It's time to consider your play area options. All rooms are not created equally. That said, it's time you view the world through a different lens. Think like a baby -- let your imagination rule. Plan your play area with safety in mind. Ideally, your baby should be in a well-lit, sunny, easily supervised play area with no access to stairs.
Yeah - sometimes you just have to work with what you've got, but minimizing the risks is still important.
The usual safety considerations need to be in place: gates on stairs, plugs in outlets, and cords and wires out of reach. Remove hazardous pieces of furniture, or adapt with edge and corner guards. Consider foam play tiles to create a soft, smooth surface for playing.
Activity mats are popular. They're worth picking up. While you're at it, choose toys that both inspire, and encourage, imaginative play. Pay attention to age recommendations on toy purchases. They exist for a reason. At the infant and toddler age brackets, those recommendations are always made based on safety considerations.
There are reasons why walkers don't exist on the market. They're dangerous and they've been banned due to safety issues. Stationary exersaucers, however, have replaced walkers. They're safer, and provide the same environment for babies. That said, Babies shouldn't spend too much time in them. They have other skills to develop, and learning to crawl, or even walk, talks a lot of practice and muscle building. They need the time to practice.
Preparing siblings for a new baby should start before birth. What's the goal here? To encourage a healthy, loving relationship amongst your children and, let's be honest, to prevent injury.
The age of your older children directly impacts their understanding and your plan of action when it comes to introducing a new baby into the family.
Toddlers may react in unexpected ways with their inability to understand, or communicate their feelings. Toddlers may regress by acting like a baby and may show signs of aggression.
These are normal reactions for a little person who suddenly has to share the most important person in her life. Be patient. They'll adapt to the big sibling role quicker than you may like.
What To Do:
Pets should be a consideration if this is your first child. Your pet may be accustomed to having your undivided attention. Of course, there are safety issues surrounding pets and babies as well.
No matter how trustworthy you think your dog is, your baby or small child should never be left alone with it. Pets should be kept out of the room your child is sleeping in, and don't let a pet share a bed with your child. Don't allow your pet on the couch when you are holding your baby.
Be watchful of how your pet and child interacts. Teach your child to treat your pet properly (no tail pulling or teasing). All animals, domesticated or not, can be dangerous or lash out when put in a threatening situation. Teach your children to respect pets, and give them appropriate space.