Safety Tips For Moms To Be

by Mary McNeil

When you are pregnant you are constantly thinking of the little baby inside you and how you have to protect it from harm.  You try and eat healthy so the baby will be healthy.  You avoid dangerous things like smoking and drinking so the little one can have the best start in life.  You should also avoid some things common in the home or your environment so as to not hurt the child.  There are some things you can alter in your home to prepare for the arrival of your little bundle of joy. 

Feline Frets:

While being around Fluffy is not a problem, his litter box is.  The litter box is a "must avoid" for pregnant woman due to the risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the microscopic parasites that often resides in cat feces.  Put the litter box in a room that the mom-to-be won't be in much...and have someone else take over the duty of cleaning the litter boxes.

Safe Cleaning

You don't need to worry too much about cleaning products; most are safe.  But you do need to make sure there is enough ventilation in the room when you are cleaning.  Open windows and doors while spraying and wiping.  Maybe even a fan if there is no window.  Obviously avoid any product says that "toxic" since they have solvents that could harm the baby.  Sites such as www.greenhome.com list the latest lines of  environmentally friendly cleaning products.  If you don't want to read labels or worry about what you are using to clean your house a combination of baking soda and vinegar will do that job just about anywhere in your home. 

Nursery No-No

It's so fun and exciting to decorate a nursery for the new little one, but that is one project best left to dad or grandad or friends.  Nearly all paints emit fumes and it is unknown what their effects are on the baby.  It's best to ignore the painting for sure.  The U.S. Envrionmental Protection Agency recommends that pregnant women avoid newly painted rooms--and their harmful odors--for at least two days after the job is done.

Begin To Baby Proof

Nine months may seem like a long time to prepare for the new arrival, but the time goes fast.  Especially fast after the baby is born, so the best advice is to begin baby proofing your home before the birth.  Babies become mobile quickly and you want to be ready.  Take an inventory of your home--sharp corners, cabinets with dangerous objects inside and electrical outlets.  Purchase and install necessary safety items, such as corner pads, outlet covers and cabinet locks to keep baby safe.  Next look for any breakable items that are low enough to be reached or heavy objects that are  hup that could topple over.  Inviting friends who have toddlers over to play is a great way to "test" your baby proofing. 

You can be safe during pregnancy with a few common sense rules and then take a few additonal steps once he or she arrives to ensure continued safety for your precious cargo.