Thanks to SocialMoms and Seventh Generation, I was given the opportunity to share my tips for preparing for the new baby’s arrival. The options are endless when it comes to preparing for baby. Lucky enough I’ve been through this three times before. I am very happy to tell you the millions of baby items and options don’t have to scare you or make you consider getting a part time job. Preparing for babies homecoming starts with what is in your home and the rest is just details. Whew, I know we can all breathe a sigh of relief.
Tip 1
Start at home and purge. Having a de-cluttered nursery. Before you bring in the baby stuff clear out everything you don’t need. Store away and cleaning out closets will open up spaces. It’s scary how such a little person can take up so much room. Yes I said it, babies require a ton of space.
Tip 2
Baby proofing your home especially the nursery. Now that you have de-cluttered your home. Packed up all that stuff you don’t need right now. Take a step back and evaluate each room. This is a serious time to get on the floor at babies level. Think about a baby crawling, rolling and pulling up. Anything that remotely looks dangerous is dangerous. Cover plugs, adjust cords that hang off of venetian blinds, etc. This might all sound too soon, but trust me it isn’t. My babies rolled over in their 3rd month, could sit up at assisted at 5 months and at 7 months were wiggling around trying to get to everything. If you have other children store dangerous toys in appropriate containers out of babies reach.
Tip 3
Switch to all natural cleaning products {if you haven’t already}. Pregnant women should not be around all those terrible fumes, anyhow. Seventh Generation carries a full line of green all natural Household cleaning products, laundry products, and personal care. The Free and Clear all purpose cleaner is perfect for cleaning around the nursery. Start washing everyone’s clothes with Free and Clear All Natural Laundry Liquid. Baby can pick up rashes and skin irritants even from your clothes.
Tip 4
Essentials baby needs a car seat, crib, sling or wrap and chair or swing. These are must, everything else is just icing on the cake. Make sure that these essentials meet the standards and are not on a recall list. After you purchase these essentials fill out and send in any registrations. This will help you find out as soon as possible if there is a recall.
Tip 5
Stock the baby changing centers. Yes, I said centers! Those cute little storage bins are perfect for keeping in different rooms of your home. Think about how far you have to go if you only have a changing station in the nursery. I have 4 stations. I have the obvious one in the nursery completely stocked with Seventh Generation Free and Clear baby diapers, Seventh Generation Chlorine Free baby wipes, diaper rash ointment, powder, lotion and a few small toys to keep baby occupied. I have a three other storage bins each contains a few Seventh Generation diapers, Seventh Generation wipes and a baby toy. I keep one in the living room, one upstairs in the play room and the last in my bedroom.
Tip 6
Stock up on essentials for your babies medicine box. Digital thermometer, acetaminophen, Ibuprofen (for over 6 months), anti-gas drops, bulb syringe, saline drops, gripe water, pedialyte.
Tip 8
Dress baby in appropriate clothing. Even in summer months footed sleepers are a must. Babies get cold at night and should not have any blankets or other bedding besides the fitted crib sheet. Footed Sleepers will keep baby warm and safe. Onesies, socks and clothing that can be layered are also essential.Wearing clothing that can be taken off easily to cool down baby is perfect for changing temperatures.
Tip 9
Prepare your family for the baby. Children and pets need to know that a new arrival is soon to be here. A great way to incorporate the impending arrival is to have a doll swaddled. Carry it around hold it, talk to it, put it in the crib, etc. If your furry friend gets nosey encourage them to keep calm around “baby”. Talk to your children about the baby and show them that the doll is practice for how we will be with baby.
Tip 10
Meals, meals and more meals. Work on a few yummy dishes that can be pre-made and stored in the freezer a couple of weeks before baby is due. Have your pantry stocked. Think mixed nuts, crackers, drinks, non-perishables. Also have lots of fruit and veggies for fresh meals.
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and
Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more
information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://seventhgeneration.socialmoms.com/about)
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