Adding a little one to the family can completely alter the way you think about design. All the luxe finishes you thought you couldn’t live without will suddenly become hazards or, at least, potential playthings that you’ll need to keep out of reach from curious hands. As you prepare to welcome your first child into your home, there are many factors to consider that will not only protect them from harm as they grow but also make your space more functional as a new parent.
Factor in the Costs
Between buying clothes, supplies and baby-proofing, you’ll have to pay close attention to your budget. Over the course of the pregnancy, you should be able to spread out your needs and pay for them little by little, but if the baby makes a surprise early arrival, you can look into getting a payday loan online to cover the costs of anything you need during this exciting, but short-term overwhelming mountain of upfront expenses. Going forward, effectively tracking spending, reducing monthly expenses, and saving for the future will play a large part in your financial health as you raise your new bundle of joy.
Anchor Everything
You don’t have to get rid of your favorite credenza or bookshelf because you had a baby, but you do need to make sure every large piece of furniture is fixed to the wall. Earthquakes or a climbing toddler can cause a sudden collapse that has life-threatening consequences, but it’s totally avoidable with some simple wall anchors. The straps and mental pieces you’ll use to fasten things to the wall aren’t visible once they’re installed, so your home will be just as put together but ten times safer. Some of the most essential pieces of furniture you’ll want to anchor are:
- Dressers and armoires
- Bookshelves
- Side tables
- Cabinets
- Shelves
- TVs
Get Automatic Blinds
Cords are a massive choking hazard that you’ll want to eliminate as soon as possible, especially in the baby’s nursery. The good news is that going cordless with your window treatments can leave you with a sleek, modern aesthetic that also boosts your home’s sale value. Tenants who rent and are unable to change their blinds can buy cord wraps instead. Automatic blinds will last for years, and you can even program smart blinds to rise and lower at specific times of day. This can be a godsend for tired new parents who need an extra boost of sunlight to push them out of bed in the morning.
Cover Sharp Corners and Outlets
There are stylish baby bumpers you can use to protect your little one from injury without turning your home into a multi-color fun house. Pool noodles can work in a pinch, but they’re hardly visually appealing. Instead, look for some contemporary corner covers that are designed to blend into your furniture. You’ll also want to get wire protectors and outlet covers. Having a designated space to store your phone and laptop charger is also essential; leaving them out can result in accidental strangulation or electrocution from biting.
Get a Stylish Baby Gate
Bulky plastic baby gates are a thing of the past. Today’s parents have the luxury of enjoying more durable and secure gates made from products like steel with mesh accents. Not only do these gates fit better in any space, but they also boast a neutral, muted design that blends into your home decor rather than sticking out like hazard tape. You’ll likely need to buy a few, especially if you live in a multi-level home. Stairs should always be off limits, and you will want to make sure that your baby only has access to a supervised area at all times. Gates also double as a barrier for pets who you want to keep away from the baby for the time being.
