familyservicehub It is a very exciting time to be expecting a new baby. Rough River Hardware offers some easy DIY projects to make your house more safe and comfortable for your child and you.
You should start some DIY projects well before your baby’s due date. This will allow you to devote all your energy and time to the little one. Construction noises and dust will disturb your child or you!
Prepare for Baby DIY Projects
Walk around the house and check each room’s safety from your child’s point of view. You can prepare for when your child starts to crawl, which is usually at around 6 months. Decide where safety gates will be needed. Select gates that are safe to use near stairs in order to avoid falls. Pet gates and pressure-mounted gates are not recommended.
Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for good functioning. Install smoke detectors outside your bedrooms, and at every floor of your house.
Get rid of any chairs or tables that take up valuable space for baby gear. To avoid clutter, invest in attractive baskets for toys and other supplies. Once your child starts to crawl, keep plants and pet dishes out of the reach.
Baby’s Room
Your baby’s nursery is at the top of your list! It’s easy and inexpensive to revitalize any space with a fresh coat of painted. Choose a palette of colors that are soothing for your child – shades like warm cream, gray or light blue, as well as soft, neutral tones, such as a pale green, will work in a nursery.
To minimize fumes, choose a low-VOC environmentally friendly paint. Lead testing kits can be used to test the old paint and trim on your walls for lead. Old paint can usually be left alone if it is not flaking or chipped. It can also be painted.
Wear protective gear and paint only in well-ventilated rooms.
Crib
Select your crib with care to make sure it is safe. To avoid clothing getting caught, the simpler the crib design the better. Fit the sheets to your mattress properly.
You can also find out more about the following:
A comfortable chair is a must, as are a change table, a dresser, a ground level shelf that can be safely attached to the wall and a toybox.
Ensure that all furniture is safe.
Safety Standards in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/safe-sleep/cribs-cradles-bassinets.html
Safety Standards in the USA: https://www.cpsc.gov/SafeSleep
Blinds and drapes
Roman blinds with blackout lining or drapery are the best window treatments for a child’s bedroom.
Keep window treatments off of the ground and out of the reach of your child’s crib to avoid him pulling them.
Flooring
Consider a few more months when you will see your child spending more time on the floor, exploring and playing. Are your floors in need of refinishing, or do you want a surface that’s easy to maintain and safe for your child?
It is important to do this as quickly as you can before the arrival of your baby. Installation may involve toxic fumes. The best flooring options are durable vinyl planks and hardwood. They are easy to clean and are less likely to accumulate dust.
Safety Latches & Outlet Plugs
Store your medication and cleaning products safely away from your child. As soon as your child is mobile you’ll need safety latches for cupboards and drawers. Outlet covers will also be needed to prevent your child from sticking fingers into outlets or playing with toys.
Guest Room
Have you got a spare bedroom for your special guests? With a space-saving Murphy or pullout sofa, you can easily convert your office or baby’s room into a guest or combined room. Your baby is likely to be still in its bassinet when your family arrives in order to help you out in those early years. Therefore, the nursery could double as a room for guests.
Handy Hall Storage
Keep your stroller close by without blocking the hallway.
A fold-up pram is a great option if space is an issue. If you plan to keep your stroller outside, buy a waterproof protective cover. Clear out the hall closet so you have more room for baby gear.
Ideas for additional storage in your home:
- Under the stairs near the front entrance
- Built-in wardrobe
- Armoire
- The Basement
- The hook can be placed in the back or wall of a front door
Ideas for outdoor storage spaces to store your stroller.
- Front porch
- The side of the house or rear deck
- Then, you can also Rent a Car
- Balcony
- Purchase or build a small shed
- Hook wall
- On a mat that is waterproof, in the hall
Bathroom
At bathtime, safety is paramount. There are many child-safe upgrades and improvements you can make to your bathroom. These will be even more useful as your toddler grows.
- Tub for babies
- Low height toilet
- Tiles that are slip-resistant
- The sink has a slip-proof stool
- Towels on low shelves
Reduce the hot water heater’s temperature to 49degC to avoid a scalding.
Make bathtime fun for your child by decorating with bright, whimsical colors and themes.
Check Appliances
Are you washing machine and dryer ready to do extra work? Check that your water heater, water conditioner, furnace and air conditioner are all working properly. As needed, arrange for inspections and repair work and replace any appliances that are beyond their useful life.
Take Mold
It is important to maintain a healthy environment at any time, but especially during pregnancy. Mold, which is usually found in basements, bathrooms and kitchens, can cause allergies and respiratory problems.
Create a safe entryway
Look at the outside of your house to determine how you could make it easier for your child to enter and exit. To prevent trips, your walkways and stairs should be level. For added security and safety, install good lighting as well as a movement light.
Restore or replace your back deck
You can enjoy a shaded deck in your backyard with your child. If you are thinking about building a deck or steps, allow yourself plenty of time to complete the project before your baby is born. The wood should be checked for loose or splintered boards and nails, as well as splinters.
Roof Repair and Reshingle
You will save money by keeping your roof in good condition. It will also keep your family warm and dry. You can do the repairs yourself if your roof’s slope isn’t too high and you are comfortable working there. If you don’t feel comfortable working on your roof, then it is best to call a professional.
Replace missing shingles to avoid leaks, mold and water damage. Apply roofing sealant to repair cracked or curled tiles.
If your roof has been in place for more than 20 years and its shingles have worn out, you should consider a roof replacement.
Stock up!
It is important to have the basics for your first couple of weeks. Stock up slowly on groceries, toilet paper, detergent, and cleaning products.
You will need to prepare meals in advance for your baby’s arrival, but you may not have the time or energy.
Rough River Hardware is happy to help you with any queries or information. Please contact us if you have any questions or need more information.
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