As the days grow longer and the air becomes warmer, spring emerges as the perfect time to refresh and reorganize your home, especially the nursery. A well-organized nursery not only creates a serene environment for your little one but also makes life easier for busy parents. In this article, we'll explore practical tips for spring cleaning and organizing a nursery, as well as essential items to consider for your nursery.

In March and April, I tend to go through some kind of rut. I get burned out from work and I get so overwhelmed with the house. During this time, I turn to spring cleaning as a way to get out of it. For a week, I’d go all out and tackle each part of the house one by one with my cleaning supplies. Since I have a baby now, I prioritize getting the nursery cleaned and ready for spring. 

Why do I need to clean the nursery?

You want to ensure that your baby’s space is safe and clean for them to sleep in — it’s where they sleep, play, and grow, after all. As a parent, you’re going to spend a lot of time in there taking care of them or playing with them. It’s important to clean the nursery regularly because you want to ensure your baby’s health and well-being in the early years. 

Also read: 15 Self-Care Ideas For Busy and New Moms

While I maintain a routine of cleaning the nursery like vacuuming the floor and taking out the trash, spring cleaning is when I add extra effort to deep clean or change a couple of things. 

Spring cleaning the nursery

1. Declutter

Begin your spring cleaning by removing any items that are no longer needed or have been outgrown. This can include clothes, toys, and bedding. After that, you can donate, sell, or recycle these items to create more space. 

For me, I divided Artie’s baby clothes into 2 separate categories depending on how worn they were. For clothes that were too worn down, we upcycled them and turned them into items like mini shirts for his teddy bears and handkerchiefs. As for sleepwear sets that were still great, I donated them to personal friends and family or a few donation drives. 

2. Deep clean

Another part of cleaning the nursery for spring is to tackle every nook and cranny. I’d dust the shelves, launder the nursery curtains, and vacuum the floors. Afterward, I’ll put Artie’s toys into the washing machine to wash with his bedding. Last but not least, I sanitized a few of the surfaces throughout the nursery, like the changing table, light switches, and the bed rail guard. 

Also read: A Parent’s Guide to Transitioning Your Baby From Their Crib To A Toddler Bed

@itsbryanandchris When my kids are sick, I typically repeat this process every 2-3 days. What do y’all do when your kids are feeling under the weather? Comment 👉🏽 #cleantok #nursery #disinfect #sickkids #parentlife #dadsoftiktok #itsbryanandchris ♬ original sound - Bryan & Chris

3. Organize the clothes closet and cabinets

Sort through your baby's clothes, and group them by color and type or size and season. During this time, I’ll pack away winter baby clothes and bring out the baby clothes for spring. To keep everything in order throughout the year, I use labeled bins in the closet and dividers in the cabinets. All of Artie’s clothes are organized this way, and it makes keeping the clothes after laundry days much easier. 

@_gemmalouisemiles nursery organisation ☁️ full video on my YouTube channel #nurserydecor #neutralnursery #organization ♬ Sunday - HNNY

4. Refresh bedding

Another way to clean the nursery for spring is to wash or replace the bedding. These include bedding sheets, blankets and quilts, and mattress covers. Change out of the warmer bedding sets and opt in for breathable, lightweight fabrics for warmer months.  

During spring cleaning, prepare yourself for a lot of laundry days. In the meantime, you can use the extra time to take much-deserved breaks or to organize your nursery for spring. 

@carissacleansitall #reset #asmrcleaning #roomcleaning #nursery ♬ original sound - CarissaCleansItAll

5. Use non-toxic cleaning products

While cleaning the baby nursery, always use non-toxic cleaning products. Avoid products that contain harmful chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and chlorine, and go for eco-friendly cleaning supplies instead. These are usually made with organic materials, have no artificial fragrances, and can be all-natural. 

6. Check and inspect your nursery furniture

Other than cleaning your nursery, it’s important to maintain the furniture. During your spring cleaning routine, often check your nursery furniture for any signs of wear and tear. For example, chips or cracks in the wood, or loose screws, which can be dangerous for your baby. If you see any signs of damage, get them fixed immediately. 

Download our nursery cleaning list from our community here!

Organizing a nursery for spring

1. Maximize vertical space

Utilize wall shelves, hanging organizers, or over-the-door storage solutions to keep essentials within reach without cluttering the floor.

