Adding a new baby to the family is exciting. It’s natural to spend countless hours imagining what your child will be like and talking about baby names.
There are a lot of practical things you need to do to prepare for your baby’s arrival. Although some sleepless nights are a standard part of the parenting package, preparation can help you reduce your fatigue and stress after you bring your baby home. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to welcome your new bundle of joy to your home.
Make sure your home is safe.
Welcoming a new baby is just one of the many reasons you need an air purifier in your home. Air purifiers extract toxins and pollutants from the air. The HEPA filters in air purifiers trap particles that cause odors, eliminating unpleasant smells. Scents are common irritants and can harm your baby’s skin, eyes, or airways. Eliminating fragrances and allergens, such as pet dander and pollen, protects sensitive skin and prevents allergic reactions.
Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system draws air from your home and alters its temperature before redistributing the air throughout your home. Your HVAC system heats the air during the winter and cools it during the summer. Most HVAC systems send air through ducts that can store allergens and other toxins that compromise your home’s indoor air quality. You can improve your home’s air quality by investing in routine HVAC maintenance, replacing your HVAC filters, and having the ducts cleaned regularly. Your baby’s skin is more sensitive than your skin, which is why you must take steps to protect your newborn from allergens and pollutants that can circulate in the air.
Invest in a home security system to protect your home and your newborn. Security cameras record video footage, enabling you to identify suspicious behavior. Door and window alarms will let you know if someone tries to enter your home. When you do get a chance to sleep, you’ll sleep better knowing your home’s secure. You can also protect your home by ensuring your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work correctly before your baby arrives.
Stock up on baby essentials.
Whether you’re expecting a boy or a girl, there are some essentials every infant needs. Buy plenty of blankets, burp cloths, washcloths, diapers, and onesies for your newborn. Babies spit up, and diapers overflow, which is why you’ll need a lot of outfits for your newborn.
Due to their sensitive skin, babies are prone to diaper rash. Stock up on the best diaper cream on the market before you welcome your newborn to ensure you’re ready to care for your baby’s bottom. Diaper rash causes redness and irritation, which can affect your baby’s comfort. Most creams have zinc oxide as the primary active ingredient. The purpose of a diaper cream is to provide a buffer between your baby’s skin and everything else, including the diaper. This buffer makes it possible for their skin to heal. There are several reputable diaper cream brands, including certified organic cream and diaper creams suitable for cloth diapers.
In addition to clothes and essentials such as diaper cream, you’ll need to set up your baby’s nursery, invest in a crib, buy a changing table, and purchase a diaper bag.
Get a head start on household tasks.
Cook meals you can freeze and stock your freezer and pantry before your due date. With plenty of food on hand, you won’t have to worry about struggling to cook meals when you’re tired. Instead, you can pull something out of the freezer and pop it in the oven. Having a stockpile of meals on hand will reduce your stress while you’re adjusting to your newborn.
Stock up on other household essentials, such as cleaning supplies, pet food, and toiletries. You can reduce the number of emergency trips to the store, and you’ll be able to find what you need quickly, which will help you manage your stress.
Preparing for your baby’s arrival can be exciting. Air filters help protect your infant’s respiratory system, and investing in home security ensures your peace of mind. You can also prepare by purchasing essential items and getting a head start on household tasks.