If you are expecting your very first baby any minute now, you’re probably wondering whether or not you have every little thing you’ll need to welcome your new arrival. Don’t worry. Millions of new parents have done it right, and chances are good that you will, too. Here are a few tricks and tips you’ll want to know about, just in case.
Hidden safety hazards
You’ve certainly done things like adding locks to lower cabinets, putting gates at the top and bottom of the staircase, and stashing all dangerous cleaning products well out of baby’s reach. Big dangers are easy to prevent if you remember them in time. Sometimes, however, it’s easy to overlook the little hazards of day-to-day life.
Walk through your home and take note of all windows covered in mini blinds and Roman shades.This common hazard exists in most homes and contributes to a number of deadly accidents every year. Make sure all blinds cords are safely corralled in wind-ups or otherwise bundled safely out of reach.
Now is the time to install a secure fence around your woodstove or fireplace and put plastic plugs in all unused electrical outlets. You might as well go ahead and install phthalate-free crib rail covers, as well. Before you know it, baby will want to gnaw on everything in sight, including her bed rails, advise safety experts at Parenting magazine.
The little things
The last few weeks before baby’s arrival is the right time to double-check your inventory. Be sure you’ve got a baby thermometer. In fact, make sure you’ve got two of them. Old-fashioned rectal thermometers are okay, but most new mommies now prefer tape-style forehead thermometers that are totally noninvasive. It’s a good idea to have a room humidifier on hand, too. Add a drop of eucalyptus oil to the water supply when your little one has a stuffy nose.
The not-so-little things
You’ve got a car seat for your upcoming baby, right? If not, what in the world are you waiting for? Most hospitals won’t let you take your baby home without one, remind mommy bloggers at Emma’s Diary. Unless you are absolutely sure it’s in perfect working condition, don’t buy a used infant seat. New car seats are an affordable way to ensure your newborn’s safety whilst riding in your family vehicle from Adrian Brien.
As far as clothing is concerned, you can’t have too many onesies in assorted sizes. Of course, there are different kinds for the two genders. You’ll probably receive gobs of clothes sized for a brand-new baby before the happy arrival. So if you’ve already gone and done a baby gender test and announced it, then everyone would know exactly what to send. Otherwise, go ahead and invest in plenty of gender nonspecific outfits to fit older babies. Load up on diapers and nappies now, too. You won’t want to be schlepping out in the middle of the night when the baby needs a change.
Now that your baby is almost here, the excitement is palpable. Stock up on as much sleep as you can as you anticipate this wonderful new chapter in your life.
