Space Saving Baby Products For Compact Flats And Houses
Bringing a new baby home is a beautiful moment in the lives of new parents. However, if you are living in a small space, then it can be a challenge to just know where to put everything. Modern homes often have inadequate storage space, and while your baby may be tiny, some of the essential nursery items certainly aren’t.
Living in a crowded space can make it more difficult to get organised and add to those inevitable stressful times in the life of any new parent. Clutter also increases the health and safety hazards in your home and takes up your time and attention away from your baby.
If you are worried about living amidst an obstacle course, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the amount of baby paraphernalia in your home, don’t panic! There are products that are designed for compact living. Here are some options to consider.
Baby travel systems
If you plan to transport your baby by car on a regular basis, for example to take them to nursery and back while you are at work, then it’s worth investing in an all-in-one travel system that includes a buggy or pram combined with a car seat, and is often combined with a carry cot as well.
This means that you will just need to buy and store one bulky item instead of three. Look for a buggy with a lightweight foldable frame that is compact and easy to stow away in a cupboard or the car boot. Some carrycots are also collapsible for easy storage purposes, and are a versatile choice as your baby can sleep in it on overnight trips.
An all-in-one system also saves you time, because the baby can be transferred straight from the pushchair to the car without the need to wake them up. A winning situation for all concerned!
Moses baskets
Moses baskets are suitable for babies up to the age of six months, and can be placed by your bedside or carried around the house while your baby takes a daytime nap. They are traditional sleeping items for newborn babies, who often prefer the compact cosiness of a basket to a larger cot.
If you do decide to buy a Moses basket, make sure that it complies with the relevant safety standards, particularly if it is second hand. They should have a purpose-made mattress to support the baby comfortably, and you should not be tempted to add more than a light blanket to avoid the risk of suffocation.
Convertible cots
If you would rather invest in a more permanent sleeping place for your baby, consider a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed and even a child’s bed as your little one grows. These will take up less space than a standard children’s bed, and also save you from having to upgrade your nursery furniture when your baby is ready to transition to a bed.
Multi-purpose furniture
Look for other items of nursery furniture that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a set of drawers can double up as a changing table. It’s also possible to buy changers that can be mounted on the side of a bed, and stored under the bed when not in use. Alternatively, some changers can be attached to the wall and folded vertically when not required.
Look for a nursery chair with a hidden storage compartment in the seat, and cots with built-in drawers underneath.
Baby carriers and slings
A baby carrier is a padded carrier that can be worn to hold your baby to your chest. Some styles can also be adjusted to carry the baby on your back or hip. They can be used to transport the baby outside the home without the need for a bulky wheeled device or a carry cot.
Baby carriers are also practical when you are out and about, because they leave your hands free for shopping and so on. Your baby will feel safer being held close to your chest when they are under six months old, but older babies who can hold up their heads can be carried on your back.
Make sure that the carrier is made from sturdy materials with broad straps that are capable of withstanding your baby's weight, and that it fits you and your baby comfortably.
