Preparing your home for a new baby or pet

There can be few things as exciting as deciding to share your home with a new baby or a pet. Both can make your home lively and add quality to your life, but are equally life-altering, requiring personal commitment and preparation.

When it comes to a baby, there are many aspects to consider with safety and convenience paramount considerations to make the home as comfy as possible for the new baby. A new baby is stressful and taxing on your time and wellbeing and the better prepared you are, the easier you will find those first few weeks.

Seeff provides some guidance on what to consider.

Preparing for baby
Convenience is vital so ensure that your bedroom, kitchen, lounge and baby room is all set up and all equipment in place and tested before you go to hospital. Do a 'walk-through' as your due date approaches so that you know where everything is. If you are married or in a partnership, be sure to include her/him in all preparations as well.

Climate and heating. Don't forget that even during summer, babies tend to feel a little cold, and you will need to ensure that the baby corner and room is warm, but well aired. Keep walkways cleared as well, especially if you suddenly need to rush around at night, you do not want to trip over a heater.

Get help if you are able to. A little help around the house during the first few weeks will make a big difference. This might involve a cleaning service or, if you are fortunate enough, your mom might be of great help.

Safety is vital, especially when baby starts crawling and walking. The sooner you start child-proofing your home the better. Aspects include door stops and child-locks on opening doors, packing away keys and ensuring that there are safety gates fitted to opening doors and at the top and bottom of stairs. Don't forget to also cover plugs and pack away any electrical equipment.

Preparing for your new pet
Your pet will be part of your home, but will need to know which areas and behaviours are off-bounds. Creating a pet area or corner is important. This should include a sleeping area, preferably with a nice basket and warm blanket for the colder days.

Meals will also need attention. Where cat food can be out all day, you will have to regulate the meals for dogs.

The type and size of pet is also a consideration. Small dogs and cats are much easier to maintain in a busy city or sectional title property or complex while large dogs will need more garden space and daily walks and exercise.

Introducing your new pet to the baby or children is another important aspect. Pets need to feel welcome and you do not want them to become a nuisance when there is a new baby. Train them on how to behave around the new baby. Remember too that cats love cosy sleeping places and can easily make themselves at home in the pram or cot.

Once baby starts crawling and walking, you will need to keep an eye on the food and water bowls as baby will no doubt want to indulge in a few cat or dog kibbles.

Training your pet is part of responsible pet ownership. This includes toilet training. Dogs tend to require more patience and you may want to make use of a professional pet-trainer.

Finally, remember that babies and pets are equally exciting additions to your home, but knowledge and preparation is key to a happy home.

Author: Gina Meintjes