If you’re preparing for a new little one, chances are you’ve already discovered just how much stuff babies need. From clothes that seem small enough to fit in your hand, to endless burp cloths, swaddles, diapers, and wipes—it all adds up quickly. And if you were lucky enough to have a baby shower, you may now be staring at a pile of sweet gifts and wondering: where do I even begin with organizing all of this?
First of all, take a deep breath—you’ve got this. Creating an organized nursery doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. In fact, putting your baby’s space together can be one of the most fun (and even calming) parts of preparing for their arrival. With a few smart strategies and a couple of must-have tools, you’ll have your nursery drawers in order in no time—leaving you with more headspace to focus on what matters most once your baby arrives: snuggles, feedings, and rest.
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Why Nursery Drawer Organization Matters
Babies may be tiny, but the amount of essentials they require is anything but. And let’s be honest—those middle-of-the-night diaper changes are not the time to be digging through piles of clothes or searching for diaper cream. Setting up an organized nursery helps you stay calm and efficient during those hectic early months, ensuring that everything you need is right at your fingertips.
When my daughters were born, I quickly realized that drawer organization wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it was absolutely essential. With so many small items to keep track of, a little system went a long way in keeping our days (and nights) running smoothly.
My Top 5 Tips for Nursery Drawer Organization
1. Keep diapering supplies and first aid items in the top drawer
Diapers, wipes, creams, nail clippers, thermometers—these are the things you’ll be reaching for constantly, so keep them in the top drawer where they’re easy to grab in seconds. A drawer divider can work wonders here, keeping everything from sliding around.
2. Store baby’s accessories where you can see them
Pacifiers, clips, mittens, socks… it’s amazing how fast these little essentials can disappear. By giving them a designated space—whether it’s a small bin, tray, or drawer insert—you’ll always know exactly where to look.
3. Place larger items in the bottom drawers
Bulky things like swaddles, blankets, and sleep sacks take up more space and are easier to store in deeper bottom drawers. That way, your smaller everyday items won’t get buried under the bigger pieces.
4. Label drawers for quick access
This step feels small, but it makes a huge difference—especially if you’ve stocked up on multiple clothing sizes. Labels make it simple to sort through everything at a glance, and they’re a lifesaver when grandparents, babysitters, or your partner are helping out and need to grab something quickly.
5. Use smart folding methods
Rolling or filing clothes vertically in drawers (instead of stacking them in piles) makes it easy to see all of baby’s clothes at once. Not only does it look tidy, but it also saves you from rummaging around when you’re in a hurry.
Extra Ideas to Take Your Organization Further
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can add a few clever touches that make your nursery feel even more functional:
- Drawer dividers or bins: Perfect for separating tiny clothes, bibs, or burp cloths.
- Over-the-door organizers: Great for holding extra diapers, wipes, or toys if you’re working with a smaller space.
- A rolling cart: Use it as a mobile diaper station—handy for keeping necessities close by in whatever room you’re in.
- A donation or “too small” bin: Babies grow fast. Keep a small bin in or near the dresser so you can immediately set aside clothes they’ve outgrown.
Final Thoughts
At first, nursery organization might feel like yet another task on a never-ending to-do list, but it’s one that truly pays off once your baby is home. Having a system in place frees you up to spend less time searching for that missing pair of socks and more time soaking up those sweet newborn snuggles.
Remember—organization doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to work for you. Whether you use labels, bins, or simple drawer dividers, the goal is to create a space that makes life easier in the day-to-day.
So go ahead—fold those onesies, label those drawers, and roll those swaddles. Before you know it, your nursery will be both functional and adorable, ready to welcome your little one with open arms (and neatly folded socks).
