Babies seem to grow in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, they are saying their first words and eventually taking steps on their own. As they experience all of these milestones, little ones also use and require a lot of, well, stuff. They put everyday essentials, like onesies, socks, and diapers, to good use on a daily basis.
Because of this, their closets often overflow from the get-go. If you often find yourself searching for a towel after bath time or their favorite blanket to soothe a few tears, it's likely time to streamline your baby's closet and create a functional system that really works.
Hanging vs. Folding
The best first step towards wrangling your baby's closet is deciding which clothes to hang or fold and store in drawers.
Clothes to Keep in Drawers
As a general rule, items like pajamas, onesies, pants, leggings, and jeans can be kept in drawers. Styles that have glass front drawers can be especially helpful because they allow you to see what's inside, which comes in handy during quick outfit changes. Ones with adjustable interior dividers, on the other hand, allow you to customize the storage space as baby continues to grow.
Clothes to Hang in the Closet
Shirts, blouses, dresses, and rompers are all best to hang. Velvet or fabric hangers are a good option because they prevent the lightweight clothes from slipping off and getting lost in the mix. No matter which hangers you use, just make sure you opt for varieties that fit the size of your little one's clothes. Also, keep hanging dividers in rotation, which will help you organize baby clothes by size or category.
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Organize by Size
It's no secret that babies grow quickly, meaning their window for fitting into certain clothing items is limited. "I'd organize everything by size to ensure the baby doesn't miss out on those cute outfits," says Kenika Williams, a professional organizer and the owner of Tidied by K. "As soon as items come in, take the time to organize clothes by size and store them where they should live."
Organize by Frequency of Use
"First in first out" is an organizing system that's applicable to many areas of the home, including your baby's closet. Hang items you'll reach for on a daily basis at eye-level, so they are always in sight and within arm's reach. Designate other spaces—either higher up on a shelf or behind a return wall—for non-essentials.
Store Items in Baskets
Easy access is key when creating a streamlined system for your baby's closet. "My preferred solution for my own kids' shoes, specifically, has been placing baskets at an accessible height for me and my children," says Erin Hardy, the national manager of design at California Closets. "As they grow, children can reach into the basket to participate in selecting their own shoes." In addition to shoes, other essentials like towels, hats, blankets, and scarves, can also rest in baskets.
Use Storage Bins for Outgrown Clothes
Keep a designated clothing bin to hold outgrown clothes to avoid a major overhaul down the road. "After three to six months, or once the bins are full, determine where the bins will go," Williams says. "Maybe you'll donate the items to friends or family, maybe they'll go to a local women and child's shelter, or maybe you'll put them in the attic if you're expecting, so the clothes can be passed down."
