There’s nothing better than bringing home a newborn baby to cuddle in the comfort of your cozy space. The addition of a new baby to the family can be one of the most exciting times in your life. Witnessing each adorable stage and staring into those innocent eyes is priceless. The joys of new parenthood! While bringing home a baby is a cradle of sweet emotions, it also comes with a new set of challenges and preparations. From the safest car seat to the best stroller, you’re checking items off your baby registry. But, what about preparing your home? It won’t be long before your little one is on the move, pulling and grabbing for anything in sight. You have a lot on your plate, so we’re offering a few tips on how to babyproof your home.
First things first, the checklist. Make a list of any possible rooms that your little one might find curious and wander into. If you keep the doors to your office or laundry room closed at all times, you don’t necessarily need to worry about baby proofing those spaces -- at least until they can reach the door handles. Next, write down any home improvement tasks that you just haven’t had time to tackle, such as a leaking pipe or smoke detector that needs new batteries. Also, as you walk through your home, take note of any heavy furniture or décor items that would be less of a hazard if mounted onto a wall. Babies might be tiny, but even the slightest tug can cause a preventable accident. Think about TVs or floor lamps that you can swap for a wall-mounted option. Depending on the size of your house, you may want to create a separate checklist for each room. Focus on things like wobbly furniture to sharp edges and electrical outlets.
Many parents are surprised at just how much babyproofing cost, but the investment is worth every penny. The average cost to babyproof a home is $411 for basic items like outlet covers and corner bumpers. An easy tip to save some cash is to ask your friends and family for any hand-me-down items. They say parenting takes a village, so why not ask yours for a little help with some great baby-proofing items? Now, as you start to babyproof each room, you might wonder if it will distract from your stylish décor. Not to worry, there are plenty of ways to create a safe space for your baby without compromising your home’s style. There are plenty of aesthetically pleasing options to choose from that offer both safety and style.
Particularly for first-time parents, you’ll find that there are features in your home that you never even realized were a baby safety hazard. No detail can be forgotten when it comes to the safety of your child. For example, if your entire home has wood flooring or another hard surface, make sure you have plenty of area rugs strategically placed. It is much easier for little ones to move around on softer surfaces than hard ones. They will also be less likely to get hurt when they take their inevitable tumbles. Another commonly missed element when babyproofing are your home’s windows. Consider investing in window locks, and pay attention to the length of your curtains and blinds to ensure little hands can’t reach them. A good idea is to get down on all fours and see what your home looks like from your child's perspective. Once you crawl through the house, take note of anything that could be a potential hazard for your child. If something seems like a problem, then it probably is.
As a parent of a newborn, you’ll find you need to purchase many items you never even knew existed. While these babyproofing gadgets are necessary, don’t forget about the basic safety items your home should have to keep the entire family safe. Make sure your space has a fire extinguisher and a fully-stocked first aid kit for emergencies. This may seem silly, but it can be easy to forget these basic items when you add a new baby to the mix.
If you have a little one, you know how fast they grow and learn. Before you know it, they’re standing, walking, and exploring new parts of the house. But this curiosity can get them into trouble. A few small changes now can help you prevent serious accidents later.
Here’s a checklist of some babyproofing basics:
Bringing home a new bundle of joy can cause a bundle of nerves, but with a few quick baby-proofing steps, you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief and focus on what truly matters. Soaking in every snuggle and memory shouldn’t be interrupted with preventable accidents. Take a few days to make that checklist, create a budget, check every corner and cover even the most basic safety protocols. Here at Stanley Martin Homes, your life is our blueprint, so we understand the importance of family-friendly homes, at every stage of life.