Filed under Baton Rouge Living on September 19th, 2008:
Moving to an Apartment with a Newborn Baby
The stork is on the way! If you are pregnant and beginning your apartment search, there are many items to consider in finding a perfect new home for you and your bundle of joy. Living in a Baton Rouge apartment with a newborn baby will be easier if you select a place that offers all of the comfort and conveniences you need.
Do you feel safe?
When you start looking at apartment rentals, safety is number one. Is the community a place you will feel safe? Can you take a walk outside with your stroller? Does it look like a family-friendly neighborhood? Your leasing agent can answer some of these questions but your gut instinct when visiting the apartment complex is your best guide.
Where’s the apartment unit located?
Once you’ve selected an apartment complex, you should carefully consider the location of the apartment unit. For starters, you will want to find out where the alloted parking is for the apartment, and if there are any stairs. You will be carrying your newborn baby in a heavy car seat for the first year or two of his or her life. Make sure you can easily get from your car to your apartment door, and that the pathway you take is well lit at night.
Next take a look at the location of the garbage dumpster and pet waste receptacles. If your baby is sleeping and you need to take out the garbage or walk your dog, you will not want to go far. Even if you carry the baby with you, you will still want the shortest distance possible. It may be raining when you have to go out and it may be 3 o’clock in the morning. Consider the worst-case scenario and make sure you are okay with the set-up.
What is the apartment layout like?
Noise is a common concern of new moms and dads. You may worry that your crying baby will disturb neighbors. If possible, rent an end unit or any apartment where there are neighbors on only one side. An apartment with heavily insulated walls will help with the noise. And within the apartment, place the crib in a spot that does not back up to the neighbor’s wall.
While you consider crib placement, look at the overall layout of the apartment. Does it provide adequate space for all of your baby’s belongings? Is the kitchen roomy enough for a high chair? Is there a spot for the play pen and the bouncy chair? Where will you store the stroller? Is there a quiet place for you to rest while the baby is asleep?
If you face the challenge of living in a one-bedroom apartment, find online tips on how to make the most of your space.