Tiny but Mighty: 7 Tips for Sharing Your Bedroom with Baby
Welcoming a newborn into your home is a joyous occasion, but when space is tight, it can feel like a bit of a puzzle! Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with 7 tips for sharing a bedroom with baby. Let’s dive into these creative solutions that’ll keep things cozy without cramping your style.
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1. Bedside Bassinet or Mini Crib: Your Nighttime Lifesaver
When space is at a premium, a bedside bassinet or mini crib is a total game-changer. These compact sleep solutions keep your baby close for those late-night feedings, and they take up just a fraction of the room a full-size crib would.
Our Pick: We’re using the Baby Delight Beside Me Bassinet! The breathable mesh sides, easy fold-down wall, and secure bed anchor make it super convenient. Plus, the removable, washable cover? A total win for those inevitable baby messes. The cons of this bassinet is that it doesn’t move which makes it hard for me to get out of bed. I would have picked a bassinet that swiveled making it easier to get in and out of bed. The Halo bassinet swivel sleeper is a bit more pricey but it has all the features I wish my bassinet had.
Mini cribs are all the rage right now, too, and while I considered one, I decided to stick with a bassinet and transition to a full-sized crib when Bean outgrows it. It was a more budget-friendly option for us, but if you love the idea of a mini crib, go for it!
2. Double Duty: The Dresser-Changing Table Combo
Why clutter your space with a traditional changing table when your dresser can pull double duty? Just pop a changing pad on top of your dresser, and voilà—you’ve got a practical, space-saving changing station.
But hey, I get it—if you’ve got a beloved piece of furniture like my vintage mid-century dresser, you might cringe at the thought of strapping a changing pad on it. No worries, you can do what we did and skip the changing table entirely! We simply use a portable changing pad on the bed or in the bassinet, and it works like a charm.
3. The Viral Nursery Cart: Your Mobile Command Center
Let me introduce you to the MVP of our nursery setup: the three-tiered rolling cart from Michael’s. I’m not kidding when I say this little cart is my favorite thing on the list. We’ve got two—one for nursing essentials and one for diaper duty—and they’re constantly on the move, following us around the house.
Nursing Cart: Pump, nipple cream, hand pump, bras, nursing pads, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, changing pad, burp cloth, swaddle, pacifiers, water, snacks, hair ties—you name it, it’s on there! Check out my Nursing Cart Checklist
Diaper Cart: Pretty much the same as the nursing cart, but with a change of clothes, extra socks, and teething toys for good measure.
4. Closet Space Hacks: Making Room for Baby
Even in the tiniest of closets, you can carve out space for baby’s gear with a few clever storage hacks. Think shelf dividers, hanging organizers, and baskets. They’ll help you keep everything tidy and within reach, even when space is tight.
5. Prioritize the Essentials: Less is More
When space is limited, it’s all about the essentials. Start by paring down your registry to the must-haves. I was clueless about what to put on mine—first-time mom here! Luckily, my sister stepped in and helped me focus on what I really needed. Trust me, you’ll be glad you kept it simple. Check out my registry here if you need some inspo!
6. The One Dresser Rule: Keep It Simple
Here’s a golden rule: all of your newborn’s clothes, burp cloths, bibs, receiving blankets, swaddles, sheets, and sleep sacks should fit into one dresser. If you’re bursting at the seams, you’ve got too much stuff! Babies grow out of clothes so fast; it’s not worth overloading on outfits. Save your money—and your sanity—by keeping things minimal.
Pro Tip: Drawer organizers are a lifesaver. We got ours from Amazon, and they’ve made it so much easier to keep everything in its place.
7. Focus on What Matters Most
At the end of the day, babies don’t need much: a safe place to sleep, food, and a clean diaper. Everything else is just icing on the cake. By keeping your setup simple and functional, you can reduce stress and enjoy more of those precious early moments with your little one.
And there you have it! These 7 simple ideas will help you make the most of your small space while sharing it with your newborn. With a little creativity and some strategic planning, you can create a cozy, functional nursery that works for your family—no matter how tight the quarters.
What’s your favorite space-saving tip for sharing a room with your baby? Or do you have a clever hack that worked wonders in your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!
