Are you expecting a new bundle of joy soon? Congratulations! Preparing for a new baby can be an exciting (if slightly overwhelming) experience, especially when it comes to creating the perfect space for your little one. One of the biggest changes you may need to make is to your home.
Renovating your home before the baby arrives can make your life much easier once that precious new life is finally here – but you have to prioritize. Redoing the kitchen might be something to put off, for example, so that you can add a half-bath on the main floor of the house to make clean-ups on baby easier.
Let’s dive in and talk about the top renovations you can make to prepare for a new baby and ensure that your home is a safe and comfortable space for your growing family. From creating a nursery to childproofing your home, we’ve got you covered.
1. Create a Nursery
Setting up a dedicated space for your little one is essential. This will be the place where they’ll spend a lot of their time, so it’s important to create a safe-but-cozy environment for them.
Renovating a spare room or even converting an unused space into a nursery will provide you with a designated area for your baby’s needs. Make sure to choose non-toxic paint, install adjustable lighting for those late-night diaper changes or feedings, and add storage solutions to keep everything organized.
2. Take Childproofing Measures
It won’t take long before your baby starts crawling and exploring their surroundings, and they’ll be getting into everything! Childproofing your home is crucial to ensure that your little one is safe from harm.
Consider installing locking safety gates, cabinet locks, outlet covers and window guards. You’ll also want to secure any loose rugs or carpeting to prevent trips and falls. Take a look at other areas, however, that could be dangerous to a baby or toddler, like loose hinges on cabinets and appliances with loose doors.
3. Upgrade Your HVAC System
Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is essential for providing a healthy living environment. Upgrading your HVAC system can ensure that the air quality in your home is safe for your baby. Consider installing a high-efficiency air filter or investing in a whole-house air purifier to eliminate harmful pollutants and allergens.
This is also a good time to upgrade related safety measures. No home is safe for a baby without a carbon monoxide detector, radon alarms, fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
4. Add Extra Storage
One of the most shocking parts of being a brand-new parent is the realization that those little humans require a whole lot of stuff! From clothes and toys to diapers and wipes, you’ll need plenty of storage space to keep everything organized.
Adding extra storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets and drawers will help you keep everything in its place, making it easier to find what you need quickly. You could consider adding hidden storage under steps, converting a mud room into a closet, or adding built-in cabinets in the garage.
5. Upgrade Your Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for your baby’s development and safety. Installing dimmer switches in your nursery is a start, but adding them to the main living areas can create a calming environment for your baby, while brighter lighting in hallways and stairwells can prevent accidents.
6. Upgrade the Laundry Room
With a new baby comes an increase in laundry. Renovating your existing laundry room or moving it to the main floor of your house can make this task more manageable.
Consider installing a utility sink for handwashing delicate items, adding extra storage for laundry supplies, and upgrading your washer and dryer to more energy-efficient models. You may also want to install a folding table or countertop for convenience.
7. Redo the Bathroom
If the bathroom was already on your list of upcoming renovations, you definitely want to get it done before the baby comes. With baby in mind, here are some suggestions for your plans:
- Make sure your tub or shower will accommodate a baby bath seat. This will keep your baby safe when the water is running.
- Streamline the overall design. You need to be able to move around a little in there when you’re bathing your baby and toddler, so consider opening the bathroom’s design as much as possible.
- Add more storage: Again, if you’ve never seen it before, the amount of stuff you need to keep a baby clean will amaze you. You’ll definitely need as much storage as possible
- Add non-slip surfaces: This will help you and your baby in the future, and keep everybody safer from falls.
8. Get New Flooring
If the floors in your home have seen better days, renovating now – before the baby starts crawling – makes a lot of sense. You definitely don’t want your little’s hands and knees damaged on cracked kitchen tiles and wood floors that are worn out and uneven.
It may also be time to think about adding a few new areas of carpeting. Wood steps are lovely, but carpets can be a safer surface for little ones. Carpeting in the upstairs hallway can also help muffle footsteps and make it easier to keep baby asleep at night.
Congratulations again, soon-to-be parents! By taking the time to make some key renovations around your home, you’ll be setting yourself up for success when it comes to welcoming your new addition. These renovations will make it easier to enjoy your new bundle of joy in a home that’s both practical and stylish. And remember, the most important renovation of all is the love and care you’ll give your new baby – no toolbox required!
