If you’re a parent to one or more children under the age of three, chances are that your home is teaching you a thing or two about the organization – and maybe even becoming quite chaotic! With all of those newborn and toddler clothes flying around; diapers, bottles, pacifiers, blankets – we can understand how hectic it can be.
However, we’ve come up with some great tips for organizing your baby’s items so that you have less stress when running around from room to room.
Whether it’s for storage purposes or transforming them into quality pieces that can cover furniture or accessorize your décor in other rooms, these solutions will help keep things tidy – while adding a little bit of style!
Read on to find out what our top ideas for how to manage newborn and toddler.
What Will You Need?
Your list of items will depend on how many rooms you have and what space you intend to organize. Generally, a few basics apply across the board:
- Storage bins
- Organizational containers/boxes
- Label makers and labels
- Baskets or shelves
- Curtains, upholstery, or fabric to cover furniture
- Hooks for walls
Now that you know what you need, let’s get into the details of organizing your baby’s items.
10 Easy Steps on How to Manage Newborn and Toddler
Step 1. Utilize Containers:
Place diapers, wipes, and other toiletries into containers and store them in a designated place. This helps keep everything neat, organized, and easy to find. If you have the space, try storing these items in multiple locations throughout your home.
Step 2. Label Everything:
Label containers, shelves, hooks, boxes – you name it! Use a label maker or labels with adhesive backing for quick and easy access to items. You can even color coordinate the labels to make it easier.
Step 3. Hang Hooks on Walls:
Hooks are great for hanging items like bibs, blankets or towels where they’re easily reachable. This is an especially helpful tip for those who are short on storage space. Be careful not to overload the hooks, as it can become difficult to reach items.
Step 4. Utilize Baskets To Store Small Items:
Smaller baskets can be used to store toys in one area or bottles and pacifiers in another room for convenience purposes. Some are designed specifically for diapers and wipes, so take your pick! Best of all, these can easily be labeled with your label maker.
Step 5. Upholster Furniture:
Using fabric to upholster chairs or stools can help keep surfaces clean and add a nice decorative touch. Additionally, it can help protect furniture against spills or messes. As a bonus, you can even use different upholstery for different rooms!
Step 6. Add Shelves for Extra Storage Space:
Shelves are great for organizing small items like books or board games. Carefully measure the space that you have available before installing shelves. Otherwise, it could end up making your space look overcrowded.
Step 7. Arrange Clothing Clutter in Closets:
Hang clothes on hangers to save space and make it easier to grab what you need quickly. This will help to keep the clutter off of your floor and make it easier to find items. Check out what you have before buying more clothes, too.
Step 8. Utilize Curtains To Create Separation:
Use curtains as dividers in bigger rooms – this will help create distinct zones! Adding fun prints and patterns can also be an eye-catching addition to your décor. It’s especially useful if you have an open concept living space.
Step 9. Invest in a Changing Table:
A changing table can help keep the chaos at bay – find one that offers storage for diapers, wipes, and other necessities to make things easier! Make sure you choose one that fits your space and one that’s functional and stylish. There are so many great choices out there!
Step 10. Make It Fun With Accessories:
Adding toys, stuffed animals, or pillows can help turn any room into an inviting play area for your little one. Remember to choose accessories that fit their age and interests – this can help keep them entertained while you tackle all of your organizing tasks! Just be sure to rotate the items every now and then for a fresh look.
With these tips on managing newborn and toddler items, you’ll soon be easily organized! Just remember to have fun while doing so, and don’t forget to add some accessories that will make the room come alive – after all, it’s all about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable! Good luck on your organizing journey!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Establish a routine for your baby. This will help them learn, sleep, and eat in a predictable way.
- Invest in a baby monitor and always keep it on. This will give you peace of mind when your baby is asleep or playing in another room.
- Prepare healthy meals for your toddler. Introduce them to various flavors, textures, and healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables.
- Teach your toddler important safety lessons, such as the importance of holding onto guard rails, not touching hot surfaces, and not running away from adults in public places.
- Make sure to set aside some time every day for quality one-on-one time with each child, no matter how busy life gets! This will help strengthen the bond between parent and child.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to successfully managing a newborn and toddler.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t ignore your baby’s cries – if you do, it could lead to long-term trust issues.
- Don’t overstimulate your baby – this can overwhelm their senses and lead to frustration.
- Don’t let your toddler play with dangerous objects such as knives, scissors, or matches.
- Don’t give in to temper tantrums – instead, try to understand the cause of the frustration and help them express it safely and constructively.
- Don’t forget about self-care! Taking care of yourself is essential for proper parenting; make sure you have time to relax and recharge each day.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be set up for success when it comes to managing newborns and toddlers!
Do Toddlers Get Jealous of New Baby?
Yes, toddlers can and often do experience jealousy when a new baby is introduced into the family. It’s important to help your toddler understand that it’s normal to feel jealous but that they are still loved and important. Try engaging in activities with your toddler that focus on their individual attention and provide reassurance.
Additionally, involve them in caring for the new baby by helping out with small tasks such as bringing clean diapers or wipes. Showing your toddler how much joy comes from helping care for the new addition to the family can be an effective way of assuaging any feelings of jealousy they may have.
Managing both a newborn and a toddler can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming with the right strategies. These tips and tricks give you the tools to navigate parenting two young children successfully.
Make sure to take time for yourself and your individual relationships with your kids – that will help keep everyone happy in the long run!
How Do You Stop Your Toddler From Hurting Your Baby?
The best way to prevent your toddler from hurting the baby is to stay aware and attentive. Supervise activities between the two, and if you notice an escalating situation, redirect their attention to another activity before it becomes a problem.
Additionally, give your older child plenty of positive attention when they play nicely with the baby or do something helpful for them – this will reinforce good behaviors.
Finally, take time each day to explain what’s appropriate and not appropriate when playing with the baby. Talk through why it’s important not to hurt them and emphasize that everyone in the family deserves respect. This can help your toddler understand expectations for how they should act around the new addition to the family.
With these tips in mind, you can keep your toddler from hurting the baby and ensure a harmonious home.
Conclusion
How to manage newborn and toddler can be exhausting yet rewarding. Parents should be ready to offer guidance over the years, and strategies for managing toddlers and newborns can help alleviate these challenges.
Having a plan can make it easier to manage both children simultaneously if concrete strategies are implemented.
Routines are especially important and should be utilized for such tasks as meal times, bedtimes, play activities, etc.
Finally, organization is key for successful parenting with a newborn and toddler. Be sure to establish routines early on to keep things running smoothly. It’s not easy, but parenting two young children at once doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful when you’re organized and prepared!
Even though parents will encounter obstacles along the way, never forget that all of the hard work is always more than worth it in the end because you get double the kisses, double the cuddles, and even more unconditional love!
