Who told babies they could have their own room?

Life with a newborn + nursery schemes and lots of links

May 07, 2025

Who told babies they could have their own 80sqft? In this economy?

I joke, but can’t stand the thought of our baby girl not in the same bed as me, let alone room. Velcro baby? More like Velcro mom.

It’s been three months now, and Mackenzie is exiting the newborn stage while texts from well-meaning grandparents pile high asking if we’ll ever get a crib (I detect soft undertones of “you’re nuts” when it comes to co-sleeping). And while I’d love for Bryan to be back in the same bed (there’s a pull-out situation in the next room), my heart aches at the idea of her no longer breathing softly next to me with her teeny tiny hand resting on my chest.

We were warned about the newborn trenches, but find we love it here. Honestly! The first few weeks she was a bit of a pet rock personality wise (no offense, Max, if you’re reading this 20 years down the line - it’s normal!), but she’s a real hoot now. Giggling and cooing at all hours. Including while she goes number two.

That said, we’re figuring it out as we go and still have lots of questions including if there’s a car seat in existence that a newborn’s nervous system won’t confuse with being attacked by a bear… breaks my heart hearing her wail in the backseat.

I’ll list below what’s worked for us but I’m more interested in hearing how you guys handled the newborn stage (any tips for next time?) and what we might expect going forward. Reading your comments will be healthier than doom scrolling mom reels on IG (I’m trying to get off of there… I’ve linked baby related books I’ve found most helpful at the bottom of this post if you’re the same and would rather read).

This may contain: a woman standing in a kitchen next to a stove top oven with the words you have to sleep, it keeps you pretty — me convincing Max to take a nap long enough for me to shower

Highlights of newborn life below. Scroll for nursery schemes and book recs.

We did a home birth and if I could describe it in one word - luxurious. I won’t get into the details (feel free to message me with questions), but candles were lit, there was instrumental music, a pool of warm water to relax the body, and the birth was followed by a hot shower and steak eaten in our own bed while we cuddled our new baby. 10/10 recommend if you’re able to.
Post partum depression hasn’t been a thing, thank goodness. I figured out a few years ago that for me straying from whole foods or consuming gluten causes episodes of depression, anxiety, mood swings, even brain fog. Diet is huge for my mental health, so I’m sure I would have been in the newborn trenches if I had the same diet of processed foods as I did growing up.
Co-sleeping is key. It feels as though I’m cheating some way as it’s been a game changer when it comes to getting enough sleep (I’ve since discovered more moms are co-sleeping than you think). With her in the same bed, I’m able to turn and feed her when she stirs — so she’s never cried at night with me so near — then we both gently nod off back to sleep together. A crib and nursing chair would complicate our routine, and I couldn’t imagine her in another room - at least not until she’s sleeping through the night and able to sit up on her own.
Scratch the above - baby carriers are key! We splurged on an Artipoppe (message me if you want our referral discount) and it was worth every penny. You definitely don’t need to spend that much, but make sure whichever one you invest in is comfortable, because if you’re like me, you’ll use it 5-7 hours every day.
I’m also blessed to be able to breastfeed. I’ll admit the first two days I thought I was running on empty until my midwife (sorry, TMI) gave me a little squeeze and I’ve been Mackenzie’s milk maid ever since. I use a manual pump to store a few jars in the freezer for safe keeping, but that’s it. On demand breastfeeding is a big time saver. Requires zero preparation, no bottles to heat up or sanitize, and no reason to pump all day long or supplement with formula (I’d use this recipe before resorting to formula).
Cloth diapers. Hear me out! They’ve actually made life easier. True, there’s an extra load of laundry every 3 days, but the machines have that covered. The pros outweigh the cons: they’re blow-out proof, organic cotton so no rashes on the bum, better for the planet, your baby is likely to be potty trained on average one year earlier, and it’s considerably less expensive once all is said and done (especially if you have more kids!).
Stroller wise, we have the Cybex Gazelle because 1) it can adapt to carry two kids and 2) I found a great deal on Facebook marketplace! We also just purchased a Doona off FBM for travel, and looking back, I would have gotten that sooner since I’m running errands every other day. That way, for example, I wouldn’t have to wake her for the short walk from the car to YMCA daycare. I would have done Doona as our car seat, Artipoppe to carry her around, and Cybex Gazelle with the bassinet for longer walks and another sleep option if we decide to quit co-sleeping.

side note: Can we talk about how wild it is that babies are so helpless? They’re so vulnerable upon being born. Whereas, other mammal offspring e.g. horses, goats, or giraffes come out of the womb practically galloping. I tell myself that the instinct to stay with our babies at all hours is natural. They need us more than we know.

Feel free to steal these nursery schemes :)

1. keep it neutral - I like how this scheme leans into more traditional elements, such as a valance draped around a crib with bobbins (romantique!); yet the drapery is sheer, a modern mobile hangs in the corner, and glossy bamboo shaped handles adorn the millwork. Traditional with a twist of whimsy.

2. for the girls - pink with an edge. I sprung everything in this scheme off the fantastic wallpaper by Kristy Stafford. The design mesmerizes me (a newborn would surely stare at the contrast for hours on end), and the colors are perfect. Only cool girls allowed in this room.

3. for the boys - I hope you like scallops. This Élitis wallcovering is actually padded. Fun! Knowing boys, that’d be a huge plus both physically and acoustically… here’s to hoping the scallops soften their edges a bit (but not too much).

Who told babies they could have their own room?

Life with a newborn + nursery schemes and lots of links

Feel free to steal these nursery schemes :)

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