Baskets are terrific for storing baby supplies.
Preparing the nursery for the arrival of a new baby is often a highly-anticipated activity. While it's fun to decorate the room just so for your wee boy or girl, you should think practically as well. One of the first things new parents quickly learn is that babies need a lot of "stuff." A well-organized nursery will make your transition to parenthood a little bit smoother. Does this Spark an idea?
Save Space
Nurseries are often the smallest rooms in the house. Save space by forgoing a changing table; instead, use the top of a six-drawer dresser to change the baby. Store powders, clothes and creams in one of the top drawers of the dresser, and store diapers in the other top drawer. The other four can be used for the baby's clothes. Place a small basket of toys on top of the dresser so that you can distract the baby when you are changing her diaper, or hang a mobile over the dresser. In addition, fill a basket full of diaper-changing supplies so that you can take it to other parts of the house when it is inconvenient to go to the baby's room. If you are really in a tight spot in the nursery, try removing the closet doors and placing the dresser into the closet. Hang up attractive curtain panels pulled to either side of the opening to frame the changing area.
Create Storage
The space under the crib is an often-neglected area, but it can be effectively used as a storage area. Rolling bins can easily slide under the crib and can be used to store seasonal clothing, extra diapers or blankets. Create vertical storage by hanging a shoe holder over a closet door. Fill it with items like baby thermometers, toys, hats, socks, soft shoes and other small necessities. Stuffed animals can be hung in a small hammock across one corner of the room or placed in a basket set on the floor. Place clear plastic bins in the closet, and label them with stickers so that you can quickly find items. First aid supplies, for example, should be grouped together in one easily-accessible container.
Be Safe
Consider safety issues when organizing your nursery. Toys that are not age-appropriate should be stored out of reach until the baby is old enough to safely play with them. Cribs should not be placed near electrical cords or window blinds. Changing tables and bookshelves should be extremely sturdy, or attached to the wall, so that they won't tip over if a baby tries to pull himself up on them.
Tags: under crib
