Most parents would agree that the world feels like a much more amazing and also threatening place with a newborn to take care of. That’s not only because bringing a child into the world is a miracle (something that you don’t have to be religious to feel deep in your heart when meeting them for the first time), but as we all know, newborns are very, very fragile.
For this reason, you may look at your household in a brand-new light. It’s true that your little loved one isn’t going to be crawling for some months, so you may not need to add cupboard catches or hide the cleaning products just yet. That being said, going over your household and thinking through which threats could affect your little one is wise.
In this post, we’ll discuss some obvious implications of this approach, and how to find a better outcome:
Damp & Ventilation Issues
It’s easy to ignore slightly musty corners or a bathroom that takes a little longer to dry out than it should, but with a newborn at home, those kinds of things can potentially affect their respiratory health and can’t shake it off like you could. Damp can be a be a quiet but real issue that encourages mold to take hold, and that’s not something you want anywhere near a baby’s lungs. It could even lead to the development of conditions such as asthma.
Older homes are especially susceptible to this, though any property can start to struggle if ventilation hasn’t kept up with your household’s daily routines. For instance, drying clothes indoors all the time or keeping windows shut round the clock can tip things out of balance, and so it’s important to make certain the ventilation is absolutely cared for before bringing your loved one home.
Pest Control Problems
Most homes are visited by the odd uninvited guest now and then (and we’re not just speaking about your nosy neighbor). That might include a few ants in the spring or a curious mouse finding its way inside during winter. But again, exposure can harm your little one. That’s why bringing in a service like termite control could be so essential.
With these professionals, it’s worth getting advice, sealing up any possible entry points, and being cautious about food waste and storage. If something needs clearing, it’s better done now, before there’s a crawling baby putting everything into their mouth. Building those habits now could save you an issue later on.
Pets & Furry Friends
If you’re a family with pets, the arrival of a baby can be a bit of a balancing act. Odds are the cat or dog has been ruling the roost up until now, and suddenly, there’s a whole new presence on the scene. Sometimes they’re lovely and welcoming and curious about it, but others might feel unsure or even a little put out. Sometimes being friendly and interested is actually a bad thing, for instance if your cat jumps into your child’s cot at night because they’re warm, then that could be a suffocation hazard. Make sure your pets are always observed and kept away from your child when appropriate.
With this advice, you’ll be sure to plan out your home safety even with a newborn.