I cringed inside when people told me the baby wouldn’t care if the nursery was finished. Sure, but what about Mama? And does a new mom really want to be dealing with nursery stuff while sleep deprived and navigating the new parent role? People also tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps, so unless you’re up for a painting party while baby is up during the night, it’s going to be tough to tackle. And really the best use of time, aside from sleeping, is enjoying baby. I’m not going to say it goes by fast, because some days are long and brutal, but every mom eventually misses the baby cuddle.
That said, sometimes you’re in survival mode. You’ve got another little one(s) you’re raising, you’re working, single mom, etc. and there just isn’t time for nursery decor. I get it. My husband was in the hospital for a third of my last pregnancy and I miraculously (with the help of my brother and Hubby) made it to Phase 2, but the fine-tuning happened later.
Even though I wasn’t sure how much I could finish, I knew at least organization had to be done because I quickly become Monster Mommy when I’m not organized (we won’t talk about my own closet, that’s a different story). And how about all the stuff that babies need? That’s another monster that quickly takes over the room.
Organization is key to sanity. I’m certainly not an organization guru, but these are a few things that have helped me keep things in order.
Let’s start with the nursery hot spot, the changing table. Baskets are a great organizational tool, and I used these with all three kids.
Top Shelf: The changing pad with two extra covers underneath the pad for easy access when it gets dirty (more often that you might think!), wipes, toiletries (nail clippers, diaper rash balm, nose saline, etc.), kleenex and hand sanitizer.
The toiletries are underneath the wipes so it doesn’t look as messy.
Middle Shelf: Diapers (fold side up for easy access and a cleaner look), extra wipes, socks and shoes.
Socks, shoes and ribbon shoes are separated, of course. The shoes in the basket are more casual. Her dressier shoes are displayed on the shoe ledge/headband holder.
I like having lots of extra wipes, and I store them behind the baskets so they are out of sight, but still accessible.
Bottoms Shelf: Blankets, swaddles, burp clothes, and PJ’s. I store most of her clothes in the closet, but I like having the PJ’s close.
In hindsight, I probably would have preferred a dresser instead of a typical changing table because of the drawers and then baby can grow into it. You can put a changing table topper on top with lots of storage, like this one from Pottery Barn. And if you have a dresser already, you can buy the toppers separately. If you go the dresser route, I think longer dressers are the way to go so it works for many years.
Since I didn’t know and bought the changing table with first baby, I just continued to use it with all three babies. I do like the look of the baskets, however, so at least there’s that.
For the baskets, I used PB blue and white gingham basket liners with the boys, but they didn’t have a pattern that worked for Baby Girl’s motif so I just decorated them with ribbons and bows using a hot glue gun. This one is my favorite.
This one is her favorite. 🙂
What to do with those dirty diapers? I think diaper genies are a must, but I like it out of sight so I tucked it in the corner behind the changing table.
The rest of her stuff is in the closet. I’m a big fan of The Container Store’s elfa system and used one for my first nursery, but since we won’t be in this house much longer, I went with the Double Hang Closet Rod, which I love for little people’s clothing. I have one in my sons’ closet as well.
Top Left: Casual clothes. Bottom Left: Accessories and dresses. Top Right: Bigger sizes she will wear later. Bottom Right: All other stuff.
I didn’t want to spend much on the drawers since I will eventually get a dresser so I just got a plastic one from Target. It holds pants and bloomers, towels and wash clothes, sheets, and bigger sizes of pants and bloomers.
I was pretty excited about my hat, leggings and tights organization using a tie rack and shower hooks. I adapted this idea after seeing it on Pinterest for scarves organization. I was happy to get this stuff out of a box so I see it and use it more often.
If you have a boy, you could use this for hats, ties, bow ties, shoes and leggings (don’t judge, my baby boys had some leggings for photo shoots).
Nothing fancy in the top of the closet: Diaper storage, future photo shoot accessories, things I’m saving, bigger shoes, etc. Everything has a place, though.
Side note: If you know you’re done having kids, it’s best to get rid of baby clothes right after they grow out of them. It’s less emotional and less of a monster project that way. I’ve found it’s easier to give clothes to another baby rather than donating to Good Will or Salvation Army. Or, if you want some money back, consider consigning it with a place like Just Between Friends (I’m working on tagging my fall sale stuff right now!). I’ve also saved a few clothing items so I can make a quilt eventually. But whatever you do, get it out of there quickly or it becomes clutter that multiples like rabbits.
And what to do with all those dirty clothes…I like the hamper (from Target Dollar Spot) out of the way, but close enough to throw things in from the changing table so I put hers on the back of the door.
The hook works great to hang a bath towel, too.
Most important, toys and books! I have a basket I got from my mother-in-law where I’ve put some books and toys that she plays with while I putting away laundry or whatever. It’s near the rocker for bedtime reading, too.
She often thinks it’s a forbidden area, which always keeps her entertained for longer periods.
That’s an organizational wrap from this nursery!
If you have another nursery organization idea, I would love to hear it! I just heard a cool idea: using pegboard to hang baskets…it’s fun to get creative with organization when you have the time.
More Nursery DIY
- Flower Art (in collage)
- Collage Wall
- Clip Frames
- Felt Flower Wreath
- Announcement/Newborn Photo Shoot Accessories Shadowbox
- Dolled-up Lampshade
- Two Barrette Holders
- Shoe Ledge/Headband Holder
- Oatmeal Container Headband Holder
- Stenciled Side Table
- Tulle Flower Canvas
- Baby Girl Nursery, Phase 2: The basics
- Baby Girl Nursery, Phase 1: Paint, wallpaper, beadboard
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