If you have a baby on the way, you have probably been through 100 articles and guides about the essential supplies that you need, and the preparations to be made so that you are as ready as you can be for baby’s first weeks.
However, there are some broader, long term preparations that you might need to consider in transitioning your living space from an adult-oriented environment to a family home that ticks all the boxes for you and your growing child.
Some of the following points are more applicable to a small child than a baby, but get them done now, while there is still time. Life will never be the same again.
Prepare the bath
Most of us prefer to take a shower, but where babies and toddlers are concerned, a bath is a must. You might have a baby bath at the ready, but your baby will outgrow that in the blink of an eye, so if you are currently a “shower only” household, check out the range of baths available at Better Bathrooms and get your bathroom ready for the new arrival ahead of time.
Baby proof at ground level
Before you know it, your baby will be a miniature force of nature, crawling around your house at the speed of light and leaving a trail of destruction in his or her wake. You might feel foolish, but the best way to prepare is to get down there on your hands and knees, and see it from a baby perspective.
A large pack of electrical socket covers is an absolute must, and look out for trailing electrical cords, window blind cables and anything sharp, hot or fragile.
Blackout blinds or curtains
You will already be well aware that a good bedtime routine is essential for baby and parents alike. And the key is in the word “routine” – set up a consistent one, and everything will go far more smoothly.
Unfortunately, the changing seasons do not always cooperate, so it is important that you can create a perfect night time environment, even when the sun is shining brightly on a summer evening. Invest in some good quality blackout curtains, or blinds that fit the window aperture snugly, and everyone has a better chance of a good night’s sleep.
Window locks
Once your new baby arrives, you will feel like you are on a rollercoaster, with your little bundle of joy learning a new trick every day – don’t worry, most parents agree that the feeling slows down after the first 20 years or so!
Before the rollercoaster starts, make sure windows are fitted with child safety locks that either prevent them from being opened at all, or reduce the opening aperture to just a few centimetres.
Be prepared for emergencies
In most walks of life, it makes sense to hope for the best and prepare for the worst, and with the change and upheaval that a new baby brings, this old saying certainly holds true. Invest in smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and a good quality first aid kit, and you will be ready for whatever dramas the years ahead might throw at you.