Making room for baby {Organizational tips from a new mom}

As I registered for baby items I started to see how many things I would actually need for a new baby. Baby items can slowly infiltrate every room in your home...not just the nursery. You need something for the baby to sleep in, something for them to bounce in, something for them to swing in, something for them to take walks in...the list goes on and on. Babies slowly take over not only your hearts, but your homes as well. Here are a few tips that have helped me organize and make more room for baby things throughout my house.

NURSERY//These Skubb boxes from IKEA have been a lifesaver for me in organizing the drawers in Aiden's nursery. I think I've purchased 6 sets of them now! They are perfect for holding all the little clothes and baby items! I have them in all his drawers and I even use one of the boxes to hold diapers and a few other items I am constantly using on top of our changing table.

YOUR BEDROOM// Most babies sleep in their parent's room for at least the first few months. If that is your plan make sure you have a clear traffic lane from your side of the bed (where baby will probably sleep) to the door. If your baby is going to sleep in your bedroom I would highly recommend getting some night lights for those late night feedings. The last thing you want when you are a MOMBIE walking at night is to bump in to something. I would also recommend finding a place where a sound machine can be easily accessed and think about a place to keep some extra burp cloths and a pacifier at an arms reach!

KITCHEN//When you think of a newborn you might not automatically think they'll take over your kitchen, but they do! I had to clean out a drawer for feeding supplies. You will have to store bibs, bottles and eventually plates, cups and silverware for your little one so go ahead and make space now.

If you are going to breastfeed I would also consider clearing out another drawer or cabinet to keep these supplies in. It was very helpful for me to have these items in the kitchen because they all have to be cleaned and sanitized often. You'll be surprised how much room you need for your breast pump, parts, bottles, extra parts, milk storage bags, etc.

Another part of your kitchen that requires extra room for baby is your refrigerator! As a working mom I had to start pumping and storing breast milk meaning that I had to clean out my fridge and freezer to make room to store milk. #momproblems If you have any questions about how I store milk feel free to email me. This is something I did a lot of research on.

BATHROOM// This is another room I did not think I needed to clear out for a baby, but then you quickly realize the baby needs to be bathed and the baby has towels, bath toys, special shampoos and body wash, etc. Think about where you will store your infant tub if you have one, where you will keep your baby's towels, cleaning supplies, etc. I have a large tin bucket that I keep by the tub to store all the toys and cleaning supplies so it's easily accessible. I also registered for and received this bath toy organizer that can hang on the shower wall.

FAMILY ROOM//My family room has quickly been overtaken with our bouncer, swing, activity mat, boppy and burp cloths galore. I often read Aiden books on the couch and our coffee table began to fill up with a mess of books, toys, burp cloths, etc. Honestly it was driving me nuts. So I bought a basket to hold all the loose baby items and it has helped a lot! And yes I organized the basket just for this picture. It never looks that nice. Haha.

GARAGE// Before Aiden came along our garage was a hot mess. We did some major cleaning so that we would have a clear path to get the car seat in and out of the car without bumping into walls or random junk. You will also need a place to store your strollers, ours are currently in the garage so we also needed to make room for these.

I hope these tips can help you either now or later as you make room for a baby in your life and your home! Are there any other rooms that your baby and all their stuff has overtaken?