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Preparing for a baby is so exciting! But while you wait for that moment when labor begins, there are so many details to get your home ready. Some essential home safety tips are obvious, some are usually overlooked.
Home Safety Tips for a Healthy Baby
Sleeping Safety: Make sure the bed is safe. The mattress needs to be firm and fit the crib tightly. Although we love all the cute cuddly toys, pillows, bumper pads, comforters and the like they aren't safe for a new baby. The baby can get trapped in the folds and be unable to breathe.
Diapering Safety: You'll be amazed by how fast a tiny baby can roll away. It can take just a second as you reach for something. If you use a changing table make sure it has straps, and use them.
Bath Time Safety: Serious accidents happen in bathtubs. A special baby bathtub that offers baby support and a no-slip bottom is the best plan. If you plan to bathe your baby in your own tub, use a rubber mat. When she is big enough to sit up, you can use a baby bath chair. Be sure to set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees F and look for special tub spouts that prevent hot water burns. Also, keep everything you need in easy reach.
Fire Safety: Smoke detectors are a must. Keep them in working order and check them monthly. Also, have a fire extinguisher on hand. Make a plan for rescue and escape, if a fire does break out.
Carbon Monoxide Safety: If you use gas or oil heat or have an attached garage, be sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home. Check the batteries twice a year.
Paint Safety for Baby's Room: If you're in an older home attend to paint that's flaking or peeling in your baby's room. Have a professional remove or seal it. There may be dangerous lead in the paint. If you wish to freshly paint your baby's room be aware of the chemicals that fresh paint can release into the air. Have someone (other than the expectant mom) paint your baby's room at least a few weeks prior to your baby's arrival and make sure to thoroughly ventilate the room, so the air quality is safe.
New Carpeting: New carpets are great, but they can out-gas for at least a month. As with fresh paint, if you plan to lay new carpet in your baby's room, do it in time for the out-gassing phase to be over by the time baby comes home. Also, be sure to use non-slip pads under any area rugs you use in the room.
EMF Exposure Safety
Avoiding exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is unavoidable. EMFs are generated from your home electrical grid and all wireless devices, like cell phones, cordless phones, Wi-Fi and baby monitors. Babies and little children are especially sensitive and since EMFs are linked to many childhood health problems, you need to use EMF protection in your home safety plan as you're preparing for your baby. There are a number of products on the market for this. Look for a company that has a good history, guarantee and well-informed customer service.
Preparing for a baby can be a lot of fun. Follow these few home safety tips and then relax and anticipate the joyful arrival of your new baby.
Shanti Rivers is a licensed psychotherapist, writer, editor and mom. Since she has dealt with electro-sensitivity since childhood, she's done extensive research about environmental influences on physical and mental health.
The worldwide research that's been conducted on the environmental effects of electro-pollution, and Shanti's personal health benefits from using EMF protection have broadened her perspective of environmental sustainability and healthy living. Visit EarthCalm today to improve your family's health and safety.
