Nursery Organization Ideas and Tips

Preparing your baby's nursery is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy. Of course, we want it to be perfect, with perfect colors and furniture, not too cluttered, organized, and efficient.

While preparing everything else around you for the new arrival of your little one, getting your nursery ready can be stressful and very time-consuming.

This post will teach you how to organize your baby's nursery like a pro with top ideas, tips, and products.

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Table of Contents

THE 5-ZONE METHOD

Create separate areas using the 5-zone method for optimal organization, accessibility, and easy clean-up.

1. DIAPER CHANGING ZONE

2. NURSING NOOK + READING AREA

3. SLEEP ZONE

4. PLAY + TUMMY TIME ZONE

5. CLOTHES + SHOES + MISCELLANEOUS ZONE

Dividing the room into separate zones will save you space and time when cleaning up. Having a diaper changing area, play area, nursing nook, and dresser for clothing and miscellaneous baby essentials is necessary.

1. DIAPER CHANGING STATION

There are beautiful stand-alone diaper-changing stations you can also combine with a roller caddy for extra storage. You can also use the top of the dresser. If used as a diaper-changing station, you need a simple setup on top of your dresser. NO SHELVING above the table-top changing station. It is dangerous.

Here are some changing station items you might need: a baby changing table topper, canisters for baby quick grab necessities, a bin or basket, a small lamp, and a decor item or two, but keep it simple.

Some examples shown below.

Photo Credit: Digs Digs

2. NURSING NOOK + READING AREA

The Nursing Nook area strongly needs a rocker and ottoman, nursing pillow, blanket, nightstand with drawer, and shelving for storage. Low-wattage lamp and sound machine. Making this area the reading area, with wall shelving for book storage, makes the perfect Nursing + Reading Nook.

Use picture ledges to display your baby's books.
Keep your nursing pillow, blanket, and burp clothes nearby.
Use a floor or small table lamp with low wattage next to your rocker. This Sleepy Baby LED Nursery Light works wonders!

I couldn't live without our nightstand, sound machine, and lamp next to our rocker in the nursery. We added a pouf footrest and smart tv in front of the rocker on the wall, so when I was nursing and my babies would fall asleep, I was very content.

Some examples shown below.

Photo Credit: Nursery Design Studio

Photo Credit: Project Nursery

3. SLEEP AREA

This area in the nursery is your baby's comfort zone.

Keep your changing station and nursing nook close to the crib. In addition, you'll need a sound machine, blanket, nursing pillow, and a night light (or lamp) on a side table by your nursing area to make those tough nights easier.

It's also smart to keep pacifiers or any soothers you may have for your baby in a container or drawer near your nursing nook.

Remember to keep your baby's crib safe! Read about baby sleep safety here.

4. PLAY AREA + TUMMY TIME

With our two little ones, I have learned having a designated play area with designated storage bins and baskets is a LIFESAVER! It makes clean-up time easier for mom and dad and teaches your little one how to clean up.

Keep a spot for your tummy time mat for easy pull-in and out.

BEST TUMMY TIME MATS 2022

We've ranked the five best tummy time mats for 2022 below with links - All of these mats are top-rated and easy stow-away for optimal organization.

1. Ingenuity Cozy Spot Reversible Duvet Activity Gym & Play Mat

2. Beetoy Tummy Time Baby Floor Mirror Toys with Black and White Pattern, Double High Contrast Play Activity Mat Crinkle Toys Foldable Baby Mirror Development Toys for Newborn Infants

3. Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Activity Mat

4. Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat

5. Sweet Jojo Designs Blush Pink, Grey, and White Shabby Chic Playmat Tummy Time Baby and Infant PlayMat

I recommend the number five mat because I bought one similar for my daughter, she is two, and we still use this. I learned with your same ole' tummy time mats, and they get bored with the same stimulation objects every day. So with this essential mat, we would add our stimulation objects/toys for her and rotate them daily.

Now that she is two, we use it for a changing mat. (still working on that potty training.) And, yes, it is machine washable! Her changing essentials are in the bottom drawer, and her mat is always there next to it. They have boy-themed ones too!

Photo Credit: Pottery Barn Kids

Photo Credit: Instagram/halfway_montessori

5. DRESSER + CLOTHES + MISCELLANEOUS

Drawer dividers and small baskets or bins are great for organizing your baby's dresser. Below are some ideas we found that are excellent examples of sufficiently organizing your nursery drawers.

Separate your drawers by categories like changing essentials, onesies, size, shoes, or any sort that works best for you.

Some examples below.

Photo Credit: One Sweet Nursery + The Green Spring Home

BEST NURSERY DRAWER Dividers

1. Container Store - Twill Drawer Organizers

2. Amazon - Dresser Drawer Organizer Bins

3. Amazon - 5 Pack Drawer Divider Organizers - Adjustable

Nursery Closet Organization

Decorating your nursery closet can be exciting but also frustrating. Below are some ideas and tips from the pros and the top nursery closet organization products!

Nursery Closet Organization Tips from the Pros

Install dividers and slider rods or a nursery closet organizer (full-set).
Use hanger dividers and organize them by size, season, or color.
Utilize the door with over-the-door mesh storage or wall hooks and for bow organization.
Organize bins by type. Use Labels!
Use matching baby-sized hangers (all white, all blue, or all pink).
Display your baby's shoes.