Organizing at Home: Shopping for a Newborn

By Alexa Spiroff

That moment when you bring home a baby is a wonderful feeling, happy to be out of the hospital and welcome your little bundle of joy to the world. It can be very overwhelming for new parents, especially if they have others who want to pitch in or see the child right away. Babies require a lot of time and attentive care, but they really don’t need as much as you’d think. Here’s a short but detailed list on how to make your house feel ready for your new arrival without it feeling too cluttered.

1: Start with the Essentials

As soon as you know the gender at your baby shower, there will be lots to do. So it’s important to know what you’re going to need most often in those first few months. Make a checklist of supplies you’ll need for your everyday routine, or rather, baby’s routine.

-Food: Bottles, bibs and cloths for burping

-Diapers: Diapers, rash cream, wipes and a changing pad

-Sleep: Bassinet or a crib with fitted sheets

-Clothes: A select handful of onesies, swaddlers and sleepers

Write this down in a place you will remember, on paper or in a notes app. Keeping track of this list will help avoid overspending and clutter build up.

2: Create Baby-Friendly Zones

Regardless of if you have a nursery set up for your child or if he or she is sleeping in your room, it’s important to establish zones for each need. This will help build up a routine and keep consistency, so that you know what your child needs and you can work around that. 

-Feeding Zone: Have a basket or small bin stocked with nursing essentials and cloths, next to a feeding chair.

-Changing Zone: Have a caddy or drawer set with fresh diapers, wipes, and baby creams & oils ready to go.

-Sleep Zone: A simple, safe sleep space with swaddles and pacifiers close by.

When items live in consistent, intentional spaces, your home feels more orderly. The best part is, you’ll always know where to find what you need!

3: Be Smart with Storage

Thoughtful storage is key when organizing items for a baby, so be sure to consider several options. A few ideas may include:

-Drawers or organizers for clothes and accessories like blankets or pacifiers

-Over-the-door pockets for lotions, oils, wipes, etc.

-Clear bins with labels so your essentials are easy to locate, even during late night feedings.

As your baby grows, rotate items out. Clothes they’ve outgrown can be put into labeled bins or donated promptly to keep clutter from accumulating overtime.

4: Shop with Intention

Let’s be honest: Your friends and family will most likely start buying or making all the cutest clothes, toys or whatever they can find for them. We get it! Just remember that not everything in the store is a must have. Keep these rules in mind for yourself:

-Hold off on non-essentials: You or your baby won’t need special gadgets like wipe warmers. Bouncers or jumpers aren’t recommended until about 6-7 months in.

-Invest in adaptable items: Convertible cribs, adjustable high chairs and flexible clothing can extend your investment.

-Buy secondhand when possible: A great way to save money and find items for your baby, especially since most are gently used & donated. Just be sure to check for safety recalls!

5: Be Flexible

Every baby is unique, and your needs may shift as you learn what works best for your family. Being organized isn’t about perfection, but about creating an environment that feels manageable during this new chapter of your life. Be sure you and your partner remain open about what truly needs to be done, so that you can adapt to the baby's needs without causing stress early on after birth. 

Preparing for a baby doesn’t have to mean filling every corner of your home with gear. By following these five easy steps, you’ll create a space that feels ready, welcoming, and free of unnecessary clutter.
*Photos from a recent job with a new mother in Livonia, MIchigan