Little toes are on their way! Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most exciting experiences anyone can have. You might already have notes on how you’ll adjust your routine or where you’ll go for a little celebration. But have you thought about reorganizing your small apartment in Kelowna before your little bundle of joy is here? If not, now is the time.

Childproofing your home is essential, especially in the early years. It helps keep your little one safe and gives you peace of mind. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.

To ease your transition into parenthood, here are some tips for making changes to your home before welcoming a baby:

Declutter as Much as Possible:

Babies need space to explore and grow. They’ll gradually start crawling, and then you’ll be on your toes trying to protect head bumps and drawers being pulled open. To avoid this, declutter your home as much as possible by removing unnecessary items and organizing the remainder of your things.

Consider donating, consigning, or selling items you no longer use or need. But if there are things that are too close to your heart and you aren’t ready to let go of, search for Kelowna storage units nearby to keep them safe and sound.

Install Baby Gates:

As we said, there will be a lot of crawling around, and baby gates can be a lifesaver. They will prevent your little one from entering dangerous areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or staircase. Even when they’re older and start walking, baby gates can be a great way to contain their excitement. 

While picking the right gate, keep in mind the size of your entryways and how easy or difficult it is to install. Also, pay attention to the material. Plastic ones may come at a lower price but will only last for a while. So, try wooden ones.

Move Electrical Cords and Cover Outlets:

Electricity is an essential part of life. You need your television to keep you entertained and the microwave to heat your midnight snacks. But all these cords can be a potential danger to your baby. There have been cases of babies biting down on cords and getting a nasty shock. 

To prevent this, it’s best to anchor the cables at the back of your furniture or use cord organizers. Also, get inexpensive outlet covers to secure your electrical outlets. No one wants the little explorer to insert fingers or metallic objects in the outlets.

Find the Perfect Spot for Your Baby:

It is the most exciting part of prepping your home for a newborn. Look for a sunny spot where you can place your baby’s crib or playpen. It will get them the essential dose of natural light without the harmful UV rays. You can also make it a cozy nook with interesting photos and decorations that your baby will love to look at. 

Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the same room, invest in comfortable furniture that you can sink into. A nursing chair is a must-have for mothers who are breastfeeding. Place a lamp, a plush rug, and some cute cushions, and you’re done.

If you already have kids, you can design a shared space so all your kids can spend quality time together or do their own thing.

Choose Furniture That Doubles Up:

Since we just mentioned furniture, let’s discuss the other pieces you’ll need. Look for furniture that has multiple uses. For example, a dresser with a changing table on top allows you to keep the baby wipes and diapers within easy reach. Ottomans can double up as storage space and a footrest.

And if you have a small space, try and get furniture that has wheels. That way, you can easily move it around the house as needed. Our most recommended furniture on wheels is a baby rocker. It is like having an extra pair of arms when you’re alone in the house with your little one.

Secure Furniture:

Now you have all the furniture you need. But did you know that furniture can be a safety hazard too? The last thing you want is for your baby to pull down the wardrobe or topple the TV stand. Make sure all the furniture is secured to the walls with wall anchors. You can also buy corner guards and edge protectors to keep your baby safe from sharp edges. If you can, please avoid glass furniture. It can be hazardous if it breaks.

Consider Investing in Carpeting:

Falls are inevitable. As your baby learns to roll, crawl, and eventually walk, they’re bound to take a tumble. To make this transition smooth, carpeting can be your best friend. It’s softer than tiles and will cushion the fall. Plus, there’s no need to worry about your baby slipping or sliding on it. With carpeting, you can keep the entire house warm and cozy. 

Just don’t forget to vacuum it regularly and keep a lint roller handy for those few occasions when your baby has a habit of eating carpet fuzz.

Keep Your Baby Registry Simple:

Setting up a home for a newborn requires lots of items. But it’s easy to get carried away when shopping for your baby. From the latest toys to designer clothes, the list can seem endless. But it’s best to keep your baby registry simple. Stick to the basics, such as diapers, wipes, ointments, and clothing. And if you want to splurge a little, buy one or two cuddly toys. It will make the nursery look cozy and give your baby something to snuggle with when they’re tired or cranky.

Some bigger, non-essential items like crawlers and swings can wait until your baby is a few months older.

Conclusion:

Preparing your home for your newborn shouldn’t feel exhausting and burdensome. So, start tackling one room at a time. It will allow you to take things slow and make changes along the way. Not to mention, it’ll be easier on your back too.

You can also consider hiring professionals for changes like a fresh coat of paint or a flooring swap. It’s also a good idea to make a budget. Because, honestly, burning a hole in your wallet can be as easy as eating cake.

Good luck, and welcome to the beautiful world of parenting!