Family of 4 in 2 bedroom flat.

[JessicaH1]

Hi all, sorry if this is posted in the wrong place, i wasn't sure where to post. Baby number 2 is on its way in a couple of months and myself , parter & toddler all live in a small 2 bed flat. Any advice from people in similar situations on how to make this work long term? I feel like we are going to be cramped, but dont really have any options for moving as its (morgaged) and super cheap for us.

I think swapping bedrooms over makes perfect sense here.
Adults mainly use bedroom for sleeping and just clothes.
Children in large room means you can fit single, cot/ toddler bed, majority of toys.

That way you free up space in living area also if most the toys are elsewhere.

If baby needs to nap daytime, get them napping in pram. That way you can just wheel pram into your bedroom so oldest can still play in their room and living room doesn’t need to be silent.

I think it’s nice having space, however, if your mortgage is current cheap and that means you can afford to not both be working 24/7, then I would try and make your space work as long as possible.

Thanks for all of your comments guys! Im feeling much more positive!

You will need to be absolutely brutal on organisation/making the best use of space.

@HikeForward

Is moving an option?

I think it will be fine for the first 6 months as baby will be in with you, after that the kids may not want to share or keep waking each other up. Can you divide the room eg to keep baby away from older child’s toys?

Also what if you want your mum/sister/MIL etc to stay and help, where will they sleep? If they’re on the sofa in the lounge it will feel very cramped and they’d have no privacy.

Not everyone has the luxury of moving to somewhere bigger?! I think if we all could do it then we would. Not everyone can afford to just up & move. I knew many people growing up who lived in flats or small houses with multiple children. You make it work.

Also if family wanted to stay that is their own choice of having no privacy as they'd know they'd be sleeping on the sofa due to space?! Also not everyone has the luxury of a family that are able to help with a new born baby or your children in general.

So if all the above don't apply to you, then I'd think yourself extremely lucky.

We had five of us in a two-bed place. The three DC always shared until they left home. They had the big bedroom and we had the smaller one, which did fit a double.