How to Share a Room With Your Baby

You might need to share a room with your baby because you can't afford an extra bedroom right now or it makes nighttime feedings so much easier. Make sure your baby is tired when you go to bed so that you can get some rest as well. The Parents website recommends keeping her active in the day with lots of playing and not letting her fall asleep while you are holding her.

Things You'll Need

  • Crib or bassinet
  • Shelves or dresser for baby
  • Changing pad

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up what you'll need. Despite what the baby supply industry tries to sell you, all your baby needs is a safe place to sleep, a place for his clothes and a safe place for diaper changes. Any toys, activity centers or swings can go in your living room or playroom if you have one.

    • 2

      Consider using a mini-crib or playard, such as a Pack 'n Play. Playards often are safe up to 35 pounds and can come with a bassinet insert for newborns. A mini-crib can last as long as a regular crib. These options take up less space than a traditional crib and often less expensive.

    • 3

      Use a changing pad on top of an existing dresser for a diaper changing area. This takes advantage of existing space and eliminates the need to buy an additional piece of furniture. You also can use your bed, but put down a waterproof pad before each change.

    • 4

      Use a separate dresser or shelves for your baby's clothes and diapers. A well-designed changing table can serve this purpose.

    • 5

      Decorate your baby's space so that you don't feel like you're losing out on a nursery. Buy baby-related borders and decorative stickers. These items come off easily when baby gets his own room.

    • 6

      Make the bedroom for sleeping. You want the baby to associate the room and his area with sleep, not play. When baby is sleeping, keep the lights off and don't watch TV. Making some noise is OK and can even help baby learn to sleep more soundly, but for an exhausted new parent, it's better to err on the side of letting baby sleep.

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