Nursery organization strategies to keep feeding, clothing, and diapering essentials easy to navigate and make baby care less stressful.
Are y’all totally sick of this nursery yet? With all of the DIY projects and planning and borderline crazy level of organization that went into this space, there was just no way that I could fit it all into one single post. I swear this is the last of it though. And probably the most useful of all.
But can we also acknowledge how ironic it is that I’m sharing an organization post just days after sharing our messy house tour? This is the only room that currently has its act together. 😉
If you missed my earlier posts about the nursery, you can find them all here:
- White Floral Nursery Makeover Reveal
- Nursery Closet Reveal
- Everything You Need to Know to Refinish Hardwood Floors
- How to Paint Interior Doors
- Applique IKEA Dresser Hack
- Nursery Light Fixture Update
- DIY Picture Frame Molding
- Nursery Design Plan
If you’re a mama-to-be (or daddy-to-be), I thought it might be helpful to give a tour of all of the organization I did in this nursery to make it super functional and everything easy to find when you’re stumbling around in survival mode at 3 a.m.
Because seriously… all of the stuff that comes with babies is overwhelming, so if there is ever something I can do to make this parenting thing less stressful, I’m all for it.
(Some affiliate links are provided below.)
1. Hamper
I found this cute metal hamper at HomeGoods that I liked because it had a washable liner, and I love that it’s lidded to help contain all of the funky smells that sometimes come with baby clothes (especially the older and messier they get).
2. Kitchen & bathroom canisters for small storage
I found these ceramic and glass lidded canisters in the kitchen section of HomeGoods that I knew would be perfect for all of the small items that usually get tossed around in dresser drawers.
I used the largest one to store all of Regan’s headbands and bows.
The medium sized one is perfect for storing all of her pacifiers and paci clips (and keeps them in a sanitary place).
And the smallest one was good for Q-tips when they’re randomly needed for cleaning little ears and noses.
3. Tiered fruit basket
This tiered basket was a kitchenware find too, but it was the perfect size for storing Wubbanubs, washcloths, and grabby toys to keep little one distracted and entertained during diaper changes.
I put two pretty soap dispensers in it too for holding hand sanitizer and baby lotion.
Dresser:
We decided to buy new (instead of the thrifted route we normally take on furniture) for Regan’s dresser because I loved the organizational potential of this IKEA Hemnes one that has all kinds of drawer inserts available.
4. Dresser Drawer #1
We are trying out cloth diapering (I’m still pretty intimidated but I’ve been really excited to give it a shot), so I stored cloth diaper liners in this drawer for easy reach.
All of Regan’s medicines, diaper cream, thermometer, and aspirator are in this drawer too to keep them out of her reach when she gets bigger with it being up high along with a container of disposable wipes for quick cleanings. (We have moistened cloth diaper wipes too that we keep in a dispenser and use for changes, but it’s nice still having some of the disposable ones on deck.)
5. Dresser Drawer #2
I stored all of the cloth diaper covers in this drawer (we have 30 total, which is around the recommended amount).
6. Dresser Drawer #3
I put a few disposable diapers in this drawer in case grandparents or babysitters need the option if they’re visiting and pitching in with changes (since cloth diapering might be intimidating for them).
That little IKEA organizational insert is perfect for holding socks and mittens too.
7. Dresser Drawer #4
I stacked burp cloths, bibs, and hats in here.
8. Dresser Drawer #5
I rolled up all of Regan’s swaddle blankets in this drawer to keep them all compact and easy to grab, especially since swaddles are LIFE in this first few months. This drawer is all newborn and 0-3 month sizes of onesies, footie pajamas, and sweet pea gowns.
9. Dresser Drawer #6
I dubbed this the 3-6 month size drawer for pajamas, onesies, and pants.
10. Dresser Drawer #7
These are all of the 6-9 month size clothes, plus a few security blankets that might come in handy.
11. Dresser Drawer #8
We don’t have quite as large of a stash of 9-12 month clothes, so I stored them all in here along with bath wash, spare bottles of lotion, changing pad protectors, extra Boppy covers, travel wet bag, extra washable wet bag (for storing cloth diapers in the diaper pail between washings), Boogie wipes, and grooming kit.
Closet:
We made this space extra functional by ripping out the old wire shelving and installing solid shelves with space for drawers and baskets. And wallpaper! Because if I make a closet look cute, I’m more motivated to keep it looking good (our linen closet makeover is still going strong for that very same reason).
12. Closet Baskets
I snagged these baskets at Target for holding some of the larger sized play clothes that Regan can grow into. We were blessed with a bunch of toddler hand-me-downs, but we won’t need them for another year. So the baskets have T-shirts, pants, and pajamas in 12 month, 18 month, and 24 months sizes that we’ll eventually move to the dresser when she gets bigger.
