Babies come with a lot of stuff. We have decor-worthy ways to keep that growing pile of baby toys, books, clothes, and more from taking over the house.
One thing that might come as a surprise to new parents is the amount of stuff babies need. There’s a bouncy seat, a swing, a high chair, stacks of diapers, a department store’s worth of tiny clothes, and toys. Lots of toys. Before you know it, your home might look more like a playground than a place where people actually live.
Many a parent might look back at that first year and wish someone had gently stepped in to Marie Kondo the situation. The good news: It’s not as hard as you think. Even better: You’ll create zones of serenity, which is what any home should be.
Read on for some tips on how to organize baby stuff and some baby organization products to consider as you’re space-planning for that new member of the family.
In the Nursery
Toy Boxes
The classic toy box doesn’t have to be boring. The Parkside Toy Box gives function a modern twist while supplying tons of storage for everything from balls and books to stuffed animals. The KidKraft Medium Toy Locker brings the cool-for-school locker home, with two drawers ready to be filled with fun. The Pig Toy Box keeps clutter contained under two pink ears, and the KidKraft Bin Storage Unit uses primary-colored bins to keep toys organized in plain sight. The Keypad Wall Storage Hanger adds texture to the wall and offers lots of pockets for busy hands to reach into.
Bookshelves
Styled right, shelves are more than just practical baby organization products. The Guidecraft Book Browser displays books face out, the better to pick a new favorite each night (and maybe not read the same book again and again!). Vroom, vroom — the Truck Bookcase includes room in the cab for a little reading buddy. A pretty version of a basic, the 3-Cube Stackable Bookcase stays close to the ground for safety and reachability as babies turn into toddlers, or stacks up to three high for more storage. Optional sliding doors add versatility and let bigger babies play peekaboo.
Dressers and Changing Tables
The most practical changing table is a dresser — easy peasy, your changer comes with max storage built in. The dreamy Ellen DeGeneres Forest Animals Dresser is just right for a woodland-themed nursery. The Lolly Changer Dresser in soothing gray has classic good looks and a removable changing tray for years of use. And speaking of practical, the Spot Convertible Dresser with Changer converts to a kid-sized desk. Who knew?
And don’t forget inside the drawers: Modular Canvas Drawer Organizers come in multiple sizes, to be configured to your own drawers and storage needs.
Already have a dresser going underused around the house? Perfect! Just add a Babyletto changing pad and an Olio cover and you’re set.
Under and Around the Changing Table
If your changing table has storage space below, the Wicker Nursery Collection comes in multiple sizes to keep diapers, fresh clothes, and other necessities close at hand. The Wood Shelf With Hooks and Origami Wall Shelf are a pretty way to keep a plush animal or board book nearby for entertaining a squirmy baby during diaper changes.
Baskets and Bins
Baskets and bins are your friends. Simple storage that’s easy to use for toddlers means there’s (age-appropriate) hope for little ones to help clean up after playtime. Get fresh with the Apple Braided Storage Basket and its fruity friend, the Pear. Or add strings of colorful garlands with the Flags Tote & Bin.
Laundry hampers
A laundry hamper is a nursery necessity, but whooo says it can’t have personality? The Woven Owl Hamper sure does. Or are you more of a smiling Bear family? For a touch of nature, try the Cactus Hamper with friendly pom pom flowers.
Closets
Baby clothes are small, so hanging them on a closet rod leaves lots of wasted space underneath. A Canvas Hanging Organizer creates a column of shelves to store folded clothes and booties plus extra diapers, bedding, and more (Canvas Drawers available separately). Add a graphic outline to a bare wall with the freestanding House Shaped Garment Rack. Also stand-alone, the See and Store Dress-Up Center can be used for non-dress-up as well.
In a Common Area
Ottomans and Benches
Good-looking pieces with hidden storage are what we’re after, and ottomans and benches are a natural. The Monte Storage Ottoman plays up its basic good looks with a wide range of color options, sure to blend in or stand out, whichever you prefer. The Lathan Storage Bench is a small-space sofa with a lift-up cushion — no one even has to know it’s there (shhh). An upholstered piece is an opportunity for color and pattern, and the As You Wish Storage Bench brings it with a choice of cheery fabrics, while the Olli Ella Storie Stool is a quirky little bamboo seat with a lift-up lid that would look sweet peeking out from a corner.
Side and Coffee Tables
Traditional furniture can easily be made family-friendly. Pick an occasional table, like the Maeve End Table, with a lower shelf and set up a kiddie library. The Embrace Table isn’t just for coffee cups — side compartments hold books, magazines, or remotes, keeping the lower section free for a basket of toys. The top of the Menu Turning Table rotates to reveal hidden surprises for a curious toddler.
Baskets and Bins
Storage baskets work in the living or family room too. Strategically placed, they can actually enhance a space by creating texture and visual interest while holding toys, books, blankets, and more. The Woven Seagrass Basket and Cabin Stripe Wool Basket are neutral enough to fit any decor, and handles make them easy to pull out at playtime. Feeling more graphic? The Half Moon Basket has an eye-catching pattern in black and white. The Velvet Storage Bin has tactile appeal for little hands while being polished enough for parents. If you’re cool with seeing what’s inside (and organized enough to make it work), the Wood and Wire Cube Bin has an industrial-modern look.
Find Something You Like?
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