Baby and Toddler Proofing Your Living Room!

Having a baby completely changes your life, and in turn it will change your home- how it looks, how it functions and what you need from your property. It doesnt mean to say it needs to be completely taken over to look like a toy shop, but practicality is going to be important. The all-white rooms that you once coveted might need a rethink, as well as the general use of the space that you have. Maybe you’re expecting a baby and getting your home organised, or perhaps your baby or toddler is becoming more mobile and you’re looking into the necessary changes you’ll need to make. Either way, here are some ideas!

Change the flooring

Babies, toddlers and children are all messy. From split sippy cups to snacks that get everywhere, muddy feet and sticky fingers, potty training accidents and more- a home that’s easy to clean is something that is likely to become a priority to you. It’s not to say that you can’t make carpets work, but if you don’t fancy scrubbing out stains and spills out of them every day, hard floorings are a good investment. Flooring stores have options from wood, laminate, lino or tiles, these surfaces are easy to mop and steam clean (perfect if you dont like using chemicals). And you don’t need to worry about them being hard under foot- dot around some cosy washable rugs. That way you can pop them iinto the wash periodically without the hassle of getting marks and smells out of carpet. 

Use washable wallpaper

Those sticky hands arent just limited to getting onto the carpets, chances are they’ll get into the walls too! Paint your rooms with washable paint, it’s slightly more expensive than regular paint but will last much longer as you can simply wipe off any marks when they happen. Saves you from having to repaint multiple times a year!

Invest in cupboard locks

Cupboard locks keep your baby safe and will help to keep you sane too, just as soon as they’re old enough to open cupboard doors they’ll be in them daily trying to empty everything out! From simple strap style locks that affix to the outside to more sleek magnetic locks there are loads of options. 

Purchase toy storage

Most parents-to-be claim they wont allow the living room to become a toy storage zone, but unfortunately it does tend to happen! Especially when children are small and cant yet go and play in their room or playroom by themselves. Save yourself the hassle, invest in toy storage from the get-go. Something like an Ikea Kallax cube unit works well, as it matches most peoples decor and the fabric cubes are spacious and hold lots of toys, as well as keeps them organised. 

How will you be preparing your home for your baby?