Childproofing is one of the most important things to consider in the lead-up to the birth of any baby. Yet, what even experienced parents don’t often realize is that pulling the stair gates out of storage and covering up plug sockets isn’t necessarily the only preparations needed for the safety and comfort of young explorers.
After all, while safety considerations should undeniably take precedence, bringing a baby into any home means major change. To ensure that a space is still adaptable and functional enough to support you through those early days and even into the toddler years, childproofing should therefore also extend to the following considerations.
# 1 – A new cleaning routine
Whether you’ve always loved a pristine home or didn’t really care that much about dirt pre-baby, your cleaning routine and the condition in which you keep your home is going to need to change. This is true even if you have older kids because babies are far more susceptible to the infections and illnesses that even small dirt buildups can cause. Worse, strong chemical disinfectants are an absolute no-go. As such, childproofing from a cleaning perspective is all about focusing on hidden areas of collected dirt, such as under furniture or in corners that you might not normally focus on, as well as the stocking of a baby-friendly, preferable chemical-free cleaning cupboard.
# 2 – Planning for emergencies
Household emergencies are never pleasant, but they become significantly more problematic with a baby in the house. Heating issues or broken AC units are especially an issue as they pose a significant health risk, but burst pipes, plumbing issues, and even electrical shortages that prevent your monitors from working can all create problems that should be avoided. Most notably, this means getting electricals, plumbing, boilers etc. serviced before your baby arrives, as well as stocking up on things like torches and battery-powered heating units or monitors where possible. It’s also worth keeping an emergency folder somewhere safe, and filling it with numbers for emergency plumbers, 24 hour AC service, and even contact details for your local electrical board. That way, you can ensure quick responses and reliable fallbacks to keep your baby comfortable and happy no matter what.
# 3 – Expanding your storage
From clothes that seem to quickly multiple through to toy collections that grow even faster, bringing a baby home means that you’re going to need plenty more storage space to keep your home pleasant, safe, and functional. Sleek, efficient storage solutions are especially fundamental for parents looking to truly childproof and should include considerations such as under-bed storage units, in-wall cupboards, and even storage furniture solutions. Make sure, too, to organize the belongings you already have before baby comes, ensuring a clear out that provides plenty of room for that new life to slot right in.
Stair gates and other safety measures are undeniably important when it comes to childproofing, but make sure that you’re truly ready by also sparing some headspace for these secondary, equally fundamental, childproofing considerations.
