Preparing the home for a new baby can feel overwhelming for expecting parents, yet it doesn’t have to be. Enter the modern nesting party: a refreshing take on the baby shower that’s all about creating a calm, supportive space for the new arrival. This shift, championed by Gen Z and Millennials, is less about the gifts and more about helping parents set up their homes for the postpartum months ahead. It’s about organising spaces that bring simplicity, comfort, and calm, starting with the baby cabinet.
The baby cabinet is the unsung hero of a well-prepared home. With proper planning and the right guide, you make a beautifully organised, functional cabinet that makes the early days of motherhood much easier.
Follow these steps to master the art of baby cabinet organisation:
- Let Go of the Clutter
Before diving into the organisation itself, take a moment to declutter. The key here is to only keep what you’ll need in the immediate postpartum period. There’s no need to overstock items you won’t use for months. A streamlined approach will make finding what you need feel effortless, especially when you’re operating on little sleep.
- Sort, Label, and Separate
Organisation isn’t just about putting things away. It’s about making things easy to find. Start by sorting your baby’s essentials into nappies, wipes, clothes, creams, toys and feeding supplies. Give each category its own dedicated space, shelf, basket or drawer. Label everything! Detailed labels will save you in those first few weeks when sleep deprivation makes everything feel like a blur.
- Use Vertical Space
Space can be limited when it comes to cabinets. Make the most of what you’ve got by thinking vertically. Adjustable shelving is your friend here, allowing you to adjust as your baby’s needs evolve. Start with what you need now—nappies, baby wipes, lotions—and leave room to grow.
- Stock the Essentials
While baby clothes and toys are tempting to buy in abundance, focus on the immediate essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Nappies & Wipes: Stock up on nappies for the first few weeks and wipes for those inevitable messes.
- Baby Skincare: Keep creams, lotions, and nappy rash ointments close at hand.
- Feeding Supplies: Bottles, bibs, breast pads, formula.
- Clothing: Lay out a week’s worth of baby clothes for maximum efficiency.
- Create a Functional Changing Station
Your baby’s cabinet should serve as an extension of the changing area. If you’ve got a changing table nearby, ensure the essentials are easy to grab. Nappies, wipes, creams, and spare clothes should all have their own place within arm’s reach, saving you time and stress when it’s nappy change time.
- Lean on Your Village
Modern nesting parties are all about helping new moms through the upcoming trials and tribulations by giving gifts, advice and support. It takes a village to raise a child, and you should always keep yours nearby. Your friends and family are here for you whether you need to socialise, need help or anything else they can offer. Keep in contact with your village and give them updates to make them feel like a part of your adventure. This also makes it easier to rely on them when you need to.
An organised baby cabinet is a game-changer for new parents. With nappies, creams, and clothes within reach, it reduces stress and brings order to the chaos. Taking the time to sort it out now makes the transition into parenthood smoother and calmer. Your future self will thank you.