Practical Home Upgrades to Implement for New Parents
Even as the American economy struggles and consumer sentiment changes, people are still keen to grow their families. According to Fortune, having babies and buying new homes suddenly gained the attention of Americans in 2024. That is surprising amid the financial downturn and uncertainty in the country.
Becoming a new parent brings joy alongside the need for a safer, more functional home. Many parents start with the basics, like hiring decluttering services to create more space. Further, they implement targeted upgrades that focus on organization, safety, and adaptability to ease daily routines and support your growing family.
In this article, we will suggest some practical home upgrades new parents should consider to prepare their space for their little one.
Declutter and Organize
Clutter does more than crowd your home and create space problems. WebMD highlights its impact on mental health, stating that mess creates stress. Women, in particular, are worst affected, as a messy space elevates their cortisol levels. Imagine what clutter can do when a baby is on the way, or during the postpartum phase.
A few simple steps can help you get rid of extra stuff. Start by sorting through closets, cabinets, and surfaces to remove unused items. This will help create breathing room for baby gear like strollers and diaper bags. Donate or store things you don’t need in labeled bins under beds or in attics to maintain clear pathways. Install over-door organizers for small essentials and vertical wall hooks to free floor space.
Regular weekly purges prevent accumulation, fostering a calmer environment that reduces stress for sleep-deprived parents. Clutterless Home Solutions notes that professionals can help make purging and organizing easier. They offer functional solutions to simplify your life as a homeowner and new parent.
Prioritize Safety
According to the Office on Women’s Health, new parents need to think beyond buying clothing and furniture for their little ones. Creating a safe space for the baby should be a bigger priority for them. Unsafe cribs should be the top concern as they can endanger the life of a newborn. Besides this initial element, there are several design features you need to implement as your baby grows.
Secure heavy furniture like dressers and bookshelves to walls with anchoring kits to prevent tip-overs, a leading cause of infant injuries. Access to hazards can be blocked by installing outlet covers, cabinet locks, and edge guards on tables. Place baby gates at staircases and room transitions.
Cover cords from blinds and electronics, and add non-slip mats in tubs and on floors. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries. A baby monitor for remote checks is another essential. These steps create a secure base layer before your baby becomes mobile.
Invest in Smart Storage
Parents magazine notes that most new parents feel overwhelmed when preparing a shopping list for their babies. Retailers will try to convince you that you need a lot of stuff to prepare for the transition to parenthood. A checklist will help you get the essentials and avoid investing in excess stuff. However, you will need plenty of storage space when your little one arrives.
Choose multi-functional furniture such as cribs with under-bed drawers or changing dressers that convert to toddler tables for longevity. Wall-mounted shelves and floating cubbies can help store books and toys off the floor. Rolling carts with baskets serve as mobile stations for diapering supplies.
Opt for stackable bins in closets for size-sorted clothes and labeled hampers for laundry separation. Convertible crib-to-bed options grow with your child. These solutions keep essentials tidy while promoting airflow and easy cleaning. Think long-term with storage solutions that grow with your baby and prevent future expenses.
Create a Feeding Nook
When feeding your baby, relaxation and comfort are essential for the new mom and her baby. Mothers often struggle with backaches due to long hours of sitting while feeding. Your baby may also feel cranky or distracted during the feeding sessions. A cozy feeding nook can be your savior.
Designate a cozy corner with a glider or rocking chair, a side table for water and remotes, and a soft rug for comfort during feeds. Add a footstool to support feet and reduce back strain. Dimmable lamps can be supportive for night sessions. Nearby baskets hold burp cloths, nursing pads, and snacks for one-handed access.
Incorporating a small fridge for pumped milk or a white noise machine is a good way to soothe a baby. Neutral cushions in earthy tones match the latest nursery trends for calming vibes. This comfy nook streamlines breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, minimizing disruptions.
FAQs
What home improvements to do before having a baby?
Before welcoming a baby, parents need to make some essential home improvements. A comfortable nursery with a crib, changer, and storage is the first upgrade. Additionally, they need to address safety first with anchoring, gates, and covers. They must also focus on bathrooms for non-slip surfaces and kitchens for locks.
How to design a nursery for your newborn?
A nursery is your baby’s haven, where they sleep, play, and grow. As you design your nursery, consider timeless trends like earthy tones, natural materials, and multifunctional furniture for calm and adaptability. Pick firm mattresses, set up blackout curtains, and add personalized touches like murals.
How much to spend on baby-proofing home modifications?
Babyproofing averages $500 for a full home, with DIY nurseries $500-$5,000 and pro installs up to $1,200. Bundle essentials like cribs ($250) and monitors ($200) to stay under $2,000 total. While this may seem like a considerable investment, every dollar spent on your baby’s safety is worthwhile.
Parenting is a rewarding journey, but it also requires mindful planning and decisions. This starts with preparing your home with the right design upgrades. You need not revamp your living space entirely or spend a fortune on a makeover. Implementing these simple upgrades is enough to create a safe, comfortable, and happy space where your little one can thrive.
