Incorporate Smart Solutions
If your home still feels chilly after winter-proofing, think about adding tech solutions like a smart thermostat to keep your newborn and your whole family warm and comfortable in winter. This device uses Wi-Fi, sensors and artificial intelligence to learn your habits, and it automatically adjusts the temperature for seamless and efficient heating. You can even control it with your voice, gestures or remotely through an app so certain rooms will be perfectly warm by the time you get home.
Install Modern Heat Sources
Don’t have an old-fashioned fireplace to fill your home with warmth and the crackling sounds of burning firewood? Consider installing a modern heat source, like an ethanol fireplace. This requires no chimney or flue, reducing safety risks associated with traditional fires. It also burns cleanly, emitting only heat and water vapour, allowing you to have better indoor air quality.
Ethanol fireplaces are also better for health than a traditional fireplace since the latter produces soot and ash, which usually end up as tiny particles in the air. When inhaled, these particles may cause health problems like asthma and bronchitis, especially in newborn babies as their lungs are still developing. According to a study by the American Lung Center, exposure to emissions from wood-burning appliances can result in reduced lung function for children, and it may even result in heart attacks and lung cancer later on. If you want to create a hygge vibe for your home, go with a safe choice and install an ethanol fireplace in your living room or kitchen for a cosy and welcoming feel.
This winter, take steps to make your home safe and warm to protect the latest addition to your family. Take time to winter-proof key areas, incorporate tech solutions, and install alternative heat sources to make your abode the cosiest and comfiest place to bond with your newborn.
Kylee Harris is an educator who has taught in elementary schools in Singapore and Hong Kong for 5 years. She lives in Florida and continues to teach life skills to young adults in her community.
