Turning a small room into a shared haven for a toddler and baby is a challenge I’ve always found exciting.
When a toddler and baby share a space, it’s like piecing together a fun puzzle that needs both smarts and heart.
You’re blending two little personalities into one cozy space and it’s all about striking that perfect balance.
I’ve rounded up 19 clever layout ideas that give each kid their individual space while keeping the room practical and fun.
Drawing from chats with friends and clever setups I’ve stumbled across, these solutions are built for real life.
You’ll love seeing their giggles and growing bonds shine in a room that’s all their own, so let’s get started!

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1. Corner Crib and Toddler Bed Nook

Set a mini crib snug into one corner for your baby to snooze peacefully.
Place a toddler bed along the next wall, forming a comfy L-shape that feels just right.
Adding a plush rug between them brings warm, happy play vibes to the space.
You can hang a sheer curtain above the crib, giving your baby a soft, private bubble.
Choosing a low bookshelf nearby makes it a breeze to stash toys for both kids.
Back when my sister and I shared a room, we’d pile books on a little shelf like this, and it kept our chaos in check.
You’ll feel so proud watching each kid settle into their own cozy zone with this setup.
It’s a simple way to keep the room open yet divided, perfect for their growing needs.
2. Bunk Bed with Baby Bassinet Below

Raise a lofted toddler bed with plenty of space underneath for wiggle room.
Slide a bassinet or small crib below it, making a sweet spot for your baby.
Adding a bright blanket on the toddler’s bed brings a burst of fun energy to their perch.
You can string fairy lights along the frame, casting a gentle glow that soothes both kids.
My cousin rigged up a bunk like this for her boys, and they’d giggle under the lights every night.
This layout saves precious floor space while keeping your little ones close and comfy.
You’ll adore how tidy it keeps the room, giving you more space to breathe.
It’s a clever stack that makes small living feel big and smart.
3. Side-by-Side Beds with Curtain Divide

Line up a toddler bed and mini crib along one wall, side by side like best buddies.
Hang a lightweight curtain between them from a ceiling rod for a soft split.
Choosing fun, patterned bedding for each makes their spaces pop with personality.
You can plop a shared nightstand in the middle, holding a lamp or their favorite books.
My friend Mia used a curtain trick like this when her twins shared a room, and it worked wonders.
This setup gives them each a private nook without gobbling up extra space.
You’ll love how it balances closeness with a bit of independence.
It’s a cozy fix that keeps the room feeling light and airy.
4. Vertical Storage Wall with Beds

Build a tall wall of cubbies or shelves stretching from floor to ceiling.
Set the toddler bed on one side and the crib on the other, hugging the storage.
Adding baskets in the cubbies makes it super easy to sort toys and clothes.
You can paint each side a different pastel shade, like blue and pink, for a fun twist.
My brother built shelves like this for his garage once, and I thought, why not for kids?
This keeps their belongings separate while leaving the floor wide open.
You’ll be amazed at how much room you reclaim with this vertical vibe.
It’s a neat way to organize without losing that playful feel.
5. Toddler Loft with Baby Floor Space

Lift the toddler bed onto a low loft frame, just high enough to stand out.
Keep the baby’s crib or bassinet on the floor below, snug and safe.
Choosing a little slide for the loft exit brings a burst of playful vibes every morning.
You can roll out a soft mat under the crib, perfect for tummy time or crawling.
My neighbor’s kid had a slide off his bed, and it was the highlight of every playdate.
This gives your toddler a cool perch while your baby gets space to explore.
You’ll feel clever using height to stretch a small room.
It’s a fresh setup that keeps everyone happy and moving.
6. Shared Headboard Wall Setup

Arrange a toddler bed and crib against one wall, lined up like a team.
Add a wide headboard that stretches across both, tying them together sweetly.
Picking mismatched bedding for each makes their spots feel totally their own.
You can hang cute wall art above each bed, like a star for one and a moon for the other.
My aunt had a big headboard for her guest room, and it always felt so welcoming.
This keeps the floor clear for toys or a little crawl space.
You’ll love how it looks unified but still gives them their own flair.
It’s a smart way to use wall space without crowding the room.
7. Room Divider Bookshelf Trick


