How Much Space Does A Baby Need, Really?

Babies spend 9 months in the womb and then come out demanding space for stuff like cots and changing tables. And it doesn’t stop there – pretty soon they need somewhere to put their stroller and play-mats, too. Babies are selfish that way.

So, just how much space do our adorable squishy little overlords need?

When you’re expecting a new addition to your family, you’ve already got plenty on your mind. The last thing you need is to be taking measurements to see what’ll fit where in your home.

That’s why we’ve done it for you. Think of us as your Mary Poppins, but with more storage units and less breaking out into spontaneous song.

Baby Essentials

Yes, you’ll need to go and get some stuff before your baby arrives. But no, you don’t need every single thing in the baby shop.

If you’ve got kids, you get it. If this is your first, don’t worry – you’re not alone. A heap of new parents go and buy everything being advertised to them only to find out later that they didn’t need that wipes warmer. All that stuff costs a lot of money and just causes clutter in your house. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

We’ve done some brainstorming (and some Googling) to come up with this list of must-haves for your newborn, and the approximate amount of space each item will need.

Somewhere to Sleep

A cot is a must, but we get that some people feel more comfortable having their tiny person sleep in a bassinet or Moses basket for the first couple of months. So we’ve included all 3 of these, because everyone likes options, and we’re not here to tell you how your baby should sleep (we’re storage experts, not baby experts).

Cot – 69 x 130cm (if you think this takes space, just wait until they need a proper bed)
Bassinet – 40 x 76cm (finally, that empty corner in your home office has something to fill it)
Moses basket – 36 x 71cm (should fit nicely beneath your bed when not in use)

Space-Saving Tip:
If you’re not gung-ho on having your bub go straight into their cot, but also can’t swing the extra space for a bassinet, why not opt for a clever 2-in-1 that converts from bassinet to cot?

Nappies. So Many Nappies.

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that your baby is going to go through some nappies. A clean bum is one of the key ingredients to a happy baby, so you’ll want to be stocked up at all times.

Box of nappies – 40 x 40 x 60cm (if you’re buying in bulk, make some space in your garage or laundry)
Change table – 57 x 110cm (a folding option could perhaps lie neatly at the bottom of the linen closet between changes)

Space-Saving Tips:
Reusable cloth nappies take up less space than that stack of boxed disposables, and are also better for the environment. If you’ve got cash for the initial investment and time to do a couple of loads a day, cloth nappies are a good alternative.
Sure, change tables are super handy. But if you’re limited for space, there’s nothing wrong with changing your little one on your bed or a table.

Clothes and Accessories

No, not those accessories. This isn’t Toddlers and Tiaras. We’re talking all those extras that seem teeny but add up to a whole heap of stuff. For starters, you’re going to need:

Onesies, singlets, pyjamas, socks or booties, bibs, hats
Towels, washers, blankets, bedding
Powder, cream, oil, shampoo
Look, the list goes on and on.

This seems like a lot, right? But you’ll probably only need one set of drawers for all this stuff. Unless you plan to stock up on a new baby costume every day like this mama. Then you might need to look at some extra storage for those wigs.

Space-Saving Tip:
Don’t have room for a whole new set of drawers? Under-bed storage is a great way to keep baby’s things organised without giving up any extra space.

Making Space for Baby in the Car

You’re going to need to prepare for more than just a nursery rhyme CD in the car. From the car seat and the stroller to the nappy bag, babies don’t just need space in the home; they also take up a lot of room in the car.

Car seat – 44 x 55 x 65cm
Stroller – 60 x 99 x 104cm

If you’re still rolling around in a 2-door hatchback that can’t handle all the baby stuff, it might be time to upgrade to an SUV (or at least a sedan).

For more tips on preparing for your new arrival and the stuff they need, check out this handy post.