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There’s nothing like a newborn baby. Their expressions, sweet smell, and little noises. And, they’re soooo tiny! How can something so small have so much stuff? The carseats, clothes, toys, and gadgets seem to overtake our homes, cars, and storage spaces. While some of this is inevitable, and, really doesn’t last that long in the overall scheme of things, it doesn’t need to be feel out of control. Organizing for baby can be approached just like organizing the rest of your home…with some intentionality and simple systems.
3 Organizing for Baby Tips:
1. Determine What You Really Need.
There are so many new baby things on the market now compared to when I had my youngest child almost 9(!) years ago. Some of these may be the best thing since sliced bread. Some aren’t. What I loved you may not. And vice versa. But, everyone can benefit from the basics. I recommend the following:
- Somewhere to set baby down. In the first few weeks, in particular, I found myself needing somewhere to put baby besides a crib/pack and play. Carrying and snuggling is great, but mama (and baby) can use a break sometimes. Here are some good options:
- Sleep sacks. Do these come in adult sizes? These are the best! Like a wearable blanket, they go over a onesie or pj’s for sleeping. Super easy to get on and off and your baby stays warm and snuggly.
- Bundle Me. This cozy covering zips onto the carseat, providing a sleeping bag of sorts around the baby. It’s super convenient for cold weather, eliminating the struggle of putting on a cumbersome coat.
- A stocked diaper bag. Diapers, wipes, travel changing pad, extra change of clothes, and feeding supplies should all be kept ready to go. Try to replenish anything you used directly after an outing. Nothing worse than being stuck somewhere without a diaper when you really need it! Changing pad:
- Baby Carrier: We loved the Baby Bjorn, but there are so many great carrier and sling options. Look up reviews, talk to friends and family for recos, and take your pick.
As far as things to avoid, generally, I steer clear from anything too fussy (fabric wise or time consuming button filled outfits) and anything that takes up a lot of room.
2. Use Too Small/Too Big Bins
This is a good one! Babies and toddlers outgrow clothes so quickly, particularly during the first 2 years. It’s all too easy to miss the brief window of time when something will fit. Initially, it’s too big. Then, you blink and it’s too small! Having a system for rotating clothes in and out is so helpful in preventing this.
How it Works:
- Put 2 bins in your closet. I like clear plastic with lids, such as a 56 qt. Sterilite bin, or whatever your space allows.
- Label one bin with the size your baby is currently wearing. Let’s say your baby is in 0-3 months. This is the “too small” bin. It will start out empty.
- Label the other bin the next size up from what they’re wearing. In this case, it would be 3-6 months.
- When your baby outgrows a 0-3 month clothing item it goes directly into the 0-3 months bin. Once that bin is full, it’s already organized and ready to store elsewhere, such as in a basement storage room. Or, items can be donated or sold.
- When baby is ready for the next size up (3-6 months), you’ll have it all ready to go (in your “too big” bin).
- *I recommend ONLY keeping the next size up in the too big bin. When there are multiple sizes combined, it becomes an unnecessary organizing project to sort through what is what – and you’ll likely miss that short period of time when something fits! Anything bigger than one size up can be kept in a storage area outside the bedroom.
Dressers: I recommend having only the clothes that currently fit your baby in a dresser (or drawers or cubbies – whatever you have). Drawer dividers are great for separating out different types of baby clothes and small items.
3. Implement a Toy Storage System.
We had a big toy bin with our firstborn. It did not work well. Everything tended to get dumped in and buried. There was no sense of organization and small parts got lost.
Instead, I like labeled bins that contain like items. There are so many great options, such as a simple and budget friendly shoe bin container like this: 
I also like the endlessly versatile cube units such as this. They are available at Amazon, Target, IKEA…lots of places! There are great fabric bins that fit in each cube. Just be sure to purchase the size that fits in the openings. 
If you have older kids and are looking to involve them in organizing and maintaining their things, I wrote a whole blog post about that. Check it out here.
Organizing for baby can be fun! The implementation of a few systems can go a long way toward efficiency and peace of mind (at least, sanity!) during these months of being in the trenches with your sweet little one. Enjoy!