Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality, especially when it comes to creating a nursery nook for your little one. Whether you’re expecting a new arrival or looking to optimize space within your home, crafting a cozy and efficient small-space nursery area without sacrificing on style and function is absolutely possible. I know because we brought our daughter home to our 750-square-foot, one-bedroom condo just across the river from Manhattan and made it work until she was 11 months old. And I loved it.
Our second-story walkup was our little slice of the city, and we refused to move when I found out I was expecting. Instead, like so many other city dwellers, we decided to “make it work.” I had heard stories of friends having their newborns in pack-and-plays in the closet or bathroom, but I knew we could figure out how to make her own little space within our existing home while she was still small. Once she started walking, though, it was game over.
The apartment was railroad style, meaning you could essentially walk through it from end to end with no doors separating each room, just unique door frames with antique molding. There was a smaller space that led into our bedroom (again, no doors), and we decided it would become uniquely hers, even though we both had closet space in there, too.
It perfectly fit a Pottery Barn glider, a crib, and a dresser with a topper we used for diaper changes and storage. Was it the nursery of my dreams? Nope. Did I fall in love with it? Yes.
From smart storage solutions to compact and multi-tasking furniture options, here’s all the info and inspo you need to transform even the tiniest of corners into a sweet little space for your baby. Square footage, be damned.
What is a nursery nook?
Essentially, a nursery nook is a miniature version of a nursery that you can designate and create when you’re short on space. Or, if you have a lot of space, you can set one up as an extra spot for your little one to rest, too! Usually, it doesn’t need much, just the essentials to keep the baby comfortable and safe—a little space to call their own. Typically, nooks have a mini crib or bassinet, a changing table and/or dresser, some sort of storage or basket situation for baby essentials and toys, and a seating area for feeds and rocking if there is room.
The ideal space for a nursery nook is a place in your home that doesn’t have a ton of traffic and isn’t in an area that gets excessively warm or cool. While your baby is small, you really don’t need a ton of space to create an area all their own—just get creative on how you maximize the space (think: wall mounting items, vertical storage, and keeping a minimalist mindset).
Why should you create a nursery nook?
It might seem daunting when you look around at what friends or family might have space-wise, but take my word for it that a nursery nook is not only possible—it’s quite lovely. It’s less space to navigate in the middle of the night when you’re bleary-eyed and exhausted.
Babies are tiny little things and they really don’t need much, especially early on! My best advice? As cute and tempting as ALL the baby things might be—keep your registry to a minimum. Ask for more practical things like diapers and wipes, gift cards, etc., and be open about having limited space and wanting to utilize it in a smart way. Having a smaller space really just means more love per square foot.
How to Create a Nursery Nook: The Essentials
A Safe Place to Sleep
Safe sleep is your #1 priority, whether you’re dealing with creating a massive nursery for your baby or creating a tiny nook. This means finding a safe place for them to nap and sleep that won’t take up too much space, such as a mini crib or a bassinet. Whether you opt for a simple bassinet or mini crib that will last you through the initial few months or something more high-tech like the Snoo Smart Sleeper, both are space-saving and safe sleep options.
A Dresser & Changing Table
No closet? No problem. All your little babe really needs are a few drawers to store their pajamas, footies, and onesies—double points if it can also serve as a changing table with the addition of an easy topper. You can also place a storage tote on top for diapering essentials and more.
Wall Decor
This one is not mandatory, but definitely helps to create a space that you can feel is uniquely for your baby. It can be something neutral that blends in with the surrounding decor and the general vibe of your home, or it can lean towards being more baby-centric—it is their nook, after all.
A Space-Saving Baby Monitor
Finding a monitor that can be wall-mounted or stuck right onto the mini-crib is essential since you probably don’t have a ton of counter or dresser space for a table-top one.
Adjustable Lighting
This one is a biggie that I didn’t really understand until I was in the thick of newborn-hood. Having adjustable, accessible lighting can make all the difference when it comes to midnight feeds and changing. Opt for a neutral, multi-tasking floor lamp you can attach to a dimmer or even simple LED touch lights or sconces strategically placed near the changing table for quick and easy lighting.
Floor Coverings
Having a floor covering for your nursery nook is pretty necessary for both function and form. You’ll want a soft surface for your feet, for tummy time and playtime, and also to help mask the sounds of footsteps and creaking floorboards when you pass by a sleeping babe. It can also help to differentiate which area of the room or space is the “baby’s” and which space is not. For even more versatility, opt for a style like Ruggable that is machine washable and interchangeable, too.
