How to Fold Baby Clothes: A Stress-Free Guide for New Mums
Baby clothes are adorable—but their tiny size can make them tricky to fold and store. As a new mum, having an organized nursery can save time and sanity. This quick guide will walk you through simple, effective folding techniques for baby essentials, from onesies to socks.
Why Folding Baby Clothes Matters
Keeping baby clothes tidy helps you:
Maximize drawer or shelf space
Quickly find what you need (especially during 2 a.m. nappy changes!)
Keep outfits wrinkle-free and ready to go
Must-Know Tips Before You Start
Sort by size and type: Keep newborn, 0–3 months, and 3–6 month clothes grouped.
Use drawer organizers: Dividers or small baskets keep things neat.
Fold on a clean, flat surface: This helps avoid wrinkles and keeps everything sanitary.
How to Fold Common Baby Clothing Items
1. Onesies (Bodysuits)
Lay flat with the front facing down.
Fold sleeves inward.
Fold the bottom up to meet the collar.
Then fold the onesie into thirds horizontally.
2. Sleepers (Zip-Up or Snap Pajamas)
Zip or snap up fully.
Fold arms across the chest.
Fold in half top-to-bottom, then again side-to-side.
3. Trousers and Leggings
Lay flat.
Fold one leg over the other.
Fold in half from bottom to waistband.
4. Socks and Mittens
Roll each pair together to avoid losing them.
Use a small box to store grouped pairs.
5. Hats and Accessories
Fold in half and stack neatly in a soft bin or drawer slot.
Bonus: Folding KonMari Style
Want that Pinterest-worthy nursery? Use the KonMari vertical fold:
Fold clothes into a rectangle.
Stand them upright in the drawer. This saves space and lets you see everything at a glance.
Real Mum Hack:
"I use drawer dividers from IKEA to separate folded onesies by size. It saves me every day!" — Leila, mum of 5-week-old twins
FAQ: Folding Baby Clothes
Q: Should I hang or fold baby clothes?
A: Fold everyday items like onesies and PJs. Hang delicate or dressy clothes.
Q: Can I use adult folding boards?
A: They're usually too big. Try a small book as a makeshift mini-folder for consistent sizing.
Q: How do I store outgrown clothes?
A: Label storage boxes by size and season. Store clean, folded clothes in a dry, sealed container.
Author: Sarah Green, Nursery Organizing Coach & Mum of Two
Last Updated: June 25, 2025
Sources: The Container Store, KonMari Method, Parenting.com
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Suggested Next Read: How to Organize Your Baby’s Changing Table
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