Recently I was invited to a baby shower for an expectant mother living with her husband in a one-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side of New York City. The excited couple had previously gone to Buy Buy Baby and created a registry full of “must have” items, but with NO attention paid to space restraints. Now they were fortunate in one respect as friends, family members went right down that huge list and purchased almost everything. However, that is when reality set in. The restaurant space where the event was held was suddenly feeling quite cramped, and what did that mean for the couple’s already somewhat tight living quarters? Not wanting to deal they shipped items off to mom’s house in the ‘burbs. They are now looking for new solutions, realizing that big state-of-the-art stroller/car seat combo, the gorgeous high chair, the BIG swing, etc., etc. aren’t going to make sense unless they quickly break their lease and move out of their awesome neighborhood.
Here at MyCoop we don’t want to have this happen to YOU so that’s why we’ve pulled together some great ideas from some of our favorite blogs. For example, MommyPoppins has a great article on this topic. For example, Baby will be just as happy in a smaller crib (one that can fit through doorways) and it helps if it’s on wheels so can be easily moved from room to room. Some models even include a built-in changing table.
Further, even though storage overall can be in short supply, think about taking the doors off of a closet and converting it to a well-organized home for baby’s toys, books and clothes. Think vertical, not just horizontal, when organizing this, as well as when looking for other clever storage solutions throughout the home. Even that baby stroller can be out of the way when stored on the back of a door (with an easy to find special hook).
“Portable” is also an important description to keep in mind — whether it comes to playpen, baby swing, activity center or other baby essentials. Ditch the space-eating highchair, use a seat that easily (and quite safely) attaches directly to a table.
Want still more ideas? You can also check out these from Buzzfeed.
Each Wednesday we will be sharing information to make living with your children in the city easier, and just that much more fun. Plus look for this info in the Discovery section of MyCoop, talk about it at Kids in the City (find under Local). And spread the word to your friends. After all, MyCoop is ALL about neighbors helping neighbors.
Until next Wednesday…
