Preparing for a child brings a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation into the lives of Crisfield parents. As you gear up for the arrival of your little one, it’s crucial to consider how your home can be better equipped to welcome your bundle of joy. Remodeling is a fantastic way to make your home baby-ready. Here is what Crisfield parents should know about preparing for a child.
1. The Baby’s Room
Creating a safe, serene, and functional space for your baby is a top priority. This is where the magic happens, from diaper changes to lullabies. Whether you’re welcoming a surro baby or expanding your family, the nursery is where your baby will spend significant time. A well-designed nursery will create an ideal space for you to bond with your baby.
Many parents design their nursery with a soothing color scheme and prioritize safety by adhering to crib and bedding standards. Storage solutions are key for keeping baby essentials organized and within reach. You will need a few essential items to ensure that the baby is safe and comfortable. A good quality crib that is designed with approved safety standards, a firm crib mattress, a chest of drawers, and a rocker are all essential items you should consider for your baby’s room.
Having a safe, comfortable place for your baby to call their own is essential to preparing for a child. There are many ways to customize a baby’s room to match your home style. It’s a good idea to remember that your baby won’t be a baby forever; convertible furniture can help save money down the road. Many cribs can be converted into toddler beds and then a regular-sized bed for an older child.
2. Kitchen Remodeling
Preparing for a child is an exciting yet challenging time in the lives of soon-to-be parents. Along with setting up the nursery and baby-proofing the home, don’t forget to get the heart of your household ready. Kitchen remodeling can play a pivotal role in making your home more child-friendly and functional.
Choosing the right cabinets is one of the most significant aspects of a kitchen remodel. A reputable kitchen cabinet company can offer various options for your style and needs. To accommodate the new addition to your family, consider cabinets with ample storage for baby essentials, such as bottles, formula, and baby food. Well-organized cabinets make it easier to find what you need during those sleep-deprived nights.
The right kitchen cabinet designs are essential for maximizing space and accessibility. Opt for designs prioritizing convenience, such as deep drawers for pots and pans and pull-out shelves for easy access to pantry items. Consider installing a dedicated cabinet or drawer for baby supplies, including bottles, sterilizers, and feeding accessories.
Custom countertops are also something to consider when preparing for a child. They can enhance the function and aesthetics of your kitchen. Choose durable and easy-to-clean materials that can withstand the inevitable spills and messes that come with a baby. Custom countertops also provide a clean and safe space for meal preparation and baby food prep.
3. Bathroom Remodeling
As you prepare for a child, you want to ensure that your home can easily accommodate the new addition. Along with preparing the nursery and making changes in the kitchen, your bathroom also plays a significant role in your daily routine with a child. Bathroom remodeling can help you create a safe and efficient space for your baby’s care.
When it comes to making substantial changes in your bathroom, consulting experienced bathroom contractors is a wise decision. These professionals have the expertise to transform your bathroom into a child-friendly environment. Whether it’s making structural adjustments, installing baby-friendly features, or ensuring safety, these experts can help. A good contractor can help with bathroom design, installations, and so much more.
A bath remodel can be a game-changer in your preparations for a child. It’s essential to ensure that your bathroom is well-equipped for baby baths. Many homes that have been constructed in the last few years have been built without a bath option. You will need a place to bathe your child. Adding a bathtub or rehabbing the bathtub you already have will ensure bath time is simplified. Bathroom contractors can easily transform your bathroom into a child-friendly space.
Another bathroom consideration is efficient storage solutions. The right storage solutions will help to keep baby essentials organized and within reach. Well-designed bathroom cabinets are versatile and can provide space for diapers, wipes, baby towels washcloths, and bath products. When considering bathroom cabinets, opt for designs that are easily accessible for you while secure for baby safety. Soft-closing drawers and cabinets can prevent little fingers from getting pinched.
4. Living Room Remodeling
As you prepare for a child, preparing your living room is essential to getting your home ready for your little one. Remodeling a living room is about aesthetics and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for your growing family. There are some things that you want to consider as essential in your living room remodel.
For example, you may want to consider new flooring. Hypoallergenic flooring options are good when you have a new child in the house. Of course, you also want to consider flooring that can withstand wear and tear. Plenty of great flooring options can help make life easier with a child.
