Homes and New Babies
Welcoming a new baby into a household can be both exciting and terrifying. How do you know that your home will fit a child's growing needs? Is it safe and practical for an infant? These are both important questions to ponder as you prepare your current space or look for a new one.
First, there are simple safety precautions all parents should take. Be sure to put plugs in all outlets. Babies are fascinated by things that are at their level and this includes electrical outlets. Keep unsafe areas, such as slick floors and stairs, off-limits by using safety gates. Today's models are adult-convenient with easy, but child-proof, latches to free up adult movement.
One of the biggest hazards in a home can be water. Be sure that any fountains, koi ponds, or swimming pools are carefully watched or covered. It takes only inches of water for a child to drown.
Finally, consider using video and audio monitors so that when you are in another room working you can still keep tabs on your bundle of joy
A newborn doesn't need much space. Many parents even opt to share their bedroom with the child's nursery for the first year. As a child grows, though, it will become obvious that more room is needed. Are you in the position to buy a new home that has that space?
It is much easier to go house hunting and buying before a baby arrives. If finances allow, this is a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historical lows and continue to drop. Buyers with excellent credit are seeing 30-year fixed rates averaging less than 4.0 percent.
Affordability is calculated by figuring the ratio of median household income and today's home prices. Recent affordability is at record highs. This means more home for the buck as well as more access to homeownership for lower income buyers.
If you are in the market to buy, it's good to consider a few home baby issues. A popular trend in today's housing is a first floor master bedroom. While this is perfect for families with older children or for aging adults it can be problematic when a new baby arrives.
This generally means that if the baby is to have its own bedroom, it will be on a separate floor from the parents. Is there a downstairs office that can double as a bedroom until the child is older? If so, then this floor plan may still work.
Next, think about stairs. Going up and down stairs while pregnant or carrying a young child is a lot of work. Carrying laundry, toys, and other baby items up and down may get you in shape, but it will probably also try your nerves. Stairs can also pose a serious safety risk. Young families may do best with one-story homes.
Are you looking at homes with pools? Older children that are experienced swimmers will love having a pool, but this recreational draw while an infant or toddler is in the house means parents and sitters must be constantly vigilant.
Adding a new member to your family is a joyful occasion. Take a moment to consider what your family needs will be today and in the future. If you're ready for a move, be sure to consider your growing family.
Written by Carla Hill