Celebrating Potty Training Success and Preparing for the Next Steps
Mar 18, 2025By Tanvi Munjal
Picture this: Your baby is crying after a massive diaper blowout, and you're fumbling through a jumbled closet, trying to find a clean outfit while running on two hours of sleep. Sound familiar? We've all been there!
A baby's closet might be small, but it can quickly become one of the most chaotic spaces in your home. Those tiny clothes multiply like rabbits, gifts keep coming in, and before you know it, you're drowning in adorable but completely disorganized baby gear.
The good news? With just a few simple strategies, you can transform that cluttered nightmare into a functional, stress-saving system that works even when you're operating on minimal sleep. This isn't about creating Instagram-worthy color-coded perfection (though if that's your thing, go for it!) – it's about creating practical solutions that make your life easier when you need it most.
Why Bother Organizing?
Before we dive in, you might be wondering if it's even worth the effort. It is! A well-organized baby closet means:
- Less stress during frantic outfit changes
- Easier for grandparents or babysitters to find things
- You'll actually see and use those adorable outfits before your baby outgrows them
- No more buying duplicates because you forgot what you already have
Start with a Clean Slate
Before diving into organizing, take everything out of the closet. This allows you to see exactly what you have and gives you a chance to clean the space thoroughly. Dust off shelves, vacuum the floor and wipe down surfaces. A clean slate makes it easier to visualize how you want to organize everything.
Sort and Declutter
Once everything is out, it’s time to sort through your baby’s items. Create three piles:
- Keep:Â Items that are in good condition and will be used.
- Donate:Â Gently used items that your baby has outgrown or no longer needs.
- Trash:Â Worn-out or damaged items that cannot be salvaged.
Be ruthless! Babies grow quickly, so if something hasn’t been used in a while, consider letting it go.
Use Storage Bins and Baskets
Invest in some storage bins or baskets to keep similar items together. Clear bins are a great choice because they allow you to see what’s inside without opening them. Label each bin for easy identification—diapers, clothes by size, toys, etc. This way, you’ll know exactly where everything is when you need it.
Maximize Vertical Space
Baby closets often have limited space. To make the most of what you have:
- Add Shelves:Â Install additional shelves above the hanging clothes for items like blankets or out-of-season clothing.
- Use Hooks:Â Hooks on the inside of the closet door can hold hats, bags, or even swaddles.
- Hanging Organizers:Â Consider using hanging organizers for shoes or small toys. They can be hung on the rod or on the back of the door.
Organize by Size and Season
As your baby grows, their clothing needs will change frequently. Organize clothes by size and season:
- Infant Clothes:Â Keep newborn and 0-3 month clothes at eye level for easy access.
- Size Up:Â Store larger sizes in bins labeled with their respective age ranges.
- Seasonal Rotation:Â Rotate clothes seasonally. Store out-of-season clothes at the top or back of the closet.
Create an Outfit Station
To save time during busy mornings, create an outfit station where you can plan ahead. Use a small section of the closet or a drawer to keep complete outfits together—this includes tops, bottoms, and accessories like hats or socks. You can even set aside a few outfits for special occasions!
Keep Essentials Within Reach
Items that you use daily should be easily accessible. Diapers, wipes, and everyday clothing should be stored at a height that is easy for you to reach without bending down too much or stretching too high.
Utilize Drawer Dividers
If your baby’s closet includes drawers, consider using drawer dividers to keep items organized within each drawer. This is especially useful for keeping socks, bibs, and other small items from getting mixed up.
Make It Fun!
Involve your kids in the organization process as they grow older! Make it fun by letting them choose which toys to keep or how to arrange their clothes (with your guidance). This not only teaches them about organization but also allows them to feel ownership over their space.
Regularly Reassess and Adjust
As your baby grows and their needs change, so should your organization system! Set aside time every few months to reassess what’s working and what isn’t. Don’t hesitate to adjust your system as needed—what worked when they were infants may not work as they become toddlers.
Conclusion
Remember, the goal isn't perfection - it's sanity! Some days, that carefully organized closet will look like a tiny clothes tornado hit it, and that's okay. The important thing is having a system that's easy to get back to when you have those precious few minutes of baby nap time.
And one last tip: snap a photo of your organized closet when it's looking good. Not only will it give you a reference point for maintaining it, but it also gives you something to feel accomplished about during those challenging early months of parenthood!
