Cleaning, Organizing, Baby-Proofing

You've heard about the nesting instinct that late-pregnancy urge to wash curtains, scrub floors and sort drawers but is it real?

While there's no scientific evidence for this surge of energy, many mothers do feel a sensible need to get organized before their baby arrives.

You will appreciate a clean, organized home in the first weeks after your baby is born. So spend a day clearing clutter, catching up on the laundry, cleaning the refrigerator and taking care of the household jobs you wont want to tackle after the baby is born.

As you go, check the following to make sure your home is safe for your new arrival:

There should be a working smoke detector located near the bedrooms and kitchen.
You should have an up-to-date fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
All chemicals, paints, cleaning supplies, medicines and other dangerous products should be stored where a crawling baby cannot reach them'and your baby will be crawling before you know it.
Consider taking a Red Cross or American Heart Association safety class to learn infant CPR and first aid.
Post the emergency numbers for your healthcare provider or medical clinic, poison control center and fire department in a visible place.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.