Are you about to become a parent for
the first time? If you're expecting, take a look at what you need to
know about renting an apartment with a newborn baby.
Can You Move With a Newborn?
In an ideal world, you'll find the
perfect place to live with months until baby arrives. But that won't
always happen. Even though you should preferably find an apartment
with time left to nest, if needed, you can move with a newborn.
If you need to move after the baby
arrives:
Ask someone to watch the baby
as you search. An apartment search requires your full attention.
If you have your newborn along for the search, you may miss key
features. Hire a sitter or ask a family member to watch the baby
when you view potential spaces.
Ask for help during the move.
After you find a new apartment, you'll need help with the move.
Again, hire a sitter or ask a friend/family member to watch the baby
on move-in day.
Take it slow. Instead of a
one-day move, gradually bring everything to you new home (if
possible). This cuts down on the work and gives your family time to
adjust to another major life change.
Now that you're ready to start your
apartment search, read on for more information on questions to ask
before you sign a lease.
Do You Need a Larger Space?
No universal answer exists for this
question. Some families who have a new baby on the way may needed
added room, while others won't. The decision to rent a larger
apartment or full-sized house depends on:
Your comfort level. Some
families with newborns are perfectly happy living in a one-bedroom
apartment. But if you feel cramped or on top of each other, you'll
need to expand your search to two (or more) bedrooms.
Your family's overall size.
Will your newborn join an older sibling? If you already have kids or
have extended family (such as your parents) who will live in the
apartment, the new baby may add an extra space need.
Your budget. A new baby
adds new expenses. If the cost of clothes, diapers, daycare, and
everything else you'll need to pay for now will eat away at your
budget, you may need to save money with a smaller space.
Your organizational strategy.
A well-organized one-bedroom apartment can accommodate your new baby
and everything you'll need to care for them.
If you do need to choose a smaller
space, plan ahead for storage needs and use double-duty furniture
items (such as a chest of drawers with a changing pad on top).
Do You Need a Safer Space?
Safety is always key. But with a new
baby, safety takes on a whole new meaning. The rental you choose
needs to provide a safe, healthy environment that your new child can
thrive in. As you tour potential apartments, consider:
Your ability to babyproof.
Will you need to drill holes in the walls to install a baby gate?
Ask the landlord or rental company if these types of changes are
allowed. If not, consider other babyproofing options or move on to
another potential apartment.
The potential hazards. Does
the apartment have a questionably moldy shower? If you see mold or
other possible safety issues, skip the apartment and continue your
housing search.
Window treatments. Does the
apartment come with existing window treatments? Make sure these are
cordless, or install cord keepers immediately. Cords on blinds or
shades pose a serious strangulation hazard.
Along with the window treatments, make
sure the windows are safe. All windows in the apartment should have
locks on them. This helps to keep intruders out and your baby inside.
Do you need a new apartment?
Contact Montgomery
Realtors for more information.
