Living in a two-bedroom apartment in NYC with a 6-month-old, a 13-year-old, my husband, two dogs, and two cats, we’ve had to be super intentional about what we bring into our space! We looked for quality, long-lasting pieces that are compact, practical, and easy on the eyes (because let’s be real, aesthetics matter too). With limited space and lots of little (and furry) feet running around, every item has to earn its keep. Here’s a list of my personal favorites so far.. things that have truly worked for us in this busy season.
1. A good recliner is a MUST. Your body will thank you for it.
Our glider was truly a game changer. One of the best decisions we made. We purchased this recliner (in boucle) at Target. When I was heavily pregnant and dealing with extremely swollen feet, it became my little sanctuary. I’d sink into it, prop my feet up, and just breathe. After our baby was born, it quickly became our most-used spot. Recovering from a c-section made getting in and out of bed tricky at first, so we spent countless hours in that chair.. nursing, napping, cuddling, and just being together. So many sweet early memories were made there. It’s more than just a chair. It became a little haven in the chaos.
2. A Changing Table and Drawer Set You’ll Use Daily
Delta Madeline Dresser with Changing Table
When preparing our nursery, it was incredibly important for us to find a dresser that matched our modern-meets-midcentury aesthetic. We also needed something that wouldn’t overwhelm the space – compact, multifunctional, and beautifully designed. The changing table we chose ended up being one of the most-used pieces in our home. In those early newborn days, our son found himself on that table at least ten times a day. What surprised us most was how quickly it became his comfort zone. Even mid-cry, the moment we laid him down, he’d calm instantly. It was as if it were his own little safe haven. A dedicated spot to change, dress, and take a breath (for both baby and parent!) proved to be absolutely essential. While our color way is now discontinued, we’ve linked the same model that checks all the same boxes.
3. A Chic, Compact Crib Designed for Urban Living and Room Sharing
When living in a smaller space, having a mini crib that can easily move between rooms or even collapse when needed was a game changer for our apartment. Instead of going the traditional bassinet route, we opted to keep this sleek, well-designed crib within arm’s reach. It’s practical too: baby can use it up to 24 months, which gives us way more mileage than a bassinet. We were torn between this one and the Nestig mini crib, but ultimately chose this model since the Nestig was a bit smaller, and we worried our son would outgrow it too quickly. The quality and style sealed the deal for us.
4. For Those 2-Minute Breaks: A Baby Monitor That Just Works
When we were preparing for our baby’s arrival, we didn’t think a baby monitor was something we really needed. Our apartment is small, and we figured we’d always be close enough to hear or check on the baby. But once our little one arrived, we quickly realized just how helpful a baby monitor could be, even in a smaller space.
Whether it was taking a quick bathroom break, cooking in the kitchen, or just relaxing in another room, having the monitor gave us peace of mind. It meant we didn’t have to hover or keep running back and forth to check in. We could see and hear everything, and that sense of security made a big difference, especially in those early, sleep-deprived weeks.
Now that I’ve returned to work and my husband is home with the baby during his leave, the monitor has become even more essential. I can easily check in if the baby’s in range, and we get real-time notifications for any movement or crying. It even tracks the temperature and humidity in the room, which helps us keep the environment just right.
One of our favorite features? The built-in sound machine and lullabies. It’s a small touch, but it makes soothing easier without needing extra gadgets. In the end, what we thought was a “maybe” item turned out to be one of our must-haves.
5. Paws Off the Nursery: The Magic of a Well-Placed Baby Gate
For those of us with furry family members, you know how challenging it can be to move from room to room without a trail of paws following close behind. In our case, when preparing the nursery, we quickly realized that while our pups are beloved members of the family, the baby’s room needed to be a calm, quiet space.. free from excited tails and curious snouts. It was essential for us to find a way to gently separate the dogs from the nursery while still keeping the door open for airflow, visibility, and easy access. A baby gate became a simple yet game-changing solution, allowing us to maintain a peaceful environment for the baby without shutting out our dogs completely.
Looking ahead, we also love knowing that this same gate will serve another purpose: keeping our little one safe once he’s crawling and starting to explore places he shouldn’t. It’s one of those small investments that grows with your family in all the best ways.