Place a low, wide bookshelf between the toddler bed and crib as a divider.
Face the toddler’s bed one way and the baby’s the other, splitting the space.
Adding toys or books on their own shelves makes it easy for each to grab stuff.
You can choose a natural wood finish to keep the room calm and warm.
My college roommate used a bookshelf like this to split our dorm, and it was a game-changer.
This carves out two zones without making the room feel boxed in.
You’ll enjoy how open and breezy it still feels every day.
It’s a practical fix that looks good and works hard.
8. Toddler Tent and Crib Corner

Create a toddler nook by draping a fabric tent over their bed.
Set the baby’s crib in a corner nearby, keeping it simple and snug.
Adding string lights inside the tent brings a cozy, happy glow for bedtime.
You can lay down a soft mat under the tent, perfect for your toddler’s playtime.
My best friend made a tent for her son, and he’d camp out there with his toys for hours.
This gives your toddler a special hideout while the baby has their own spot.
You’ll love how it adds a fun twist without taking up extra room.
It’s a sweet way to define their spaces with charm.
9. Diagonal Bed Placement

Angle the toddler bed in one corner, tilting it just so for a cool look.
Place the crib diagonally across the room, balancing the layout nicely.
Choosing a round rug in the center brings a warm, shared spot for both.
You can add a small chair between them, ready for storytime or cuddles.
My uncle set up his living room furniture diagonally once, and it opened everything up.
This keeps the middle free for play while giving each kid their corner.
You’ll feel great seeing how spacious and fresh it turns out.
It’s a simple shift that makes a big difference.
10. Under-Window Beds with Storage

Position the toddler bed under the window on one side of the room.
Set the crib under the window on the opposite side, mirroring the setup.
Adding storage bins under each bed makes it a snap to stash diapers or toys.
You can hang light, breezy curtains above, letting sunshine pour in.
My mom used under-bed bins for our old house, and it kept clutter out of sight.
This uses wall space wisely while keeping their zones apart.
You’ll adore how bright and open this layout feels all day.
It’s a sunny, smart way to stretch a small space.
11. Toddler Platform with Crib Nook
Build a low platform for your toddler’s mattress, raising it just enough to feel special.
Set the baby’s crib right beside it, snug against the wall for a cozy fit.
Choosing a vibrant rug on the platform brings cheerful, standout vibes to their space.
You can add a simple rail along the platform’s edge to keep your toddler safe.
This setup gives your toddler a cool height boost while your baby enjoys a grounded nook.
You’ll feel clever for stretching the room vertically without crowding it.
It’s a neat way to blend their worlds while keeping them distinct.
You’ll love how this small tweak opens up the floor for playtime.
12. Shared Closet Toddler and Baby Bedroom

Turn a closet into a baby nook by fitting a mini crib inside its frame.
Keep the toddler bed outside, running along the wall for easy access.
Adding a soft curtain over the closet opening makes it a private, quiet retreat.
You can mount shelves above the toddler bed to hold their books or toys.
My cousin turned her tiny apartment closet into a sleep spot for her newborn, and it was a total win.
This keeps your baby tucked away while giving your toddler the main room.
You’ll enjoy how it maximizes every inch without feeling cramped.
It’s a smart, cozy fix for a tight space.
Parents will adore this hidden gem of a layout.
13. Over-Door Storage with Beds Below
Hang over-door organizers above each bed, reaching up to save space.
Place the toddler bed and crib side by side, keeping them close yet apart.
Adding soft toys or diapers in the pockets makes it playful and handy.
You can use different colors for each organizer to mark their spots.
My sister used an over-door rack for shoes in her dorm, and it was a lifesaver.
This keeps their gear high and separate without cluttering the floor.
You’ll be thrilled with how tidy and smart it looks.
It’s a practical setup that grows with them.
You’ll love the extra room it frees up for play.
14. Corner Shelves and Split Beds

Install corner shelves above each bed, reaching up to save floor space.
Place the toddler bed on one wall and the crib on another, splitting the corners.
Adding plush toys or books on their shelves brings fun, personal vibes to each spot.
You can paint each corner a soft shade, like peach for one and mint for the other.
My aunt used corner shelves in her kitchen growing up, and they held all our snacks perfectly.
This keeps their stuff separate while making the room feel airy.
You’ll be amazed at how tidy and bright it stays.
It’s a fresh way to define their zones with style.
You’ll feel great seeing their little spaces shine.
15. Toddler Canopy and Crib Wall

