevent mold growth. Utilizing dehumidifiers can also help maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent mold from thriving. If needed, seek the help of professional mold remediation in Cumberland, RI or wherever you are situated to create a safe and sound environment for your baby.
Disinfect Germ-Prone Areas
Little babies have little immune systems. Knowing this, it’s important that you do all that you can to keep them safe and healthy while their body grows and adjusts to this new life on the outside. To best do this, Liz Krieger, a contributor to Parents.com, recommends targeting the most germ-prone areas and working on those primarily. This will include most surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom as well as your floors, especially if you plan to have baby rolling around on the floor before too long. So get some disinfecting wipes and call in a carpet cleaner to help you take care of these problem areas.
Prep Your Pets
Not only does your home need to be clean when baby arrives, but anyone living in your home should also be ready for how this new addition could change up their routine, including your pets. According to HealthyChildren.org, pets have been known to become resentful of new babies that seem to be taking all the attention away from them. Additionally, your pet may be apprehensive about having a little human in the house and be overly curious. To help with this, try bringing home a piece of clothing that has the baby’s scent on it before you take the baby home from the hospital. This will help your pet get used to having a new person around.
Bonus Point: Stock Up Your Pantry
Once your little baby arrives, you’re going to have very little time for the basic chores and tasks you were doing when there wasn’t a baby to tend to. This includes doing your weekly or monthly shopping trips. So to make sure your home is ready for anything you could need in the few weeks following the arrival of your new baby, Lisa Horten, a contributor to PopSugar.com, suggests stocking up your pantry with any items you use a lot or things you’ll always be in need of over the next few weeks. This will give your family peace of mind that you’re well taken care of without having to be running out of the house every few days to pick up something you need.
If you’ll be bringing home a new baby soon, use the tips mentioned above to help you be prepared as possible at home.