Seasons are cyclical. What may be different this year as we transition into the cooler months is that you may be a first-time parent. Read on as we give you some excellent top tips to prepare your home for the cooler Autumn season.ย
Handy Mom and Dad
Those who prepare and plan are often best prepared. Do a few maintenance checks, like the following.
De-clutter your gutter
- If you live in the leafy-green suburbs in particular, the trees lining the road are eye-catching and delightful. As much as we love the transitioning autumn leaves, cleaning them up can “leaf” a mess. Check the gutters and downpipes. Autumn requires more frequent cleanouts and checks.ย
- Insulate your home. With a new baby or the pitter-patter of toddler feet padding around the house, the last thing you want is a chill-to-the-bone breeze. Housebeautiful.com advises that we “insulate and draught-proof external doors.” This also reduces your electricity bill as you’re less prone to rely on heaters if your home is well insulated.ย
- Handyhomes.co.za suggests a basic laundry audit. Store your summer clothes and make space for autumn coats and jacket items. Ensure you have more basics since you’re likely to layer. Clothes take longer to dry, so invest in a clothing horse.
Make your Home “Scent-sational”
Nothing says autumn like oranges, ginger, cinnamon, cedarwood and warm, earthy scents. Set the atmosphere for comfort with candles and diffusers around your home, especially the living room where family tends to gather. Remember to keep scents in your baby’s room light, and a humidifier to purify the air is an excellent investment for them.
Breathe Deeply
Get your green thumbs going with stylish indoor plants that serve an excellent purpose for the whole family. Various easy-to-maintain indoor plants detoxify your home from airborne toxins and purify the air.
A Blanket Response
Light throws, and scatterings of comfy cushions mark autumn. These are wonderful for the living area and create a warm, safe spot for your little one as they continue their tummy time and increase movement as they grow.ย
Staying Stocked Up
Ensure you have plenty of supplies for your baby, such as warm blankets, clothing, and diapers. It’s also a good idea to have a stockpile of non-perishable food and bottled water in case of power outages or other emergencies.
Baby- and Toddler Proof your Home
As your baby becomes more mobile, ensuring your home is safe and secure is essential. With toddlers being indoors more often than not, their busy little bodies will be in every nook and cranny. So, install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs, cover electrical outlets, and secure furniture to the wall.
Get the Best of Loadsheddingย
Depending on where you are in South Africa, Autumn storms can sometimes knock out power, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. This, coupled with endless loadshedding schedules, is enough reason to stay prepped. Have a supply of batteries, flashlights, and candles on hand, and consider investing in a generator if you live in an area prone to outages.ย
Enjoy the delightful change in season and prepare your home for cosy autumn sweater weather for you and your little one.
