Preparing for your baby to arrive requires a million little steps, from covering light sockets and padding sharp edges of the furniture to making sure you have diapers and a car seat waiting when the time comes. It’s so easy to see the little things that you might forget bigger projects and household updates that can drastically improve your baby’s health and comfort. Not only will your baby be better off for remembering these updates, but you will also be more comfortable, letting you enjoy more time with your little bundle of joy. Here are three things to fix before your baby arrives.
Replace Your AC Filter and Have Your Unit Checked
Using central air conditioning and heating in your home is perfectly safe when you have a new baby. The temperature control means they will always be comfortable while they’re not breathing in stuffy and humid air. Most pediatricians recommend keeping the air temperature between between 68 and 72 degrees when you first bring baby home, but this can vary depending on season and location.
To prepare your HVAC system for the baby, replace your filters and consider upgrading to a stronger model. This will reduce the dust and pollen circulating your home, which could irritate the baby and spread bacteria. Also bring in technicians for a routine check to make sure everything is running well. They might be able to fix problems early on that could cost you thousands if they’re left alone. The last thing you want is a broken AC unit with a new baby.
Turn Down the Water Temperature
Most home experts recommend turning the water heater down to 110 degrees when there’s a new baby in the home. This reduces the risk of accidentally scalding the baby during bath time or drawing a bath that’s way too hot for a newborn. While you’re adjusting the heat, consider upgrading your shower heads and faucets with energy efficient models and improving the water pressure. While the baby won’t appreciate this, you will. A hot shower with strong water pressure can revive an exhausted parent after a long day.
Secure Banisters and Problem Steps
Almost every home has a few issues with their staircase. Whether it’s a squeaky step that’s more elevated than the rest or a loose banister that you learned not to grip a while ago. While these home eccentricities are fine when it’s just the two of you, they can be a major hazard when you have a baby. You can’t afford to trip walking up the stairs when you’re carrying a newborn, and don’t want to lean on a rickety banister. You should check to make sure the stairs are safe long before you install child safety gates.
There are plenty of other cosmetic changes that you can make to improve your baby’s safety. This includes installing light-control window treatments to make nap-time easier and repainting walls of old houses to make sure they are baby safe.
It’s impossible to remember everything before your baby arrives, but the more your fix before, the less you will have to worry about after. Do you have any other suggestions to add?
Those are great suggestions and things to think about. My oldest daughter is expecting her first child in a few months and I’ll have to pass along this info!
Wonderful!!
Those are good suggestions. I also think it is never too soon to put the “locks” on the cabinets that have chemicals in them too.
That is a great idea!! Thank you for sharing!
I had no idea about the water temperature and I wish I had known! We’ve kept our temperature at 120 and Baby Girl was born in October!
These are really great ideas for expecting parents, especially first time parents. Thank you for sharing it, I’m going to pass it along.
You are very welcome.