Genius Organizing Tricks to Keep New Parents Sane

This sneaky time saver will keep you covered where you end up hanging out the most. Instead of having one massive diaper changing area in the baby’s room, create mini diaper changing stations in each of your high-traffic family hangout areas.

Here’s what you need:

1. A Decorative Storage Bin:You’ve likely seen the diaper caddies available in the baby aisles of big box stores. If you love this style, get a couple. But if not, don’t think you need to have a compartmentalized storage station to make it work. A diaper changing station only has a few items in it, so you don’t really need the compartment space to keep it organized. If want to get something that will blend in with the style of your room, start shopping. It doesn’t have to scream “baby,” and your guests may never realize what it’s there for. The best part is that there are a crazy amount of cute storage bins available in every size, style and price point. (Via Pottery Barn)

2. Diapers, Wipes, Diaper Cream:Purchase all the essentials for each bin. This will save you from running around to look for diaper cream, wipes or anything else — which would completely defeat the purpose of having a changing station. It is a bit of an investment upfront, but each item will get used.

3. A Towel: The towel is the changing pad. This is a cheaper alternative to buying the nylon travel changing pads and it’s so much easier to clean. Simply roll up the towel and stash it in the bin with everything else. When it’s time to change the baby, roll it out on the floor and do your thing. If there is a diaper changing accident, throw the towel in the washer and stash a new towel in the bin.

Pro tip: Towels are great to stash in the car for all sorts of situations. Quick diaper change in the backseat? Done. The weather just got chillier and you forgot a blanket? Done. Baby projectile vomited all over himself, his carseat and the back of the rear passenger seat? Done.

THE GO BIN

This is like the “go bag” you may have had when you were waiting for your baby’s due date to arrive. Pack this bad boy up and keep it by the door. True, you can pack your diaper bag to have all the same essentials, but by having a go-to place for all things baby-on-the-go, you’ll save yourself the time and energy of looking for every last thing as you pack for various outings.

Here’s what you need:

1. Another Cute Bin: You may need more than one of these, depending on how much stuff you want to have available as you walk out the door. Or perhaps go for a decorative storage bench. (Via CB2)

2. An Insulated Bottle Bag:These heat-saving miracles help you get out the door when you’re leaving scarily close to the baby’s next mealtime. Keep several bottle bags in the go bin, as you’ll likely forget one in the car, your partner’s car or somewhere other than where you can find it.

3.An Insulated Thermos:If the baby’s mealtime is smack in the middle of an outing, skip the warmed bottle — which is only good for about an hour before it may be unsafe for the baby to drink — and try this trick instead: Fill up an insulated thermos with warm water before you take off. This will save you the stress of heating up a bottle while out and about or trying to find a clean and warm water source wherever you are. Fill up the baby’s bottle with just the measured amount of formula that you need (no water), put a cap on it and stash it all in your diaper bag. When your baby is hungry, fill the bottle with the warm water from the thermos, shake it up and you’re good to go.

4. Seasonal Outdoor Clothes and Accessories: It’s getting chilly outside (finally!), so stash a few knit hats, fleeces or sweaters in the go bin. If it’s warm and sunny out, stash your sun hats, sunblock and whatever else you need in there. This will make it easier to remember all the extras as you’re heading out the door. The trick is to keep all of this in one, easy-to-grab location.

5. Extra Clothes in Sealed Bags: Because accidents happen. It could be food, spit up, a diaper blowout or any other unpredictable baby wardrobe malfunction. Outsmart yourself and stash a few extra outfits in their own resealable, freezer-size storage bags. Before you hit the road, grab one of the storage bags and throw it in the diaper bag. If you do need to change the baby, you can seal up the dirty clothes in the plastic bag and keep things moving without missing a step.

What organization tips have made your life with baby easier? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)