So right now my boyfriend and I have a 3 bedroom townhouse. We have always lived paycheck to paycheck and sometimes its a little rough. Yesterday I was offered an AWESOME employment opportunity that would not only increase my salary, but also move me to West Des Moines (right across the street from my mom), pay my rent every month as well as all my utilities. The downfall? They can only provide a 1 bedroom apartment. I feel like this is our chance to actually get ahead for once but I dont know how we could raise a child in a 1 bedroom apartment. The employer does not know that I am currently pregnant (4 months.) I dont know if when they find out I am pregnant if they will switch me to a 2 bedroom or something, but as of right now its just the 1 bedroom. I asked my mom what she though and she said to call them and demand a 2 bedroom. I dont want to risk this opportunity over a silly bedroom and I also dont want to get them asking questions before I've signed my employment papers. Has anyone raised a baby in a 1 bedroom apartment?

I know plenty of people who have done it. I am positive you can do it too... a lot of things for baby are not necessarily things you NEED ... a lot of them are just kinda there to take up space.

Perhaps you can accept the 1br and then once the baby arrives ask for an upgrade?

Everything will work out fine. I would take the job and just see if you can get a upgrade when baby is born. My husband and I decided yesterday we are going to start trying If we where to have a baby in 9 months we would share our bedroom with the baby because we have very good friends that live in the 2 bedrooms upstairs with their daughter(11 months). It isnt ideal but our situation works for us because we all get along very well and they will be purchasing a house in a year. They pay half our mortgage which is so nice. IMO you can pass up a opportunity like this. Your baby wont remember that you only lived in a 1bedroom when it grows up and there is less things baby can get into when crawling starts. I agree with turtleohs there is many things babies dont need, as long as they have parents that love them they dont care about all the other things.

I think it's very do-able. My daughter just moved out of our room last month (she turned 3) into her own room, it's always been there, but we were all more comfortable as a family in the same room. Now that I'm pregnant, I wanted my space and she was ready. You can always upgrade later on.

I think that it is very do able. Me and my husband still live at home with my mom because im only 18 and my mom wanted the baby here still. So we were just going to have the baby live in our room but now we are cleaning out a room but it would have worked out just as easy if we didnt do that. And like the other two women said there are alot of things babys dont need. As long as they have a crib and parents who love them they will be happy.

I think it might be fine for a little while until your baby can walk! Then you might need the space.
People do this all the time with less space- just look at the real estate prices for a 400 square foot studio in Chelsea.
I saw a website once for nursery decorating ideas in small spaces- I couldn't find it for you- I'm sorry! IKEA has some great things for small spaces and improved storage. Check that out too.
Good luck!

Go for it. When our first was born we decided to move in with my mother in law so we could start our own business in an other state. Well, a week before we moved in, so did my brother in law. Long story short, we ended up for a year and a half in just one bedroom... that room was our bedroom, living room and kitchen (living with my mother in law wasn't easy.) Our situation was smaller than living in a one bedroom apartment, so I'm sure you could do it fine! The first year especially should be very easy. I bet you'll be able to upgrade by then. Best of luck!

I will be raising my infant in a one bedroom apt but I plan on moving out to a 2 bedroom next summer.

I would just ask them if there would be an option to get a 2 bedroom apartment in the future. It's tricky to mention something like this because even though it's illegal to "punish" someone for being pregnant sometimes it's hard to prove that this is what they did so I would just approach them as I first stated.

It's not a big deal having an infant with you. Besides, with late night feedings, the baby can be right next to you. My little girl will be in a bassinet for awhile but I have a spot reserved for her crib when I get it.

Thanks for all the responses! I'm starting to feel a little better about it. We just got the call that we move on Tuesday so here goes nothin!

Think of the money you can save just crampin into a one bedroom.. by the time you'll need more space you should be able to afford it! Good luck with move!