How to Divide a Shared Room for Both a Baby and a Toddler

Decide which items really need to be in the room. If space is an issue, keep toys and books in another area of the house. A crib for the baby, a bed for the toddler and a dresser for each child are the only necessary pieces of furniture. If the room is larger, you can use additional items to divide the room decoratively and physically.

Place the beds on opposite sides of the room. Babies don’t care about personal space but some toddlers do, especially when their siblings become mobile and get into their belongings. Place each child’s dresser near his bed so clothes are easily accessible.

Create a barrier between each child’s space. This will help to muffle noise, especially when crying occurs, and dim any light that may be on when parents are attending to one of the children. Hang a curtain from the ceiling, set up two bookcases back-to-back stocked with each child’s belongings on “his” side or set up storage bins in a line as a kind of "wall" for toys, books, diapers and books.

Choose colors, accessories and floor coverings that complement each other to decoratively divide the room. Interesting accessories include wall decals, fun lamps and colorful throw rugs. Consider your toddler’s interests when decorating her side by letting her choose some of the accessories. On the baby’s side, indulge your own decorating ideas.