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A to Z Organize Me
Phone: 832.723.6523 E-mail: allison@atozorganizeme.com Website: www.atozorganizeme.com |
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A to Z Organize Me |
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Articles - Make Room for Baby (June 2005) |
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What joy a newborn brings to a family. So much happiness and love from such a little bundle. But, new parents beware and get ready. The newest little member of your family requires a lot of things to take care of him/her. Furniture, clothes, and necessities are only the beginning. We will go step-by-step so you can Make Room for Baby.
Step 1: Take a Look Around
Take a good look at your home or apartment. Look at your furniture, clothes, knick-knacks, books, etc. Look under your beds, in your garage, and in each room. Don’t forget to open the closets and open drawers. Really see what you have in your home.
Step 2: Space and Logistics
Now that you have taken a good look at your things, step back and review the space in each area mentioned from Step 1. It is time to Make Room for Baby. The baby needs space for furniture, clothes, and necessities. For a reality check, read this list of necessities for a newborn: crib, rocking chair, foot stool, small table by the rocking chair, pack-n-play or basinet, changing table and/or dresser, diaper pail, garbage can, diapers, wipes, humidifier, changing pads, sheets, blankets, bibs, pump, bottles, formula, burp cloths, diaper bag, stroller, bath products, small tub, towels, wash cloths, ointments, medicines, clothes, rattles, toys, and bouncy seat. But wait, there is more. The baby will also grow into some large items such as: highchair, exersaucer, stroller(s), swing, jumpy seat, and push toys… just to mention a few. Wow! That is quite a list of items for such a little baby!
Step 3: Purge
Now is the time to toss, sell or donate items and clothes that are currently taking up space. It is time to consolidate. Imagine the new baby room empty. This means that just about everything in there that is yours needs to come out. Once the items are out, they need a place somewhere in your home. In order to make room for those items, you must make decisions. Keep your most important and loved items. Keep what you use and need. Sell, toss, or donate the rest. If it comes out of the new baby room, and you love it, find a home in your house for it. This might mean letting other things go in your house that don’t mean as much to you. If your house is already full of things and clothes, there will be NO Room for Baby.
Step 4: Set Up the Room
When setting up a baby room, be creative and use some furniture that you have. Re-arrange the furniture so the crib and rocking chair will fit. If the room is too crowded, take out extra furniture and put it somewhere else in your house. If this doesn’t work, then sell or donate it. If you already have a low dresser, you can use it for a changing station. Put the pad on top (nail down the straps behind the dresser) and use the top drawers for diapers, wipes, and ointments. Use the other dresser drawers and your closet for clothes, extra diapers, changing pads, blankets, and sheets. Otherwise, if your crib has a drawer underneath, put sheets and blankets there. If you have an extra bed in the room, use the space under the bed for storage of outgrown clothes, clothes to grow into, or memorabilia items. If you already have a bookcase, use it for baby books, knick-knacks, toys, and a lamp. These are just a few ideas for you to decide on what to re-use in the baby room. Every room, house, and family is different. Take what you can from these tips and create your own space for baby. Once you do that, you have Made Room for Baby. |