Introduction
Welcoming a new baby into your home is exciting — but figuring out where to put a crib in your bedroom can feel overwhelming, especially if you have limited space. Learning how to make space for a baby crib in your bedroom will help you create a safe, cozy sleep area for your little one while keeping your room comfortable and functional for you, too. This step-by-step guide will show you smart layout ideas, storage tips, and must-know safety guidelines for a peaceful, shared bedroom.
Why Sharing Your Bedroom with Baby Matters
Many parents choose to room-share with their baby for at least the first six months to a year. It’s convenient for nighttime feeding, diaper changes, and provides peace of mind knowing your baby is close. But squeezing a crib into your bedroom can make the space feel cramped and cluttered if you don’t plan carefully. With the right setup, you can keep your room safe, organized, and calm — so both you and your baby sleep better.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Space for a Baby Crib in Your Bedroom
1. Choose the Right Crib or Bassinet
Start with your baby’s sleep setup. If you have a very small bedroom, consider:
- Mini Cribs: Slightly smaller than standard cribs but still safe for overnight sleep.
- Bassinet or Co-Sleeper: Great for newborns, especially for the first few months. They’re compact and portable but remember babies outgrow them quickly.
- Convertible Cribs: Some cribs convert from bassinet to mini crib to toddler bed, saving space and money long-term.
Always make sure any crib or bassinet you choose meets current safety standards.
2. Measure Your Bedroom and Plan Layout Options
Take measurements of your entire bedroom, including walls, doorways, windows, and your furniture. Sketch a floor plan and test different arrangements:
- Place the crib close to your bed for easy nighttime access — but not directly next to windows, blinds, or heaters.
- Try positioning the crib at the foot of your bed if there’s no room on the side.
- Use corners wisely — they’re perfect for a crib if it doesn’t block pathways.
Remember: Keep at least a few feet clear around the crib for safe airflow and easy reach.
3. Declutter to Free Up Floor Space
Clearing clutter is one of the best ways to make space. Go through your bedroom and donate, store, or sell anything you don’t need daily:
- Swap out bulky furniture for more compact options.
- Remove decorative chairs or side tables that can be relocated to another room.
- Keep only the essentials on nightstands and dressers.
This not only creates room for the crib but also makes the bedroom feel calmer and more organized for you and baby.
4. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Maximize every inch by choosing furniture that does double duty:
- A dresser that doubles as a changing table.
- A bed frame with built-in drawers for extra baby clothes and supplies.
- Floating shelves instead of bulky bookcases to store baby books, toys, or blankets.
These swaps help you gain valuable storage without taking up more floor space.
5. Optimize Under-Bed Storage
If your bed is high enough, use under-bed storage bins to keep extra diapers, wipes, or baby clothes close by but out of sight. Clear bins with labels make it easy to find what you need without rummaging.
6. Keep Pathways Clear for Safety
In a shared bedroom, it’s especially important to keep walkways clear:
- Don’t put the crib too close to the bedroom door.
- Make sure you have space to walk around safely, even during nighttime feedings when you might be half-asleep.
- Use cord organizers to keep lamp or monitor cords out of the way.
7. Create a Calm, Cozy Sleep Environment
A calm space helps both you and baby sleep better:
- Use soft, warm lighting like a dimmable lamp or nightlight for nighttime feedings.
- Keep bedding simple — no heavy quilts or pillows in the crib.
- Use neutral, soothing colors to make the room feel spacious and peaceful.
8. Use Wall Space for Baby Storage
When floor space is tight, go vertical:
- Hang shelves or wall-mounted baskets for extra diapers, wipes, or burp cloths.
- Add hooks behind the door or on walls to hang baby carriers, swaddles, or diaper bags.
This keeps baby essentials handy without cluttering your nightstand or dresser.
9. Consider a Room Divider for Privacy (Optional)
If you want a sense of separation, a lightweight folding screen or curtain can help define your baby’s sleep zone. This can make the room feel less cramped and help you maintain a little privacy if one parent goes to bed earlier.
10. Reassess as Baby Grows
Your needs will change as your baby grows:
- Once your baby starts to roll or sit up, you may need to lower the crib mattress.
- Around six to twelve months, many families choose to move baby to their own nursery or larger crib.
- Keep your layout flexible and adapt furniture placement as your baby’s sleep needs evolve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✅ Mistake 1: Crowding the Crib with Baby Gear
Solution: Keep the crib empty except for a fitted sheet — no pillows, stuffed animals, or loose blankets.
✅ Mistake 2: Blocking Windows or Heat Sources
Solution: Never place the crib under a window or near a heater, radiator, or drafty spot.
✅ Mistake 3: Ignoring Walkway Space
Solution: Make sure you can move around the room safely, especially for late-night feeds and diaper changes.
✅ Mistake 4: Skipping Decluttering
Solution: Remove or store non-essential furniture to keep your room feeling open.
✅ Mistake 5: Choosing Oversized Furniture
Solution: Opt for space-saving furniture and multi-functional pieces to get the most from your room.
Extra Tips & Bedroom Hacks
✨ Use a Rolling Cart: Keep diapering supplies on a small rolling cart that you can move where you need it — then tuck it away.
✨ Hang a Mobile: A simple mobile above the crib can help calm baby — just be sure it’s out of reach.
✨ Keep Night Feeds Easy: Keep a water bottle, burp cloths, and pacifiers within arm’s reach on your nightstand.
👉 Related Article: Ready to make your space feel even more peaceful? Check out our guide on How to Declutter Your Bedroom for Better Sleep for extra tips!
Conclusion
Sharing your bedroom with your baby can feel tight at first, but with a little planning, smart storage, and thoughtful design, you can make space for a crib while keeping your own comfort in mind. Use this guide to set up a safe, cozy, and practical sleep area for your little one — and enjoy those special first months with peace of mind.
Bookmark this guide to create a functional, family-friendly bedroom you’ll love!