I decided in my first pregnancy that I needed to paint my master bedroom white (by myself) and refinish several pieces of furniture. Then we decided to remodel our kitchen. My baby wouldn’t come home to a nineteen seventies tiled kitchen! My baby would have granite! GRANITE! Demolition started on my due date, because if things are going to be crazy, I’m going to make them as extremely crazy as possible (also, that’s when our cabinet guy was ready).
In my second pregnancy, we decided we should sell our condo and move to a smaller apartment a month before the baby came. So I was eight months pregnant and moving boxes, furniture, and building a new bunk bed for my toddler (also by myself). YES, I’M CRAZY. When the nesting bug bites, it bites hard and the itch spreads fast. Preparing for baby’s arrival is an exciting and stressful time. You’re consumed with laundry, impending birth, meal prep for postpartum days… the list goes on. If you’re like me and you like to have all the boxes checked before your little bundle arrives, this babyproofing list will help you remember the basics so you can tackle the bigger projects like completely re-landscaping your yard or starting a business.
Wash Baby Linens
Washing your baby’s bedding, burp rags, clothes, towels and washcloths - even if they’re brand new - is a good way to make sure no harsh detergents or chemical residue from manufacturing ends up on your baby’s sensitive skin. Even your car seat cover can go through the wash.
If you’re reusing stuff from a previous baby and your stuff has been in storage bins, it’s also a good idea to wash them one more time before putting them to use. Sometimes bugs, mold, dust, and even small animals can find their way into your boxes and leave yucky stuff behind. You might also find that, though you packed items away and they seemed clean, old spit-up or diaper leak stains have re-emerged. You can remove old, set-in stains with BunchaFarmers Stain Remover before you send them through the machine.
Place Potentially Harmful Objects Out of Reach
Sharp, chokable, and breakable objects are not just a safety risk for baby, but a potentially stressful loss to you, too (like if your phone gets dropped in the toilet or a family heirloom is shattered). Make sure you move glass objects, sewing supplies, kitchen utensils, and other dangerous items like electric cords out of baby’s reach. Cover exposed outlets with outlet covers, and keep cleaning supplies and chemicals in a locked cupboard.
Keep in mind that babies aren’t mobile for several months, so they won’t be able to reach any dangerous items for a while. If you feel like you’ve got too much on your plate, don’t stress too much about it.
General Cleaning and Disinfecting
Most women consider cleaning as part of their nesting rituals, but don’t consider it a babyproofing checklist item. If babyproofing your home means creating a safe environment for your new little one, deep-cleaning your home should definitely qualify as babyproofing.
The most important things to have cleaned are the areas where dust, mold, mildew, dirt, animal hair and dander, and other allergens and pollutants settle. Carpets, rugs, curtains, bathtubs and showers are all hotspots for germs and general ickiness. If you’re pregnant, use caution with harsh cleaning supplies. A cleaning service can make sure your home is ship-shape and ready for baby.