one bedroom apartment and a baby on the way?

Question

My husband and I have a one bedroom apartment and are planning on staying there after the baby is born. At least for a while. (Rent is really cheap and using extra $ to pay off bills so we will be able to buy a nice house). Anyone in this situation and how did you make it work? The baby will obvously have to be in our room. Any baby things that are a must or thing that you can go without? Any ideas on how to save space? I don't need any smartass comments about not being able to afford a baby, I just want to hear from people who have choose to go this route.

Answer 1

I was in the same situation. What we did, was took a corner out of the room and placed a crib in it, if you don't have enough room, try a basinet. Then buy a shelf and those cute square baskets with fabric in it, and I filled those up with lotions, diapers,etc. , you can also put the baskets underneath the crib and put her clothes in it, or whatever. Goodluck

Answer 2

I am in a similar situation. I live in a studio apartment. It's a decent size. At first i didn't think that there would be enough space for me, boyfriend and baby. But we have made the space. U would be suprised with the amt of space that u have when u start to shift furniture around, and throw away things u really don't need. The only furniture pieces that i have or plan on buying are a crib, dresser and swing. The crib converts to a day bed, toddler bed and full size bed. The dresser will go against the wall, and the swing i will keep by the window. Whatever space u have, work with it. I think sometimes people overspend and buy stuff that is not necessary. For instance, a changing table. Do you really need one, or can u just change the baby on the bed with a towel under him/her.

Answer 3

For the baby's first few months, they don't need a lot of space. It could work well until the baby is able to walk and get around more which will probably be between 9 mo and a year. A lot of people even let a baby sleep with them the first few months. Don't worry about a high chair or playpen or even very many toys until the baby is a little older, maybe 6 months. Oh and a baby swing is a must. It puts a baby to sleep when nothing else can. Good luck with your baby! Such an exciting time in a young couple's life

Answer 4

I would get one of those new pack n plays that have the changing tabel, after the baby out grows the top part the can sleep in the bottom, it might be a little farther down but at least the baby won't be able to roll out or climb out, and when you get ready for a high chair those new space saver is only like $50 and connects to an existing chair, and are nice looking, and don't feel bad most babies sleep in the parents room for several months in a bassinet or co- sleeper, I knew a girl that had her own room from the time she was born and slept with her parents till she was 15 weird but it worked for them

Answer 5

-Use a bassent for as long as you can.
-Don't bother with a changing table you'll use the bed anyway. (at least we did)
-Buy rubbermaid containers and put them under your bed with the baby clothing and things you need.
-Buy a couple cheap shoe racks the ones that hang on a door and use it for everything from bathroom items to bills. Label them for easy access. I have 4 in the bathroom one for each person. I have one hanging by my computer with all my bills in it. Each pocket a different bill. I also have a couple in my basement for tools. And in the laundry area.
- Use coupons when you go grocery shopping it will help.
- Homemadesimple.com has a lot of ideas too.
- Buy a swing that hangs in a doorway that way you can take down when people are coming over.
I hope this helps. Good luck and congrats!

Answer 6

Nobody should tell u cant afford a baby- it was ur choice and just by u being concerned is a sign of a good mommy :) I would say that a crib is necessary unless u wan to co-sleep to save $ and space.. also share closet and bereau space with the baby. U dont need a changing table, chnage him on the bed, floor couch.

Answer 7

Use space under the crib and see if it's okay to put up shelfs, especially above the changing table. Newborns really don't require as much as most people assume and can go without many of the toys and stuffed animals people usually buy them. Ask for money or diapers instead of gifts. And if you still get gifts donate them to a charity. Also, you can use space under your bed and in your closet if you have any. Just try to keep things organized and labeled. Good luck!

Answer 8

I had to do this too and a crib does double duty as a bed and changing space, just because all that baby furniture and gear is out there doesn't mean you have to buy it or need it. I also used a small file cabinet on wheels as a dresser. Don't go crazy on what you buy and make sure to take measurements so you know you have the space.

Answer 9

Cosleeping with your baby is awesome. I've done it with both of mine. No "sleep training" (ugh), no space wasted with a crib, you just roll over to nurse at night instead of getting up. You're more in tune with your baby and sleeping near you helps organize your baby's neurological systems and breathing patterns, both of which reduce the risk of SIDS.

Other space savers: We never got a playpen, I used a sling instead. (Keeps baby close, calm, and happy; wearing your baby 3 hours/day reduces crying and fussiness by 50% on average.) Instead of a changing table, we use just the foam and vinyl changing tray and store it under the coffee table in the living room. Discreet and easy, and you don't have to worry about baby falling off. Ikea makes an awesome hanging mesh "tube" with multiple openings that stores all our diapers and supplies. Looks fun and funky, doesn't take up any floor space. And when baby gets older, you can get a little canvas and metal frame chair that clamps right onto the table so baby can eat with you and feel a part of the mealtime, instead of using a highchair that takes up a lot of space.

Answer 10

A pack and play will double as sleeping accomodations, play space and changing table for a long time. Just buy plenty of sheets.

If you have a dresser already, put a changing pad on it, and store all the baby's stuff in the drawers.