Your Pregnancy: Week 18 for Dad
By: ePregnancy
Pimp My Crib
Even if you don’t know the sex of your minute minikin, you and your partner are probably already thinking about the nursery. Since it’s not a good idea for mom to be huffing paint (not even latex!), you should be the one to do the painting -- or hiring, as the case may be. Depending on the scale of your nursery preparations, there are some things you need to be cautious about. For instance, even though Mom isn't doing the painting, it's still important to use a VOC-free paint, which won't emit any toxic fumes. The same applies to new carpet and new wood flooring. Obviously, if you are doing any major overhauls, like tearing down walls, removing old paint or insulation, Mom should be out of the house and away from the potentially harmful dust.
This is also the time to select and order the furniture you want -- delivery can take up to several months! Most companies have sites or mail-order catalogs, so you can appoint the nursery from the comforts of home. But do be prepared to spend many hours at the local baby shops, checking out cribs, linens and changing tables. Mysterious packages full of swatches may arrive at your home at all hours of the day. You will become intimately acquainted with the Fed Ex guy. Rest assured, it will be worth it in the end!
