There’s nothing cuter on this earth than tiny clothing…except, of course, for the little creatures who wear them! But when you’re drowning in baby clothes and feeling overwhelmed, the cuteness factor can dip fast. But guess what? You don’t have to be overwhelmed by your stacks and piles of right-now and in-the-future baby clothes. Instead, we’ll show you the quickest and easiest ways to fold and store all your baby’s clothes so they’re ready and easy to find when you need them. And once you’re done organizing, you can get back to your regularly scheduled program of feeding, wiping…and tossing those clothes right back in the laundry bin. Ah, the life of a parent! 

How to Fold Baby Clothes

Baby clothes should be folded in a way that you can see everything in the drawer as soon as you open it. That means no more piles! Instead, the edge of the clothing should be facing up with nothing on top of any other item. This way, no piece of clothing gets forgotten in the drawer and you never overlook an outfit before it's outgrown!

The how-tos for folding each baby item varies slightly, but the overall gist is to make each piece of clothing as compact as possible while creating uniform shapes throughout the drawer or bin. Here's how:

Baby Socks

Each pair of socks should be laid on top of each other and rolled until they look like giant pieces of sushi. Then place them in a small drawer divider (or just a corner) with the twirl side up for easy access. If the socks are too thick and short to roll this way, simply pair them up and lay them flat on a pile with other socks.

Baby Bodysuits

Photo: mommyhooding.com

Lay your baby's bodysuit flat on a bed or table, front side up. But if there’s a special character or graphic on the chest, consider folding front side down, so that the design shows in the drawer. Next, fold arms and sides inward, one after the other, to create one long rectangle. Then, starting with the crotch, fold upward 2 to 4 times so that you end up with a square. Place in a row, edge-side-up, starting at the back of the drawer. Place white bodysuits with white bodysuits, and colors or prints together.

Baby Pajamas

Place your PJs flat on a bed or table, front side up, folding the arms and sides inward to create one long rectangle. Then, starting with the feet, fold up to four times, so that you end up with a square. Again, place everything in a row, edge-side-up.

Baby Pants

Photo: Instagram

With baby's pants flat on a bed or table, pull one leg over the other to create one long pant leg. Then, starting from the ankle, create two to three folds like you did with the jammies. This’ll morph baby’s pants into a small rolled square. Store like the other items. If drawer space is a concern, however, you can create just one fold and layer the pants on top of each other inside a clear bin. This way, you can still see the pants even if they’re not face-up in a drawer.

Baby Dresses and Rompers

If you can, hang these items. If you can’t, fold dresses and rompers in half twice and lay flat in a clear bin for easy access.

How to Store Baby Clothes

Creative storage ideas are a nursery necessity, especially if you have a smaller space. But when it comes to storing baby clothes, basic storage solutions work best. Your goal? Keep daily essentials accessible and have larger sizes available for fast and easy grabbing, since babies grow So Fast. Here’s how to do that:

Baby closet dividers

Photo and to purchase: Etsy

Baby closet dividers, a dedicated drawer for next-size-up clothes, or labeled clothing bins in Baby’s closet, are all effective strategies for storing baby clothes that your little one will soon grow into.

Outgrown bin

Photo: The Organized Mom Life

If you’re tight on space or done having kids, keep a box in Baby’s closest to toss outgrown items to donate or sell. Not finished having babies? Still do this! Just call the bin your sort-later box...and when you have the time, weed through the clothes, label, and store.

Clear bins

Whether you're storing baby clothes for later or organizing in-use baby pants, rompers, or dresses, bins should always be clear. The only exception is when you're storing items like socks, bibs, or towels where the style and color are less important.

Bonnet stands

Hats and bonnets can be stored flat in a drawer or bin or displayed on stands. If you can’t find a bonnet stand you like in your budget, you can DIY it with a candlestick and round glass vase hot-glued together, as shown.

Once you get the hang of it, folding and storing baby clothes is pretty simple. And before you know it, those chubby little hands will be able to help you get through all of the folding and storing!

About Jenny Studenroth Gerson

Jenny Studenroth Gerson is an Atlanta-based lifestyle journalist and novelist (Let Me Let You Go, 2020). Her work can be seen in publications including HuffPost, Cosmo, and WSJ, among many others. Jenny has researched thousands of baby names, combed through hundreds of nursery designs, and curated dozens of baby shower guides, making her absolutely the mom—and writer—you want to talk to when planning for Baby. When not meeting deadlines, she is chasing toddlers or chugging coffee—or both! Find her on Instagram @ourlifeinrosegold for mom hacks and more.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.