My husband and I recently found out that we are expecting. We are currently renting a 2-bedroom home from from a couple in our church and cannot afford to purchase a home of our own. My mom's cousin is offering us a complete Winnie the Pooh crib bedding set that includes a lamp, but we are not allowed to paint, etc. What can we do to decorate the white walls and make it seem more like a nursery? Also, any other childproofing, toy/supplies buying, or the like tips would be greatly appreciated.
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First off...CONGRATULATIONS! I love the excitement of new additions! Please enjoy this time as much as you can...and take great care!Lowe's and Walmart both carry "nonpermanent" borders, but check with your landlords first if just a border is fine. Or find large posters and put them in poster frames. Babies won't notice them for at least two-four months, so it is up to you if you want to wait. Stay away from stuffed animals if you can (or limit them) because all they do is collect dust! I had one or two little ones for my boys, and they latched on to those, then never played with them after they started walking! Safety 1st makes a great childproofing kit, with cabinet latches, outlet covers, and tips to keep your home safe; I would advise doing this while they are still in the swing or not crawling.....
A swing is real good for little ones, and a playpen when they start sitting on their own. JcPenney is the only place I know that sold the crank model by Graco (that was in 2001) and my oldest only used it for three months (he weighed 20 lbs at four months!). And expect them to grow out of clothes VERY quickly....I'd advise stocking up on "neutral" 0-9 months now at EVERY garage sale you see. These sizes are usually almost new or never worn. People may buy you layette sets as you get closer, or find out the sex, so use those for special outings and pictures. A baby monitor is A MUST! I have the Safety First one like in the movie Signs...very creepy! lol Please try to Breast feed for as long as you can, but sign up for all those Enfamil/Good Start formula clubs, even if you are breast feeding! They will still give you lots of information and free baby stuff, plus it is nice to have the formula on hand in case of emergency.
Now, for home cleaning....PLEASE beware of regular household cleaners, with both fumes and extra additives that can hurt both you and the baby! I use Shaklee cleaning products: they are 100% effective, natural, and biodegradeable. Also, they are superconcentrated: one bottle of basic-H replaces most anyother cleaner, and last the life of over 200 bottles of windex and formula 409. They also have the most fabulous supplements on the market today (used by the US Ski team at Torino!) Check them out at www.shaklee.com, and if you have any questions, please email me at healthy_home101@hotmail.com my ID # is ZM06763, and I can help you if you are interested in starting your own business with them. Congratulations, God Bless all of you and please let us know how you are doing!
Kelly
Thank you so much. This should help out a lot. I was wondering though...I've heard about making your own laundry soap and was wondering if there was one for baby laundry soap out there anywhere. I was wanting to wash at least mine and the baby's, if not my husband's as well, in it, since we will be holding the baby so often.
Thanks again
I used the borax/washing soda/regular soap mix, like Fels Naptha in the laundry aisle or I use Pure&Natural, and it is gentle enough for baby clothes:
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1 cup Grated Soap
Mix together and use 1 TABLESPOON for med/light soil, 2 TBSP for heavy/large.
WARNING: If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, this will travel up your nose and lungs, even just measuring it out! Other people say to use a mask when mixing; I do not have asthma, and have trouble using it. That was my other reason for switching to Shaklee, they have a fragarance free powder that is dust free, and super concentrated to the same proportions.
Do you use the boxed soap flakes or a bar of grated soap? If using the bar of soap what kid is best for baby's skin?
You can find some great baby furniture ideas as well as other baby tips here:
Good Luck!
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