Babies are tiny … but they sure do come with a lot of stuff. Organizing all that stuff in a nursery in an attractive way can be a real challenge. These tips can help!
Function Matters
Of course, choosing a design scheme is fun, but it’s important to keep the overall function of your nursery in mind, too. As you plan to arrange the furniture, try to create zones for sleeping, feeding, playing, and changing your baby - all while keeping safety and convenience in mind.
For example, you’ll want to keep the crib away from the windows to avoid the potential hazards posed by curtains and blinds. Once you’ve selected the best crib location, place a comfortable chair or rocker nearby so you can easily place your baby in the crib following feedings. If you have room, you’ll find it convenient to have a small table or nightstand next to the chair to hold necessities and a dim lamp on top.
When you arrange your changing table, be sure to have everything you need within reach so you never leave your baby unattended.
Clothing Storage
Babies grow quickly, and typically require several clothing changes a day. That means most families usually have a number of outfits in a number of sizes on hand. Whether you’re keeping your baby’s clothes in a dresser or a closet, there are a few things you can do to organize them so you can easily find what you need.
- Organize clothing by type. Keep all the onesies, nighties, gowns, etc. with their own types.
- Organize by size. If you have clothing in the next few sizes up waiting for your child to grow, keep it in a separate drawer, or separated in the closet by dividers.
- Adapt your closet. Most closets aren’t built for baby-sized things. Place a small shelf inside yours to increase your storage. Place a bookcase in your closet, remove a shelf and add a tension rod for hanging space. Baskets, crates, bins and hanging shoe organizers also offer great organizing options.
Decorative Storage
You can also get some extra mileage out of things you need in your nursery by using them as decorative items. For example, place some of your favorite picture books on picture ledges on the nursery walls, or hang pretty baskets on the walls (high, to hold necessities, or lower, to hold toys).
With a little thought and creativity, you can have the beautiful, functional and organized nursery of your dreams.