A nursery is full of small things that you need in a hurry: diapers, wipes, tiny clothes and bottles. Good organization means you can find them with one hand in the middle of the night. These seven essentials work in a small baby room and keep the day-to-day items within reach.
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Plan around the routine
Think about the routines you do most, such as changing, feeding and dressing, and keep the items for each close to where it happens. Store things you use daily at waist height and keep spares higher. Choose washable, wipe-clean materials, and leave space to grow.
Changing and dressing
A diaper caddy
A caddy holds diapers, wipes and creams and moves from room to room. This three-tier rolling cart makes a quick change easy at a station or a sofa. Pick one with dividers and a sturdy handle.
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A wipes dispenser
A dispenser pulls out one wipe at a time and keeps the rest from drying out. This OXO Tot dispenser works one-handed, which matters when you are holding a baby. It has a weighted base that stays put.
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Baby closet dividers
Dividers sort clothes by size, such as newborn, 0-3 months and 3-6 months. This wooden set of seven makes it easy to put outgrown clothes away. Pick a set with several sizes.
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A hanging nursery organizer
A hanging unit with five sections holds blankets, bibs and small toys on the back of a door or in a closet. It uses vertical space. Choose one with firm shelves.
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Feeding and laundry
A bottle drying rack
A tower holds bottles and parts upside down to dry. This Dr. Brown's rack keeps the counter tidy and the parts clean. Pick one with space for small pieces.
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A baby hamper
A hamper keeps dirty clothes and cloths out of sight. This hamper has a lid and a reinforced frame. A lined one is easy to wash.
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Books
A nursery bookshelf
A low shelf shows book covers and lets a toddler choose a story. This three-tier Montessori-style bookshelf also holds toys and baskets. Anchor it to the wall for safety.
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Keep it simple
Restock the caddy each evening, and review the closet each month as your baby grows. A nursery that is easy to use helps everyone sleep better.