Preparing house for baby

[AnitaK88]

Hi all, wonder if you can help me I am 6 months pregnant and a friend of mine recently came over and commented on the fact I did not have a carbon monoxide monitor in my house... she told me that this was really important when pregnant and especially for when the baby arrives.. so I have rushed to B&Q and bought one today... she has also told me I should get a Gas Safety Certificate for my house too (even thought I own it I know this is a legal obligation when your renting). She is extremely safety conscious but I am now worried if there is anything else I should be doing to "pregnancy/baby proof" my house in terms of gas and electric? I know you can get some really cool gadgets now that monitor the temperature in your property so baby isn't too hot... too cold.. I just have no idea where to start...?

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors seem sensible.

When baby is nearly crawling you might like to get stair gates, fire guards and window locks. And ensure any pictures and mirrors cannot be knocked off walls by a small child.

It's also a good idea to check what kind of glass your windows have including any indoor windows in doors etc. - when I was a child my best friend was roller skating in the house (I know!) and had terrible injuries when she fell through internal glass doors.

Just decide which safety things you need, make plans to fit them, then enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

Carbon monoxide detectors are sensible in any house. I wouldn't worry too much other than normal health and safety things though. If you feel the need to get your boiler and or electrics checked then go ahead but it's not really a 'baby thing'.
For when the baby is here, you are likely to have a monitor and most have temperature readings on them. The rest is about common sense and dressing the baby in the right number of layers (generally one more than you have).

You will need to think about safety once they crawl at 8months + (my two were late crawlers at 14 months old) but the extent of needing to baby proof will vary based on your child's nature and layout of your house.

Make sure there are no cords around your baby's bed (or where she'll be in her basket).
There's a Kindle book called Preparing to give birth for the first time I'd recommend.
As well as your carbon monoxide detector, check your fire alarms are working and that you have enough of them (at least one on every level if you're in a house).
This is exciting!
All the best

Thank you... yeah I did think of those things for once the baby is here and crawling/walking around I guess I didn't think about anything in regards to my own safety in the house during pregnancy. I have seen a couple of monitors I am not sure whether to go with a camera or just audio.. which one did you buy? the ones with a camera are so expensive and I am scared I will just get obsessive and watch it constantly when the baby is sleeping/not by my side. I have also seen some motion sensor monitors too... the options are endless unfortunately costs go up too with this... just don't know where to draw the line on things when it comes to a baby safety! always good to get the views of people who have been through it

The camera monitors are good! I love that I can quickly spy on my little one without having to leave the room. I kept popping in to check on him at the start before I had a camera and ended up waking him up a few times. They are definitely worth the cost in the long run!
Pregnancy car seat belt is a must too. They go underneath you/around the lower belt. I've heard of some horrible accidents for pregnant ladies without a pregnancy belt.
Also to be really careful of the changing tops off the ground. They are a back saver post birth but even at a young age they can wriggle off- it nearly happened to my friend and she was very upset by it. You can get really good accessories from ikea to hold everything you need so you don't have to leave them!
Good luck!

Second camera monitor! Really liked seeing baby sleep.
Friend bought motion sensor monitor but was not impressed as she thought it beeped a little randomly.
Your anxieties are healthy I think (as long as it doesn't interfere with your normal day). Worrying about your baby's safety is a good sign you want to protect your baby. It's positive. 😃

Great thank you... oh never thought about the seat belt... good shout.. I have just bought a new car too so surprised the salesman didn't recommend that he tried to sell me loads of other rubbish I didn't need. I think I am going to get the monitor with the camera and since its my first baby hopefully it will come in handy for the future can't imagine these things are upgraded that often... I just wish there was more support/free stuff available for safety things... I guess because they are expensive companies can't be giving them away for free but I would much rather get a free thermometer/carbon monoxide alarm over packs of nappies and sudo cream! if anyone knows of any companies doing giveaways I would be happy to hear about them!

Have you already joined your local mums' Facebook network?
If you haven't, do + join adjacent postcodes too.
Ask if anybody is selling second hand. Obviously check it all works before taking it home but it should be a bit cheaper than brand new. A local vendor on eBay might work too. 😊