Do You Even NEED a Nursery?
From the time you begin telling people you’re pregnant or are adopting, one of the first things people ask you is, “What are you doing for the baby’s nursery?” While Pinterest and Instagram have no shortage of perfect nurseries in adorable woodland or chic bohemian styles, the truth is, your baby won’t even notice.
If space, money, or time are in short supply, or you just don’t want to get a whole bunch of baby “stuff,” don’t worry. You can easily create an awesome space for baby to sleep—with you!
Do You Need a Nursery?
You need a place for the baby to sleep, yes! But that doesn’t mean you have to have a separate room for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing a room with your baby for the first six months (and ideally up to a year), so some parents room share because of this.
Others like the convenience of having the baby close for middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. People who live in small apartments or tiny homes may just not have the space for a baby to have a separate nursery.
So what do you need to outfit a sleep space for a baby who sleeps in your room? Not much.
Baby Room Necessities
The great thing about babies is, that they really don’t need that much, especially during the early months. Fed, diapered, clothed, loved — that’s pretty much it. Even though you see tons of interesting baby gear on the market (and some can legitimately can make your life easier), all..stuff isn’t necessarily must-have.
What’s important?
A Safe Place to Sleep
This is a baby basic. You’ll want either a crib or a bassinet for your little one to doze in (if space is tight, you can also get a mini crib). Or some parents use a playpen that can be used later on for travel or playtime.
Make sure their sleep space is free of blankets, stuffed animals, and other items—you want it completely bare for safety. You can swaddle them, though, to keep them warm. Get more info on safe sleep for babies here.
A Spot to Change Baby
You can always change the baby on your bed or the floor, but that can get old fast. You don’t need to get a separate changing table, though. A simple pad you put on top of a dresser you already have saves space and money. (Babylist parents love the Keekaroo Peanut Changer and the Summer Infant Changing Pad.)
A Home for Clothes, Diapers, and Wipes
OK, so maybe babies do need a few other things. If you don’t have space in your existing dressers or closet for baby items, consider under-the-bed storage, or a playpen with some storage space, like Joovy’s Coo convertible bassinet/playpen.
Baby clothes fold up tiny, and you can keep small amounts out in a basket or container near your changing area, too. You can do the same thing with other small essentials, like wipes, diapers, and diaper creams.
If the baby is sleeping next to your bed, keep diaper changing supplies, burp cloths, and anything you might need for nighttime close at hand.
Tips for Room Sharing with Baby
Whether you’re temporarily bunking with your new little roomie, or you’re in it for the long run, there are some items that can make room sharing with your baby a little easier, so you can both get the sleep you need — and have a little space to yourselves.
- Keep things dark: Blackout shades are your friend. People — young and old — sleep better in a cool dark room. If you need extra light for diaper changes or a midnight snack (for you or the baby), a small or decorative nightlight will help light the way.
- Make your own space: As the baby gets a bit older, it’s nice for you both to have your own zones, even if it’s in the same room. A room divider, curtain or rug can help delineate the baby’s area from yours. And even though baby things have a way of taking over every room, try to keep your bed and area free from stuffies and toys.
- White noise helps everyone sleep: Seriously! White noise and sound machines can muffle everything from snoring to cars outside to someone getting up to go to the bathroom to avoid unnecessary wakeups, and signal it’s time for bed.
- Move baby’s crib: During those first weeks and months, you may want the baby right by your side for feedings and changes. But as your roommate gets older and starts sleeping for longer stretches, having them next to you can be a distraction to you both. If you have the room, move their sleep space away from your bed.
Whatever you choose for your baby — a gorgeously decorated nursery, room sharing till they’re six, or something in between — you do you. It’s going to be awesome no matter what.
