Preparing for parenthood? Key factors to consider when selecting a new home for your growing family
When it comes to creating a home that supports the safety, growth, and comfort of a growing family, there are several key factors to consider.
Childproofing
Effective childproofing is essential as children become mobile. This involves installing safety gates for stairs, using outlet covers, locking cabinets with hazardous items, securing heavy furniture to prevent tipping, adding corner guards on sharp furniture edges, keeping cords out of reach, and setting water heaters to 120°F to avoid burns. Bathrooms need special attention with anti-slip mats, medicine cabinet locks, and window guards to prevent falls and poisoning. Safe sleep practices for infants are crucial, too—using firm mattresses without soft bedding and placing babies on their backs to reduce SIDS risk.
Space and Layout
A home should have enough room for children to play and grow safely. Open layouts that allow easy supervision and clear pathways can reduce hazards. Bedrooms should be restful havens.
Neighborhood and Community
Look for a community with low crime rates, good schools, nearby parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly services. Safe streets and sidewalks for walking or biking also support children’s activities.
Storage and Organization
Adequate storage keeps toys, cleaning products, and other potentially dangerous items out of children’s reach and reduces clutter, which helps minimize trip hazards.
Outdoor Space
A safe, enclosed yard or access to green spaces provides children with room to play and explore physically, enhancing well-being.
Future Flexibility
Consider how the home can adapt as your family grows—extra bedrooms, office space for remote work or homeschooling, and adjustable living spaces increase long-term suitability.
Financial Considerations
Evaluate affordability including mortgage or rent payments, utility costs, property taxes, and ongoing maintenance. A financially sustainable home reduces stress and provides stability.
Additional Resources for New Parents
Utilize babyproofing checklists, child safety guides, and stay informed on recalls for infant products. Experts recommend monitoring and updating safety measures regularly and using tools like alarms on doors or gates to prevent children from entering unsafe areas.
Other Considerations
- Single-story homes or those with a master bedroom on the same floor as the nursery can be more practical during the early months of tending to a baby.
- When choosing a new home, consider your budget and factor in all costs associated with the home, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
- Thousands of women apply to be surrogates annually, so consider the potential for home improvements to accommodate another child.
- Look for homes that are easy to childproof, considering potential hazards like sharp corners, stairs, and accessible electrical outlets.
- Check the local schools' reputation and the availability of daycare centers, even if your baby is still an infant, to avoid the need to move again when it's time for school. For example, 24% of private schools offer instruction after the school day ends for students who seek academic advancement or enrichment.
- If the home doesn't have a large yard, check if there are nearby parks or playgrounds where you can take your child for outdoor activities. A backyard provides a safe place for a child to play and explore, and a fenced-in yard is recommended for safety.
- Babies come with a lot of gear, so ample storage space is essential to keep your home organized and clutter-free. Outdoor space is also beneficial for family gatherings and barbecues, providing a great way to bond with friends and family.
- Look for a community with other young families to provide a built-in support system and social opportunities for both you and your child.
- A two-car garage in a typical home makes up between 13% and 15% of the home's total square footage.
These combined factors help ensure a home that supports safety, growth, and comfort for the whole family.
- To foster family-dynamics that encourage growth and comfort, consider creating a home that accommodates a safe outdoor space for children, like a fenced-in yard, and offers additional resources for new parents, such as babyproofing checklists.
- When selecting a home, take into account important lifestyle factors such as a home-and-garden that provides ample storage for gear, a layout that supports family relationships with open spaces and clear pathways, and relationships within the community, particularly enjoyment of family-friendly services and neighborhoods with good schools.
