Tips for Preparing Your Home for a New Baby

Preparing your home for your first child is a daunting task, so it is best to begin as early as you can. With nearby access to some of the top hospitals on the South shore and Boston, our apartments have the foundation started. Here are some tips to help you and your family prepare:

• Choose which room will be the nursery. Although you will find when registering that babies come with a lot of equipment, their nursery does not require much space. Consider the space needed for a crib, changing table and a glider. If possible, choose a room that is more than a wall away from your main living space to avoid noises and other distractions to the baby while sleeping
• If painting, keep to muted and soothing colors that will be calming to both you and the baby.
• Consider the changes that need to be made to your master bedroom as well since your little bundle will likely be sharing your bedroom for the first few months. You do not want to turn your room into a nursery, but you want to maintain a peaceful place to care for your newborn all hours of the night. This might mean adding a small rocking chair of storage for feedings and changes.
• Shop for the big items early that you can have your nursery designed and setup prior to the final trimester, when you will want to feel rested and prepared. There are so many crib and changing table options, be sure to research safety features - The Consumer Product Safety Commission has valuable information to help you make these decisions. If possible, splurge on a non-toxic eco-friendly crib mattress. Your baby will spend so much time in his or her crib, it is a worthwhile investment.
• If you are a pet owner, like so many of our residents are, research the best ways to prepare your pet for your baby's arrival
• It is never too early to start child proofing your home. From outlet plugs to gates, and cabinet locks to furniture anchors, start now, because you will be much too busy once your baby is moving!

The Commons are conveniently located close to some of the South Shore's best baby and furniture stores including Buybuy Baby and Babies 'R Us, as well as many baby boutiques including Carolann's and Uppababy Factory Outlet. Time to start shopping and start preparing!