Chapter 12 – Preparing the Home Environment

Up to now, we’ve focused on the direct care of the baby. But their wellness doesn’t depend solely on the care directed at them—it also involves the environment that surrounds them.

The arrival of a baby inevitably requires some adjustments to the home’s layout and furniture, as well as organizing the spaces in a way that allows for appropriate caregiving. Based on their habits and the child’s temperament, parents will quickly learn how to best set up the home environment. As the child develops motor skills, their curiosity will drive them to grab objects and put them in their mouth. They will try to climb stairs, open cabinets, stick fingers into the most unexpected places, and roll around on the floor. Therefore, adult supervision must be constant—but not overbearing. Parents should observe their child carefully to prevent potential dangers, while also encouraging their independence. This way, over time, the child can develop the ability to recognize risks on their own and gain self-confidence.

In the next chapter, which focuses on choosing products for early childhood, we’ll provide useful tips on how to make the home safer. We’ll talk about safety gates, corner protectors, and various other types of protection.

In the following chapters, we’ll also address broader environmental considerations within the home—ones that are not always well known to new parents.