Teen and baby in the same room, how to manage?

Categories: Baby's Room

Teenager / baby cohabitation

It's important to understand that in such a case, the function of a bedroom is completely different for a baby and for a teenager or pre-teen:

- On the baby's side, there is a need for functionality for the parents and a requirement for comfort around the child. The regular daily care and all their little necessities require a minimum of organization, and their very important need for sleep and rest requires calm.

- For the teenager, the bedroom is multi-functional: sleep, school and extracurricular activities, a place of expression, meetings with friends... The teenager definitely needs their own space and has a completely different daily rhythm!

How then to reconcile the two and allow good cohabitation between these siblings who are almost a generation apart? A real issue for all those who have no other choice and who still wish to design a solid project.

Parents who wonder how to meet the needs of each child and find suitable solutions, especially for the one who until now was used to having their own room. Two projects in one that will need to be combined with great accuracy and talent...

Room organization and adapted furniture

First, it is essential to discuss this as soon as possible with the eldest of the family. To clearly explain the advantages and disadvantages and to think with them about what can be done. Asking for their opinion is a way to involve them in this family project and to help them better accept things.

Then, when the baby arrives, the ideal is to keep them for some time in the parents' room, even if it means buying a cradle. A simpler solution for everyone, which will allow the family to find their bearings and the little one to start making their first nights.

To set up the new room, it's necessary to establish the needs of each, the common points and the issues that pose problems. Also be attentive to the ideas and requests of the older child.

First, the common points: both a baby and a teenager need storage spaces, functionality, and modularity. So don't skimp on wardrobes, dressers, and other secondary furniture, if space allows of course. Or even opt for a large wall cabinet.

Everything that is not essential and can find a place elsewhere should be moved. For example, the changing table can be installed in the bathroom where it will find a logical and functional place.

Both children need separate sleeping areas. It may be interesting to use a loft bed for the older one and an convertible baby bed for the younger one. Another trick is to place a single mattress on a double loft bed and keep the remaining space for a rug, a small bedside table, and similarly, wall shelves. Plus a bedside lamp so they can move around with simplicity and safety.

It is essential to please the older child by creating a dedicated space with decorations and furniture they like. A good way to move things forward. Why not create a deep wall cabinet for a personal space with a desk, bookshelf, clothes closet, mirror...

Don't hesitate to use separations: a half-wall, a bookshelf to distinguish the two universes or a sliding panel over the older child's sleeping area when they want some privacy. Or a pretty screen next to the baby's bed. A curtain to isolate the baby corner is also a clever solution that will preserve their sleep with a soft dimness, while allowing the older child's living space to enjoy natural or artificial light.

Finally, it's important to define specific times for each. When the baby is sleeping, the room should remain as quiet as possible: therefore, favor activities in another room of the house or silent activities such as schoolwork. However, when the baby is awake, keep them in the living areas and let the older child go about their activities freely. In this case, opt for a toy chest in the living room. Lastly, provide an extra bed for special days (birthdays, afternoons or evenings with friends, cousins...). The baby will adapt very well and the older child will appreciate the attention!