As a soon-to-be new mother we’re sure you have all you need (diapers, wipes, clothes, etc.) for the arrival of your little bundle of joy. Besides having the everyday necessities, preparing for a baby in the sense of getting your house ready for a baby is extremely important. You want to ensure that your home is as safe as possible before you introduce him or her to their new home.
Bringing Baby Home From the Hospital
Knowing what to bring your baby home from the hospital in is an important starting point in our discussion, to ensure that your newborn makes it safe and sound to the home you’ve prepared for his or her arrival. It is recommended that you educate yourself on newborn car seat safety, so that you will be able to make an informed decision on which car seat to purchase before you and your baby are set to leave the hospital. Having an approved car seat for your newborn, placed in the back middle seat, facing backwards, is recommended for getting baby home from the hospital safely. Strapping the car seat into your car this way will offer the most protection for your fragile newborn.
Creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Baby
Newborns spend much of their time sleeping, so preparing a safe crib is essential to ensure a safe sleep for your baby. Whether you bought a new crib or received a gently used crib from someone else, you’ll want to make sure all the nuts and bolts are screwed in tightly. Check for recalls on the crib and mattress (new or old) before you rest your baby down for his or her first nap at home.
When you do lay baby down to sleep make sure all blankets and pillows are removed to avoid any suffocation or injury. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “bare is best.” With technological advances, baby monitors have become surveillance cameras so you can keep an eye on your resting newborn when you have to leave the room to catch up on some laundry.
Baby Proofing Your Home to Prevent Bumps and Bruises
Though your newborn won’t be crawling for some time, they will wiggle around and you’ll be amazed at how they move. Baby proofing your home to keep your newborn safe from bumps and bruises is something to consider. For instance, you can purchase protective covers for table and chair corners that will help to protect your little one should they happen to make contact with them.
Other Tips for Newborn Safety
With the stresses of pregnancy and having a newborn on the way, some things might go unnoticed. For instance, ensuring that you have properly working smoke detectors may have slipped your mind. Ensure that all your smoke detectors have batteries and are in good working condition. Additionally, it is recommended that you establish a plan for unexpected events. Being prepared for unforeseen events will help you stay calm and keep your baby safe, as you’re taking action.
On another note, you might be bringing a newborn baby home to a jealous child. Now, we’re not talking about a human child, but instead your animal child. It is suggested that you slowly introduce your newborn to your pets while always keeping a very close eye on them. Have gates purchased before you bring baby home to keep any cats, dogs or other pets away from the newborn’s crib.
These are just a few safety tips to consider before bringing your newborn home. Having a plan before bringing home baby is important and will make your transition to a new parent easier on you and your partner.
If you are pregnant, we encourage you to speak with your obstetrician or family doctor.
If you live in the area, call us and schedule an appointment with our pediatrician or family doctor to learn more about preparing your house for a baby. We will gladly assist you.
Now you know about getting your house ready for a newborn baby, pass it on!