We all know that choosing a new home can be difficult. But it’s even more so when a baby’s on the way. Not only do you have to think about your own needs, but also those of your child too. But don’t worry – it’s not as hard as you imagine, especially with these good ideas for family home features. Take a look.
Family Home Features That Are Just Perfect When A Baby's On The Way
Check Kids Bedrooms Are Near The Master Suite
Babies can be demanding on your time, particularly during the night. You have to get up regularly to make sure that they are okay, well-fed, and comforted. The last thing you want is to have to walk fifteen minutes to get to them. You want to be able to roll out of bed, walk a few paces, and then be with them, saving you precious time. When looking for a new house, check to see how close the children’s bedrooms are to the master suite.
Consider Single Story Homes
Kids love to explore. It’s how they learn about the world and master their environment. But exploration can be dangerous, and without experience, children cannot appreciate this – they need the guidance of a parent.
Teaching children about the danger of stairs is one of the first things that parents do. But while your child is a toddler, it’s unlikely that they will be able to fully understand why they shouldn’t climb the stairs – not until they have an accident anyway. That’s why, when parents are looking for homes, they sometimes consider single-story dwellings and remove the risk of stairs altogether.
Kid-Friendly Flooring
Kids are messy. That’s why when you’re on Sotheby's Realty, or another real estate website, it’s important to look for houses that have child-proof flooring. Carpets are a big no-no, especially in communal areas as they are expensive and can be easily damaged by spills. Much better are hardwood floors, tiled floors or even vinyl. Synthetics are cheap and easy to maintain and can be ripped up and replaced with something better once your kids are grown.
Choose A Practical Bathroom
Wetrooms are all the rage right now, but are they practical for the average family trying to bring up a baby? Probably not. Babies need bathtubs and sinks for washing, rather than something fancy or professionally-designed. Remember, you can always upgrade your bathroom at a later date.
Resist Open Plan
Open plan living is trendy, thanks to the sense of space and freedom it creates. But it might not be such a good idea if you’ve got young children running about. The ability to close doors and contain the chaos is missing in an open plan setup, meaning that you’ll find it harder to control your kids. Things can get especially tricky if your kids have playmates over and you’re trying to stop them from running around the kitchen while you’ve got hot soup on the stove.
Buying a new family home when there’s a baby on the way requires a lot of forethought and planning. But if you see your next house from the perspective of your future self, you’ll soon come to understand the importance of these features.