2. Use clear storage bins

One of the best life hacks I’ve learned when I moved into my first home with my family was to use clear storage bins. It lets me see what’s inside, and in the long run, it makes it easier for me to find and get what I need quickly. For example, during diaper changes when I need to grab new clothes from the closet. 

Also read: 10 Organization Hacks for Busy Parents

3. Label everything

Another hack to organize a nursery is to label everything: Storage bins, baskets, and shelves. This helps maintain order and helps you find what you need easily. I went on Canva and designed my own labels before printing them out at my sister’s place. She had a great sticker printer machine, but it's okay if you don’t have one! You can go with the normal label stickers that you can buy from any stationery store. 

@wildcoveprints These printable baby labels have become quite popular lately and I love knowing that mom is able to keep their kids clothes in order, one cute label at a time. Say hello to beautifully organized baby clothes! ✨These labels are easily customizable in Canva or just print the premade labels that range from newborn - 5T (baby boy, baby girl, and baby for any label you need) #storagebins #nurseryorganization #kidsroom #organizeyourlife #organization #labelsforlittleones #nurseryideas #printables #momlife #stayathomemom #etsyshop #smallbusinessowner ♬ Clementine - Sun Room

4. Create a functional nursery layout

Arrange furniture and storage solutions in a way that maximizes space and efficiency. Ensure there's a designated spot for everything, from diapers and wipes to toys and books. One of the ways I did this was by putting the diaper change essentials (e.g. diapers, diaper cream, etc.) in the cabinet that was directly underneath the changing table. This honestly saved me a lot of time because I didn’t have to walk across the room to grab what I needed.  

Download our nursery organization guide from our community here!

Spring essentials for the nursery

When you’re revamping the nursery for spring, here are some baby essentials you’ll need:

1. Lightweight blankets

As the days get warmer, your baby mustn’t feel too hot in their nursery while they sleep. To ensure this, opt for breathable, soft blankets that can provide comfort without overheating. I got mine from Baby DeeDee, my favorite brand for sleepwear items. Their baby blanket is perfect for spring, and I love their lightweight sleeping bags (more on this next). 

2. Seasonal clothing

Besides baby blankets, stock up on spring-appropriate attire like short-sleeved baby pajamas, lightweight sleep nests, and lighter baby clothes. I got Baby DeeDee’s sleeping bags around the same time I got their blankies and quilts, and trust me when I say they worked like a charm. Artie’s so snug and comfy while he naps and sleeps, and I also love how convenient they are with their shoulder snaps. 

@skylerdamboise Sleep is so important to this mama and Hudson was a fan of @babydeedee_ sleep nest lite!! 😇 Use code “Skyracefit10” to save! #safesleep #babysleep #babydeedee #sleepsack #fyp #foryou ♬ Cool Kids (our sped up version) - Echosmith

3. Allergy-proof covers

For families with allergies, consider using allergy-proof covers for pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites and allergens at bay. I also use a good air purifier to clean the air from dust. These are two nursery essentials that helped me improve the air in my baby’s space while they sleep. 

4. Spring-themed decorations and bedding 

One of the ways I make the nursery more fun is by decorating the nursery according to the season. Right now, I’ll usually stick fake flower vines or spring-themed stickers onto the wall. I’ll also bring out crib bedding that’s more colorful or has floral patterns to match the vibes too! 

@namesakehome The perfect nurseries for spring babies 💐 🎥: @becca | bbmeyerdesign, ashthigpen, @jordanyeattshome, @ann_marie_co, @Harpeth Home #babiesoftiktok #springtime #springdecor #homedecor #springstyle ♬ original sound - Namesake

5. Soft lighting

Create a calm and soothing environment for your baby by incorporating soft lighting in the nursery. You can set up lamps with a warm light tone, night lights, and even fairy lights that are installed safely away from your baby’s crib. I wanted a warm and comforting space for my baby to sleep in, so I opted for blackout curtains with a star cutout lamp. 

Download spring nursery essentials from our community here!

In conclusion, preparing the nursery for spring involves a combination of cleaning, reorganizing, and updating essentials. By following these tips and incorporating quality products, you can create a fresh, organized, and comfortable space for your little one to enjoy.