Recurring house payments and mortgages are among the most troublesome obligations to deal with, plus, they eat so much of our monthly budget. This is why tiny houses’ prospect and appeal are growing more every year, with the younger demographic opting to build one of their own.
The mix of space, functionality, and minimalism is winning hearts across the world, and we can’t help but love and support it. However, there is one question floating around the space that has yet to be answered.
What happens when it’s time to welcome a new member to the family? Will there be enough space to accommodate everyone? And what else should we consider and prepare?
A Brand New Start
First, congratulations! You are now entering a new chapter in your life filled with fun adventures and new challenges. Expect significant changes are to come, and you better be ready for it. But when it comes to housing, you don’t need to worry about moving out; instead, you need to focus more on childproofing.
A tiny house is sure to offer enough space for an extra member of the family, and only later on will you need to consider a room if they ask for it. What you do need to consider is safety and making your tiny home appropriate for the new tiny tenant.
While you and your significant other can move freely, smaller spaces and children don’t really mix well. Despite their small size, they’re at the age of discovering new things and can get pretty rowdy.
Get Your Baby a Crib
For any newborn or toddler, the first thing on your to-do list is getting a baby crib. While having them sleep with you together in bed sounds cute and sweet, it’s much safer for them to have their own sleeping environment.
If you have extra space to fit in a standard crib, we strongly suggest that you allocate enough for getting a quality one. Other options include mini cribs, but these are small, and your baby can quickly outgrow them.
A crib will ensure that your baby sleeps comfortably, can move freely, and give them a safe place to stay when you get busy with other things. Also, avoid putting in toys and plushies cause these will constrict space.
Keep Hazards Out of Reach
Space utilization is everything in a tiny house, but once a baby grows up and learns to walk, they can get very adventurous. And one thing you definitely need to watch out for is their wandering hands. You’ll be surprised at how many mishaps can happen by a toddler reaching out for something they weren’t supposed to.
Make sure any sharp objects are out of reach and kept somewhere safe where only you and your spouse can get. The same applies to heavy objects that your toddler could potentially topple over and drop on their head.
Cooking ingredients are also a no-go; your kid might mistake some spices for a tasty treat and cause serious issues. Cleaning materials such as detergents, powders, and bleaches should also be kept out of their sight.
Cushion Your Furniture
Children are very clumsy, and their endless amounts of energy might get them into unsafe scenarios. One such case is running around and playing too much; they run the risk of crashing into the edges of furniture, causing bruises and cuts.
Especially with tiny homes, your toddler might come running back inside only to forget that there was a table in their way. So, you must childproof and cushion the edges of all your furniture to prevent anything terrible from happening.
Things like tables, chairs, countertops, and other freestanding furniture should do the trick.
Don’t Forget Outside
Last but not least, do some childproofing to the outside. Tiny homes get away with the feeling of being spacious through yards and extending with patios, which means they make a significant part of your home.
Do the same to outdoor furniture with sharp edges and make sure to cushion them, making outdoor fun time a lot safer. You’ll also want to reconsider the plants you choose to grow; it’s best to stick with those that are safe because your child might pick them out and mistake them for an easy meal.
Hoses and other equipment should also be kept out of their reach and organized. All that running and playing might cause them to trip over them when they don’t notice.
Safety Above All
Contrary to popular belief, tiny homes aren’t that small and can fit a small family with the right adjustments. However, if you are welcoming a new member, then your number one priority is safety.
Before welcoming them into your home, do your best to make sure it is safe and appropriate for the new member of the family.
