Preparing for a new baby in the family is not only fun and exciting, it can also get challenging for new dads. In addition to buying necessities like the baby’s clothes and other supplies, getting the nursery up and running is just as important. Many moms-to-be already spend weeks planning the paint job they want the dads to finish before the baby is due. Of course, the planning does not stop with painting the nursery pink or blue: soundproofing is another important consideration to make sure the baby gets plenty of restful, undisturbed sleep. The most important thing to consider when soundproofing a baby’s room is the door, which you can easily modify with the right tools. In addition to making it soundproof, fixing the door also means you can help keep the nursery from unwanted drafts.

Step 1. If the door is hollow, replace it with a door made of solid wood. This is because hollow doors transmit more sound than do solid doors. Alternatively, if you are not able to replace the door, you can choose to glue some wood panelling on the inside of the hollow door; this added panelling will help in absorbing any extra sound.

Step 2. Make sure the hinges do not squeak. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending an hour putting the baby to sleep and then have her awaken in a bawling, foul mood simply because somebody squeaked his way in the room. First, close the door and then tap the pin inside one of the door hinges to get it out of the hinge. You may use a hammer, a long nail, or a Phillips screwdriver to do this. When the pin has already risen up out of the hinge, take it out and apply petroleum jelly; put it back into the hinge, and do the same with the other door hinge.

Step 3. After you have eliminated the squeaky hinge and dealt with sound absorption issues, consider adding a door sweep at the base of the door. This will help block the sound that comes in through the opening. It will also help get rid of potential drafts. You can also find other spaces where sound might get in by turning the lights on outside the baby’s room; stand inside the room with the lights off, and check where the light is seen around the door. Any place where the light can be seen will be places you will want to consider covering up, as these are entry points for sound.

Step 4. Install a door closer to ensure that the door will automatically close on its own. When you purchase a door closing system, make sure it comes with a way to set the closing speed and strength to your preferences. Set the closing system to a quiet mode, wherein the door will close slowly without a slamming sound. This will also get rid of the chance of anybody accidentally slamming the door, as well as reduce the sound usually made by the closing of a door.