Organized New Mom Tip #12: Keep Essentials on or Near the Changing Table

Everyone knows to keep the diapers and wipes near the changing table, but what new moms don’t realize is how many other things you need to do for your baby on the table besides wiping a bottom.  I quickly realized after Will was born that I needed to overhaul the whole changing area. The hanging mobile was moved from the crib to the table where he enjoyed it all the time, as you can see from the picture to the left. 

Here’s a list of everything I kept handy around the changing table the first few months after Will was born:

·         Diapers

·         Wipes

·         Diaper Cream

·         Baby Tylenol/Other Meds

·         Thermometer

·         Baby Toothbrush

·         Baby Nail Clippers/File

·         Nose Aspirator (the bulb thing)

·         Extra Pacifier

·         Comb

·         Onesies

·         Baby PJs

·         Baby Socks

·         Bibs/Burp Cloths

·         Receiving Blankets

·         Extra changing table cover

·         Sunscreen

·         Kleenex

·         Hand Sanitizer

·         Small Squirt Water Bottle

·         Extra Rattle or Board Book

Although this list seems excessive, I used every last item from this list almost daily, and I suspect other parents do too. Most of these items are small so they’re much easier to organize than at first glance. I have some open storage below the changing table for the linens, so if you actually have a dresser, you’re set. For the rest of the little items I hung pocket storage above the table which works perfectly, since it’s important to keep meds out of reach of grabby little hands.  The pictures below give you a better idea how I organized the table area. Keep in mind that I now have a 19 month old, so the items pictured are a bit different from the above list. 

Convenient pocket storage hung to the left of the
changing table keeps meds and small items
out of Baby's reach 



Interesting images, toys, and books keep Baby happy-
I had to take the mobile off when Will started
pulling it down, but he used it for a good 9 months :)



Storage baskets are a new mom's best friend.

I also have some big storage baskets underneath the crib



Organized New Mom Tip #11: Create an Online Baby Wish List

If you have a large family like I do, prepare yourself for the wonderful support system that will surround you and your newborn baby. You must also prepare yourself for the plethora of questions from loved ones about what baby products/clothing your bundle of joy will doubtlessly need.

It’s a no-brainer to create a gift registry when you’re pregnant in preparation for your baby shower, but news flash: you don’t get everything you need at your baby shower, especially since babies don’t stay size 0-6 months forever. Since loved ones feel the need to buy adorable little babies cute little presents now and then, I quickly discovered the perks of creating an ongoing baby wish list.

Here are some recommendations for getting started:

·    Make sure your wish list is accessible online, especially if you have family and friends who live out of state.  

·    Choose a store that has a variety of products. I’ve had anything from board books to bath toys to teething necklaces on Will’s baby wish list.

·    Keep it simple.  Stick with 1 or 2 of your favorite baby stores and keep your lists at 1 or 2 pages. Your goal is to make it less difficult for people to buy a gift for your baby, not more.

·    Maintain your wish list. Check it every couple of weeks to make sure that everything is up-to-date and your baby still needs the items on the list.

·    Choose a variety of products at different price points. I know it’s shocking, but not everyone wants to spend over $100 on your baby.

·    When a person asks you about buying a gift for your baby, be tactful. Say something like “I know that he/she will love whatever you choose, but if you’d like some ideas, I have an online wish list at ______".  Around Christmas or birthdays, I send out a small e-mail with a link to the wish list to JUST the people I know who are planning on getting my son a present. Again, be tactful to avoid any hurt feelings or awkwardness.

Let me take this opportunity to say two things. One, to those of you reading my blog that have ever gotten my son a present NOT on his wish list- we LOVED your gift. It was perfect and exactly what he needed. Two, a shameless plug: create a fabulous online baby gift registry at my website http://www.justdelivered.net/giftregistry_home.asp. Check it out. You’ll feel better if you do.