You will also need to consider window treatments. Roller shades are a popular option for homes with children. They are easy to use, relatively affordable, and can help you control privacy and light in the room. Shades are versatile and come in a range of colors and textures to complement any decor.
Blinds are another great window treatment option. Remodeling the living room doesn’t have to be a complete renovation. A fresh coat of paint, some new flooring, and a bit of child-friendly decor, your living room will be ready for your new addition. Creating a comfortable space for you and your family to gather is a great way to prepare for a new child.
5. Home Office Remodeling
Preparing for a child often involves transforming your home to accommodate the needs of your growing family. While much of the focus is on nurseries and babyproofing, don’t forget to consider the role of your home office. Many parents work remotely for at least part of the workweek. If you plan on working remotely after your child arrives, it’s essential that you have a dedicated space to work in.
Every home office needs some essential pieces of furniture to pull the office together. You will need office chairs, a desk, storage, and some decor. The home office is where you balance work responsibilities with family life, making it an essential part of your preparations for a child. Choosing the right furniture for the space will ensure that you can get your work done in comfort and style.
To complete your home office you may have to have a dedicated wifi line to ensure you have the connectivity that you will need. You also may consider making other upgrades to the room like adding new flooring, painting the space, and adding some window treatments. You can create a great office space that will motivate you, keep you organized, and let you work from home comfortably.
6. Maintenance and Repairs
When you are preparing for a child, one of the best ways to ensure you are prepared is to get all your home maintenance and repairs out of the way before the child arrives. All the things that you have put off should be addressed now. For example, if it has been a while since your HVAC was inspected and tuned up, now is a good time to do that.
Now is a great time to have your roof inspected and have any repairs that need to be done. Make a list of all the repairs and maintenance that need to be done before the child arrives. It will make life easier if you can clear your list of repairs and maintenance before your new family member arrives. If you can get everything done that needs to be done to the house, you can focus your time and energy on bonding with the new family member.
Addressing necessary repairs now will ensure that you don’t run into unexpected problems. For example, making sure that your HVAC system is in good working order will ensure that you don’t have to worry about heat or air conditioning problems. Being able to create a comfortable environment because you have a reliable HVAC system will reduce stress and worry.
Other things you can get done around the house include removing any dangerous trees that are near your house. The goal is to create a safe, worry-free environment when you are preparing for a child. Address any maintenance or repairs to your home now, and you will be able to worry less and spend more time enjoying the moments with your child.
7. Replace Water Heater
A faulty water heater is a danger to your property and ultimately can be a danger to your child. If your water heater is 15 years or older, it is about that time. Replacing your water heater will ensure that you can easily control the water’s temperature and won’t have to worry about the potential risk of serious injury from overly hot water.
Most people are unaware that before an electric water heater goes completely out, the water can get very hot. Hot enough to scald a child. Water heaters have a few main parts. There are elements that heat the water, and a thermostat that will turn the elements off when the water reaches a set temperature. A thermostat is one of the most common parts to fail on a water heater. When the thermostat fails, there is no safety mechanism to keep the water from getting to scalding temperatures.
If you are preparing for a child, a faulty water heater should be replaced. It is not worth the risk. The same is true for any other appliance in your home that needs to be replaced. It’s best to have the appliance replaced before your child arrives.
8. Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is something you should consider if you have basement moisture problems. There are two key benefits to having your basement waterproofed. The first is the health benefits of ensuring that mold and mildew can’t take hold in your house. Mold and mildew are health risks. A wet or damp basement is an invitation to mold and mildew.
The second benefit is you can expand your living space. Once you start preparing for a child, you may realize your house is not as big as you thought. Children come with a lot of gear. Having a safe space to store that gear or even a space where you can create additional living space can be a real win. Expanding your living space into the basement starts with waterproofing the basement.
Whether you want to use the basement for storage or actual living space, it must be waterproofed. A contractor that specializes in waterproofing will be able to determine why the basement is damp or wet in the first place and take measures to ensure that, moving forward, it doesn’t happen.
There are a lot of things that need to be done to prepare for a child. With some planning, the right help, and dedicating the time, you can get it all done before the baby arrives. Make a list to keep track of what needs to be done. Hire professionals who can work on your timeline to ensure everything is done before the new addition arrives. The right support will make a difference.
