How to Fold and Store Baby Clothes
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!
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