Every parent, whether expecting their first baby, a new parent, or an experienced one, knows that babies need a lot of clothes. They grow fast in their first year. Every few months they need a new set of clothing.
Babies also tend to go through a lot of laundry. There are so many things that can make a mess, from diaper blowouts to food spillage. Since there’s a lot of laundry, that also means there is a lot of folding to do.
Since folding baby clothes will become a part of everyday life, you’re probably looking for the best way to fold clothes. You need a method that is easy but still makes the best use of the space you have. We’ve found five easy ways to fold clothes in their first year.
Why Do I Need to Fold Baby Clothes?
When your little one is born, you’ll sometimes feel pulled in too many directions. You're probably wondering why you would even need to fold clothes. After all, you would still be able to use all the clothes you need if they’re in a pile or placed in a drawer.
Although this seems like an easier option, it can lead to more stress in the long run. Having an organized space can help reduce some of the chaos that comes with having a baby. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons to fold your little one’s clothes.
Reduces Stress
One of the bonuses to folding baby clothes is that you can sort the clothes out while you’re folding them. Plus, folded clothes are much easier to put away. Once the clothes are organized, you can put them away, so they’re easy to find.
Even though the organization of baby clothes might not seem important at first glance, it can come in handy. Taking care of a baby does require interrupted sleep and late-night cleanup. If you’re organized, it will be much easier to quickly locate clean footie pajamas.
Organization can help combat exhaustion and stress by making it easy to find what you need when you need it.
We know that your little one comes first, but in order to take care of your little one, you also need to care for yourself. Reducing the opportunities for stress with well-organized clothing can help mentally make those late-night changes a little easier.
Uses All The Space
Not only do babies need a lot of clothes, but they also need a lot of other products, like diapers, wipes, toys, and blankets. By folding clothes and organizing them, you can make the most use of the space you have.
Keeps Things Wrinkle-Free
Keeping your little one’s clothes wrinkle-free isn’t the most important reason to fold clothes, especially after your baby is born, but it is a good side effect.
Plus, when there are so many new things for you to do and learn, even winning small battles like having clean and wrinkle-free baby clothes can help new mothers feel better.
What Are Some Folding Methods I Can Use?
Folding clothes is a simple operation, but there are many different ways you can do it. Finding a method that works for you is essential. Here are five common folding methods to choose from.
1. The Traditional Method
The Traditional Method is the the most common type of clothes folding. When you go to the store, many of the clothes that are piled are folded in the traditional fashion. A traditional fold is best when you are using shelves.
That way, you can see the clothes that you are trying to grab, making it easier to pick out the clothing you want. It’s simple, and the clothes lie flat and squared.
2. The KonMari Folding Method
The KonMari Method has been quickly growing in popularity since it was introduced by Marie Kondo, an expert on organization. By folding the clothes either three or four times, depending on how bulky they are, they should be able to stand up on their sides instead of lying flat.
This method allows you to place clothing on their sides next to each other, kind of like a clothing filing cabinet. This method works really well if you’re using a dresser. You can also get dividers to help you further organize your little one’s clothes. In fact, it’s recommended (but not a necessity).
3. The Roll-Up
Another way to fold clothes is to roll them instead of folding them. It’s the second most simple method to fold clothes. It’s also easy to organize and a space-saver.
If you want to keep specific outfit combinations together, you can roll them up together. Since most onesies are thin, as well as pants, they shouldn’t take up too much space.
4. The Flat-Fold
The flat-fold method is generally for smaller items, like socks. By folding them and making sure they are flat, they can preserve a little more space. It’s easier to find a match in a hurry.
5. The No-Fold Organization Technique
The simplest way to fold clothes is to skip folding altogether. Really, it’s more of an organizational technique. Instead of folding clothes to fit on a drawer or shelf, you can organize them in bins.
That way, you can lay them flat to prevent wrinkles while still having separate places for different types of clothes.
What Should I Do With Clothes That Are Bulky?
Sometimes, you might come across clothes that are too bulky to be folded properly, or you have some clothes that your little one hasn’t grown into or has already grown out of.
There are many other tools that you can use to keep your little one’s clothes clean and organized.
Bulky Clothes
Babies need many different types of clothes, including winter stuff. A lot of winter stuff tends to be large and bulky, which makes it very difficult to fold. The best option for clothes like that is to hang them up.
Since many baby clothes come with their own tiny hangers, you can save them to hang any items that are too big to fold or outfits that you would just prefer to hang up. You can also purchase hangers for your little one.
Another option is to use hanger bags. These can be great for all non-clothing items, like blankets, burp cloths, and cloth diapers, if you decide to use those. Cloth diapers also tend to be very bulky, so having a bag to hang them in can help save a little space too.
What About Clothes That Are Too Big or Small?
Many parents like to plan ahead so that they have clothes available once their little one grows out of the size they are currently in. One day, your little one might fit into a three-month-sized onesie, and the next day it’s too small.
Parents also need to figure out what to do with the clothes that their babies grow out of. You can donate them, or you may want to save them for future children or grandchildren.
There are many ways you can store baby clothes. You can fold them and place them in bins organized by size, or, if you want to conserve more space, you can use vacuum-sealed bags.
Whatever you decide, you’ll want something easily accessible so you can add or take away clothes as needed with as little hassle as possible.
An Organized Closet Makes a Less Stressful Mind
Even though babies may not be able to tell or care if their clothes are folded, finding an easy way to fold baby clothes can help you adjust. You won’t have to spend time trying to find a specific onesie or cute little top in piles of clothes.
Folding your baby’s clothes can help keep them clean and organized, which helps you. You will be able to find what you need easily, even in the middle of the night. Many types of folds also help you save space, which can be a boon with all the other baby stuff you have.
There are so many folding styles. Find one that works for you. Your decision can be based on your organizational style or the type of storage you will be using, like a dresser or shelves. Some clothes aren’t meant to be folded, so you can also invest in other forms of storage, like hangers. Choose baby-sized clothes hangers for an easy fit.
It may not feel like a big deal with everything else that you need to learn and do, but folding clothes can make it a whole lot easier to find what you need when you need it. After all, what good is planning ahead for those larger-sized baby clothes if, when the time comes, you can’t even find them?
If you’re looking for more information to help you care for your little one, check out our blog right here.
Sources:
Helping Baby Sleep Through the Night | Mayo Clinic
Growth Charts | WHO Child Growth Standards
Newborn Care: 10 Tips for Stressed-Out Parents | Mayo Clinic