Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be exciting and daunting in new measures. But as all parents will know, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done.
One moment, you’re looking at what seems to be an extensive nine-month window to get your plans in place. The next, you’re weeks away from the big day, and you still have a huge list of tasks to take care of.
For example, painting your new baby’s nursery, and perhaps giving the rest of your home’s interiors a touch-up.
Of course, painting a nursery ahead of the birth of a child can be a hugely inspiring and joyful experience. It’s a supremely satisfying and ceremonious task, building excitement ahead of the little one’s arrival.
But at the same time, questions and concerns regarding health and safety perpetuate.
Frankly, the only person who can tell you whether or not you should be attempting DIY tasks like these is your physician. If you have any concerns whatsoever, ensure they are raised with a suitably qualified professional.
If you are given the green light to paint your interiors, a few common sense precautions are essential. Specifically, the best way to keep yourself safe throughout the painting process is to heed the advice below:
(Though again, only having received the go-ahead from your doctor in advance!)
- Ventilation
It is always important to prioritize ventilation and good air circulation, when painting any interior space. Even if you are using paint that contains (or claims to contain) no harmful ingredients, breathing in its vapors is still a bad idea.
The best advice is to time your painting project for a day when you can keep your home’s windows and doors open. Throughout the painting process, set up one or two oscillating fans to keep the air moving. Taking regular breaks is also essential, giving yourself time to head outdoors for a breath of fresh air. If at any time you feel weak or woozy while painting your interiors, stop immediately and seek help if necessary.
- Paint Strictly from the Floor
Pregnancy can wreak havoc with a person’s center of gravity. Even if you feel perfectly balanced and stable on the ground, things could be completely different upon scaling a ladder. Or for that matter, stepping on top of anything that separates you from the ground below.
Even a fairly modest fall while pregnant can have disastrous consequences. Hence, it is essential to eliminate this risk from the equation entirely. Rather than risking your health and safety with a ladder, paint exclusively from the floor. Invest in extension poles for your rollers and brushes if necessary, or enlist the support of someone else to tackle the higher parts of the room on your behalf.
- Paint Slowly and Gradually
Even if you are running short on time, rushing an interior painting job is a recipe for disaster. Not only are you more likely to experience mishaps along the way, but there’s a higher chance you will be dissatisfied with the result.
The golden rule when it comes to effective (and safe) painting is to take your time. Consider tackling each wall individually, giving yourself plenty of time to relax and recharge in between.
- Choose Your Paints Carefully
Interior paint should never be chosen at random, irrespective of whether or not you are pregnant. Paints with a comparatively high VOC content are best avoided at all costs, as they are loaded with the kinds of chemicals that could do a number on your health and well-being.
If in doubt, consult with your local supplier, and ask for their recommendations. Insist on nothing but the safest paints available, and follow the rules on ventilation covered in point one.
- Hire Help
Last up, the single best way to protect yourself and your baby from harm is to hand the job over to someone else. Contrary to popular belief, professional painting can often work out more cost-effective than the DIY approach.
By the time you’ve purchased all the paints, consumables and general supplies you need, it could have been cheaper to hire help. Plus, you’ll be looking at a much faster and more efficient job, with flawless results covered by an extensive warranty for total peace of mind.
For more information on the services we provide or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at Homm CPS today.