An organized nursery isn't about looking perfect. It's about being able to find a clean sleep sack, a diaper and the cream in the dark, with one hand, while holding a baby. Here's a simple system for every part of the room.
The changing area: everything within arm's reach
You should be able to reach everything without stepping away or taking your hand off your baby. Keep diapers, wipes, cream and a spare outfit together in one spot.
A diaper caddy keeps it all in one place and moves to wherever you are. The Sorrel corduroy caddy is 14.6 by 9.1 by 7.9 inches, with removable hook-and-loop dividers and a carry handle. The Tuck diaper caddy has two removable dividers and pockets around the outside. Keep the caddy out of baby's reach, and never hang it on the crib. Our diaper caddy guide covers what to put inside.
Dresser drawers: sort by category
- Top drawer: the things you grab most, like bodysuits, sleep sacks and socks.
- Middle drawer: outfits, pants and sweaters.
- Bottom drawer: blankets, extra sheets and bigger items.
Drawer dividers or small boxes stop tiny clothes from turning into a jumble. Fold clothes upright, file-style, so you can see everything at a glance. And anchor the dresser to the wall. Dressers can tip if a child pulls on the drawers.
The closet: organize by size
- Use size dividers on the rail: 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–9 months and so on.
- Keep the next size ready at the front.
- Have an "outgrown" bin on the floor. When something is too small, it goes straight in.
Books: on the wall
Books face-out on the wall look lovely and save shelf space. The Aspen picture book shelves are just 1.9 inches deep. Mount them away from the crib and changing table.
Toys: a few at a time
Babies need very few toys out at once. A low shelf or a couple of baskets are enough. As your baby grows, a bookshelf with cubbies and a toy bin, like the Elm bookshelf, holds books and toys together. It comes with an anti-tip wall bracket.
The feeding corner
Next to your chair, keep a small basket with burp cloths, a water bottle, a phone charger and a snack. A soft, dim light makes night feeds calmer. The cordless Glow night light has three brightness levels and a warm-toned glow. Keep it out of the crib.
Keep the crib clear
Organizing a nursery never means storing things in the crib. Keep it bare, with just a fitted sheet on a firm, flat mattress.
Questions parents ask
How do I organize baby clothes by size?
Use closet size dividers, keep the next size ready and have an outgrown bin for clothes that no longer fit.
What should be at the changing table?
Diapers, wipes, cream, a spare outfit and a trash can, all reachable with one hand.
How do I organize a small nursery?
Use wall space for books, one piece of furniture that does two jobs and a portable caddy. More in our small nursery ideas.
Short on space everywhere? Read living in a small apartment with a baby.
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