Dedicate a corner of your bedroom for your new baby.
Having your baby sleep in your bedroom can be convenient for late-night feeding, but it can also create clutter by bringing more pieces of furniture into the room. Plus, if you don't have another bedroom in your home and need a long-term arrangement to share the room, you will need a solution that lasts beyond the first few months. Whether you are planning to have your new baby sleep in your bedroom out of necessity or personal preference, plan ahead to rearrange the room to keep you and your baby comfortable as you share the space.
Instructions
1. Go through your current bedroom arrangement and identify any pieces of nonessential furniture. You will likely need to remove one or more items to make space for the baby to sleep.
2. Purchase a bassinet or a crib for your baby to sleep in. You can use a bassinet if you will only need to have the baby in your room for the first few months, but you will need a crib if your baby will be sleeping in your room for more than three months.
3. Identify where to place the bassinet or crib and your bed. Put them close to each other if you would like your baby to be within reach for late-night feedings or put them on opposite sides of the room if you would prefer some privacy and fear that you will wake each other up if you are sleeping too close.
4. Place the rest of your essential furniture in the remaining space. Pay attention to leaving a clear path between your bed and the baby's bed, and between the door to the bedroom and the baby's bed.
5. Evaluate whether you have space to put a changing table in your bedroom. This is not essential, but it gives you a place to change your baby's diaper without bending down. Most changing tables measure at least 3 feet by 2 feet. If you have space for a changing table, choose a design that has drawers or other storage under the so you can put the space to use. If you cannot fit a changing table into the room, stow a basket of diapers and a changing pad under your bed.
6. Set up a privacy screen or a ceiling-mounted curtain to visually separate the baby's sleep area from yours. This helps keep you from disturbing your baby's sleep if you need to be in the room at the same time.
Tags: your baby, baby sleep, changing table, your baby sleep, crib your, your bedroom