Isn’t it surprising to find that your baby’s things can accumulate quickly? The proof of this is probably in the nursery, where you’ll find that your baby’s things are steadily growing in number, and you may be running out of space to store them.
Apart from the fact that there may be an accumulation of unnecessary stuff in your baby’s life, there is also the chance that your baby’s nursery might end up cluttered with things. If you’re wondering how to get your baby’s nursery looking spic and span, this article is for you!
Firstly, zone out the room
Place everything in your baby’s nursery into categories. This will be made even easier by designating ‘zones’ in the room – Baby’s sleeping zone; nursing zone; changing zone, etc.
Another great tip to keep in mind is to consider how you’ll be using the stuff in the nursery. For example, your breast pump should be by the nursing chair, where else baby’s diapers and clothes, for example, should be well-arranged either at the changing table if you have one, or at any other changing area. When everything is kept neat and accessible in their respective zones, there will be much less chance of the room becoming cluttered and untidy.
Don’t overdo on baby essentials
While it’s nice to stock up on essentials so that you’ll never be low on anything, you might want to rethink that notion for the sake of a neat and tidy nursery. Only stock up on things that you’ll need in advance. As for the rest, buy only as needed.
Labels help in more ways than one
If you use a store and stack technique of organising, it may get challenging trying to locate the bin or container that an item should go back in, especially if it isn’t transparent. Labelling storage bins, containers and even drawers will be helpful in this sense, for it will indicate where everything belongs without having to peek inside. In a way, it also deters relatives and friends from trying to rearrange your baby’s nursery and placing items where they don’t belong.
Upholstery: a magnet for dust mites
To prevent the accumulation of dust mites, which is one of the main culprits of allergic reactions in babies and toddlers, try to avoid the use of upholstery in the nursery. While total eradication of dust mites is impossible, limiting dust will greatly limit their proliferation.
Fabric wall hangings, carpets, curtains, and drapes are all pleasing to the eye and lend visual appeal to a baby’s nursery, but they are still common dust-attractors and should be either omitted or included in moderation in your baby’s nursery.
Use baby-friendly cleaning products
When shopping for cleaning products, look for those free from ammonia, chlorine, and fragrance. These are some of the harsh ingredients in cleaning products that are known to provoke respiratory distress and skin irritation in children. Cleaning products labeled “non-toxic if inhaled or ingested,” “biodegradable” or “plant-based” will likely be gentler and safer than those with generic terms on their labels.
Let go of unnecessary items
Regularly sift through your baby’s things and identify what you don’t need. Keep in mind that not everything is worth saving. If an item is ripped or stained, toss or donate it. If your storage space is limited, or you don’t plan to have another child soon, be discerning about what you keep.
If you plan to have more kids soon, it’s fine to keep clothes for hand-me-downs. Don’t let them stay in drawers taking up space, though. Instead, place them in sealed boxes to be stored away till needed.
Reminder
You might not have given the soft pad covers of your child’s changing table much thought, but due to the nature of its use, it’s an ideal place for germs to accumulate. Launder it frequently to prevent germs from spreading.
Make vacuuming a habit
It may not be anyone’s favourite chore, but regular vacuuming will keep your baby’s nursery dust-free as possible. This is especially so if you happen to have carpeting or upholstery in your baby’s nursery.
Truly, less is more!
It’s no rocket science, this one! On one hand, you have a nursery full of furniture and stuff to check out other than your adorable baby, and keeping the place clean and organised is quite a challenge. On the other, you have a nursery with just the stuff you need, uncomplicated in design, and it’s way easier to keep it neat, clean and organised.
So, what’s your choice?