Hang a canopy over the toddler bed, draping fabric for a cozy, special feel.
Set the crib against a different wall nearby, keeping it simple and calm.
Choosing lightweight, sheer fabric for the canopy makes it breezy and safe.
You can place a small basket under the crib for diapers or extra blankets.
My college roommate hung a canopy over her bed, and it was our late-night chat spot.
This gives your toddler a dreamy hideaway while your baby has their own corner.
You’ll love how it adds charm without eating up space.
It’s a sweet, soft way to carve out their areas.
Parents will enjoy the gentle separation this brings.
16. Stacked Storage with Beds Below

Mount a row of stacked shelves along one wall, going high to free up room.
Place the toddler bed and crib beneath them, lined up nice and neat.
Adding labeled bins on the shelves makes sorting toys or clothes a snap.
You can hang a curtain rod above with fabric to divide their spaces softly.
My neighbor stacked shelves like this for her craft room, and it was genius.
This uses height to keep their gear separate and the floor clear.
You’ll feel thrilled with how much space you gain back.
It’s a clever layout that keeps everything in reach.
You can mix up bin colors for a fun twist.
17. Toddler Bed with Crib Alcove

Carve out a small alcove in the wall for the baby’s crib, snug and tucked in.
Set the toddler bed along the main wall nearby, keeping it open and free.
Choosing a bold quilt for the toddler makes their spot pop with energy.
You can add a soft nightlight in the alcove to soothe your baby at night.
My uncle built an alcove shelf for his TV once, and it inspired this cozy idea.
This gives each kid a unique nook without overloading the room.
You’ll enjoy how it feels custom and thoughtful.
It’s a smart way to use wall space creatively.
You’ll love watching them settle into their own little worlds.
18. Standing Shelf Divider


Hang a long standing shelf between the toddler bed and crib as a divider.
Place the toddler bed on one side and the crib on the other, splitting the space.
Adding books or small decor on the shelf makes it cute and functional.
You can choose soft pillows for each bed to match their personalities.
My best friend had a floating shelf in her apartment, and it held all our coffee mugs.
This separates their zones without blocking light or air.
You’ll adore how simple and open the room stays.
It’s a light, easy fix that works like a charm.
You can swap out shelf items as they grow.
Product recommendations:
This post contains Amazon affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
19. Toddler Bed with Crib at Angles

Set the toddler bed at a slight angle in one corner, tilting it for a cool vibe.
Place the crib angled in the opposite corner, balancing the room nicely.
Choosing a shared rug underneath brings warm, cozy vibes for both kids.
You can add wall hooks above each bed for bags, art, or little treasures.
My mom angled furniture in our living room growing up, and it always felt so fresh.
This creates flow while giving each kid their own territory.
You’ll feel great seeing how spacious it turns out.
It’s a fun twist that keeps the room lively.
Parents will love the playful energy this adds.
Final Thoughts
Crafting these 19 ideas felt like a fun adventure, pulling from the clever ways I’ve seen loved ones make small spaces work.
Your toddler and baby deserve spots that feel like theirs, and this list is all about handing you the tools to make it happen.
I’ve poured in plenty of heart, thinking of cozy nooks and smart fixes that keep the room lively yet calm.
Mix them up, tweak them, or grab the ones that light you up, because you’ve got the reins here.
The goal’s simple: a space where their giggles bounce and their bonds grow, all wrapped in a layout that fits your vibe.
Dive in and shape something special for your little crew, because that’s the real joy of it!
Hello! The long, standing shelf unit you have in idea #18 – where did you buy that?
Hi Kelly, I have updated the amazon links for the long, standing shelf unit in the #18 section. Happy reading!
Thanks Tracy, this is helpful! I was looking more so for the “banister” style example one with the shelves on the sides, ideally it’d be double-sided. We’ve been searching for double-sided bookshelves and they are $$! May be trying an Ikea Billy Book Case project for it….
Hi Kelly! I’ve seen great DIYs using two IKEA Billy bookcases placed back-to-back, secured together with brackets or a wood frame. You can also add wheels or trim to make it look more polished. For a ready-made version, you might want to look into library-style or classroom display shelves—sometimes labeled as “double-sided book displays” or “360 rotating shelves” on Amazon or Wayfair!