13. Books
We stuck this stack of books on the shelf to keep them in easy reach for bedtime stories. We’re keeping her baby book there too so that we can keep documenting the first years in it as she grows.
14. Closet Drawer #1
We stored extra disposable diapers and wipes in this drawer to have on hand for when we travel or when she’s being cared for by grandparents who want to avoid cloth diapering.
15. Closet Drawer #2
This one’s just sort of a catch-all with breast milk storage bags, baby carrier, noise-canceling ear muffs if we ever have to go out to super loud places, and a few tummy-time toys.
16. Closet Divider Tags
I made these and printed them out on card stock to keep all of the hanging clothes sizes separated and easy to navigate.
You can download a printable closet divider set for yourself here:
Glider:
This chair sees a lot of nursing sessions, so I wanted to keep everything I’d need in easy reach for rocking Regan to sleep.
17. Side table
We put a sleeper bulb in this accent lamp for soft lighting that will help lull Regan to sleep. And this Hatch sound machine has 6 pre-programmed white noise sounds.
18. Nursing basket
I have this little basket I keep beside the chair to hold nursing pads, a couple of burp cloths, lanolin, lavender essential oil (to put in a diffuser and help us both relax), and a bottle of water to keep me hydrated for milk supply.
That’s the grand organization tour! Who knew such a little human being required so many accessories and places to put them all?
But knowing where everything is and having amenities sprinkled throughout this room really does decrease the stress level a whole lot.
Got any other nursery organization tips? Because I’m all ears over here. You can never have too many, right?
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Designing a nursery for your baby is a tough job. The best way to organize nursery for your baby is to make a Drawer Dividers. To use drawers more efficiently and keep small items separated, divide drawers with boxes or small baskets.
Great added tip! These mentioned items can add hidden character as well.
This is the most precious nursery I’ve seen in a long time! It makes me want to re-decorate a room and I dont even have a baby! I like how the hamper and end table don’t look like they have to go in a baby’s room – they’re just classic pieces of furniture that HAPPEN to be in a baby’s room. Well done!
Definitely NOT sick of hearing about the nursery yet (and probably never will be) – it’s just the sweetest little room and I love seeing how you’re making it the best environment possible for you and your sweet little one!
Beautiful! We are in the process of organizing our nursery – this was great timing.
Did you also get the fruit basket at home goods? The nursery is beautiful!
Hi, Jody! You could probably find one at HomeGoods, for sure! I found mine here https://rstyle.me/n/c9ejafb5ky7 from Amazon. I did A LOT of online shopping while I was pregnant with our second baby.
Love this nursery so much!!! Did you paint the tiered fruit basket from Amazon or was it gold when you bought it? I am only seeing black online. 🙁
Hi, Julie. Here is a gold one https://rstyle.me/+dzjVbN1E9XXi42w7vmImyQ . I hope you enjoy. It is a little different but the same. (;
The tiered basket you have is everything I have been looking for, for the same exact purpose! I clicked the link you provided, but it took me to a completely different one. Do you but chance have any details for the one in your picture? Thanks!
Hi, Erica! Here is a link https://rstyle.me/n/djc6syb5ky7. I found the basket that I have at HomeGoods. I am only able to share something similar as HomeGoods does not always have the same items and they do not have shareable links. So sorry. I hope you are able to find one you enjoy.
Where did you get that side table! Love it sooooo much!
Hi, here is the side table in the nursery. https://rstyle.me/n/c56zaeb5ky7 🙂 I found it online. I did most to all of the shopping while pregnant online. 🙂
I love every single detail of this beautiful nursery! It is so calming and peaceful. Can you tell me what size prints you ordered for the wall art?
Thank you! The size of the prints are 22″x22″
Is your dresser them Ikea Hemmes? I know you mentioned it but wasn’t sure if it was a look alike with DIY or from somewhere else. The detail on the front is beautiful!
Yes! It’s an IKEA Hemnes.
What is the name of the drawer divider in ikea? I cant seem to find it.
Some of them are called SKUBB boxes. Here is a link https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00428568/
I need those canisters! 😩 Have checked all the home goods, marshall’s and TJ maxx best me plus some other states thanks to some friends. Do you want to sell them yet? Lol
HAHA! The downside to some of the BEST stores is that you cannot always find duplicates. These canisters are still in great use for us at the moment. They were a great choice. I hope you find them. You may want to try an AtHome store if you have them close by, as well.
What pattern did you use for the dresser drawers? I love the look of the Ikea dresser!
We used the Fiona kit. 🙂 There is a separate post about the IKEA dresser hack.
What diaper pail did you use for your cloth diapers?
Hi, where are the shades you are using on your windows from?
I have used blinds.com and several in our home are from HomeDepot. https://rstyle.me/+5gRs2PhkYuTs1J0gi-ua7w