Having a baby brings excitement, as well as new expenses. Renting a larger apartment doesn't have to be one of those expenses; your baby can live comfortably in your one-bedroom apartment. You can carve out space for the little one in your bedroom or in another room. An infant doesn't need a lot of room for sleeping, and clever storage options will help you find a place for all the baby paraphernalia.
Step 1
Position a tall fabric-covered screen or a bookcase to create a separate space in the room for the baby's bed and perhaps a changing table. You can make a screen by hinging two wood doors together. Cover the screen with colorful fabric, paint or even framed photographs. The side of the screen that faces out into the room can match the room's decor, while the side that will face the baby bed can be more baby appropriate.
Step 2
Buy a changing pad and place it on top of a dresser to use as a changing table. The dresser doubles as storage for baby clothes, diapers, wipes and other baby accessories. JoAnne LeNart-Weary, an interior designer in Waterford, Pa., told Babies Today a dresser makes a better choice than a separate changing table because you can continue to use the dresser as the child grows up.
Step 3
Mount shelves, pockets or bins on the walls to hold small items such as baby lotion and powder, baby monitor and even stuffed animals. Everything will be in easy reach when you need it, but out of the way when you don't.
Step 4
Move some of the baby furniture to another room. You can put a rocking chair and playpen in the living room or dining area. You may find it's more convenient to keep these items where you use them most instead of trying to corral everything into a nursery.
Tips and Warnings
- Fasten one side of the screen to the wall with metal brackets to keep it from falling over--an important consideration once your baby begins to crawl.
Things You'll Need
- Screen or bookcase
- Fabric or paint
- Changing pad
- Dresser
- Shelves, baskets or bins
