When I was preparing for the arrival of my first baby, I never imagined how much of my time would be spent folding laundry. Sure, I’d heard the jokes from seasoned parents about the mountain of baby clothes that seems to regenerate overnight. But I didn’t truly understand until I found myself sitting on the nursery floor, surrounded by a mix of onesies, tiny socks, and baby blankets. It was both heartwarming and overwhelming.

The truth is, baby clothes bring so much joy—each piece seems to tell a story, whether it’s the first tiny outfit you bought or a thoughtful gift from a loved one. But once the baby arrives, managing all those adorable little garments can become a daunting task. For me, figuring out a method for folding baby clothes was about regaining control in the gorgeously chaotic world of new parenting, not just about organization.

Take a deep breath if you’re currently feeling overwhelmed by the amount of baby outfits and unsure of where to focus. I can attest from experience that folding baby clothes may become a calming, nearly meditative aspect of your daily routine.

To assist you transform this duty into a minor victory in your parenting journey, allow me to share some personal anecdotes and offer some advice.

Why Folding Baby Clothes Matters

“Do I really need to learn a specific way to fold baby clothes?” is a question you may be asking. Isn’t this overanalyzing the situation? I understand—I had the same sentiments once. The problem is that folding infant clothes isn’t only a matter of style. It’s about creating a system that saves you time, energy, and stress.

• Saves Space: Baby clothes may be tiny, but they can pile up fast. Folding them efficiently can free up valuable drawer or closet space.
• Keeps You Organized: When everything is neatly folded, it’s much easier to find what you need, especially during those bleary-eyed middle-of-the-night moments.
• Clothing Preservation: By folding clothes correctly, you can preserve your baby’s clothes looking adorable and new by avoiding wrinkles, stretching, and needless wear.

The Basics of Folding Baby Clothes

It took me some time to get proficient at folding baby clothes, I’ll admit. Initially, I would fold them as swiftly and carelessly as I would fold my own clothes. But I soon realized that these tiny items needed a different approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to folding some of the most common baby items:

1. Onesies

Onesies are a staple of any baby wardrobe, and they’ll likely make up the bulk of your laundry. Here’s how to fold them efficiently:

1. Lay the onesie flat with the front facing up.
2. Fold the sleeves inward toward the center.
3. Fold the bottom half upward so the onesie is in half.
4. Finally, fold it into thirds to create a compact rectangle.

This method makes it easy to stack onesies neatly in a drawer or storage bin.

2. Baby Pants

Baby pants are another frequent item in the laundry basket. Here’s my go-to method:

1. Lay the pants flat and fold them in half lengthwise, matching up the legs.
2. Fold the waistband down to meet the cuffs.
3. Fold the pants in half one more time to create a small square or rectangle.

3. Socks

Ah, socks—the bane of many parents’ laundry routines. These tiny pieces are notorious for disappearing into the abyss. To keep them organized:

1. Match up each pair of socks.
2. Roll them together starting from the toes and finishing at the cuff.
3. Alternatively, fold the top of one sock over the other to keep them paired.

4. Swaddles and Blankets

These larger items require a slightly different approach:

1. Fold the blanket or swaddle in half lengthwise.
2. Fold it in half again.
3. Continue folding until it’s a manageable size for storage.
4. Rolling blankets rather of folding them is a time-saving trick that looks neat and fits neatly in bins or shelves.

Personal Tips for Folding Baby Clothes

My friend Elle introduced me to the wonders of drawer dividers while she was getting ready for her second child. She showed me her immaculately arranged dresser and told me they were a game changer. I put them in my nursery setting right away. With dividers, I could separate onesies by size, keep bibs in one section, and even create a special spot for seasonal outfits.

Another lifesaver? Labeling. In those early weeks, when I was too sleep-deprived to remember anything, having labeled bins for different categories of clothing (like “3-6 Months” or “Sleepwear”) made it so much easier to grab what I needed.

And don’t underestimate the power of family teamwork. When my toddler offered to “help” fold baby clothes, I hesitated at first. But soon, I realized it was a great way to involve them in caring for their new sibling. Sure, their folding wasn’t perfect, but the joy on their face made up for it.

You Deserve a System That Works for You

Folding baby clothes isn’t just about neat drawers or Instagram-worthy nurseries—it’s about making your life easier. And the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

You might find that rolling clothes works better than folding, or that hanging certain items is more practical. You might prefer to organize by type, size, or even color. Experimenting to find a method that works for you and your needs is crucial.

Beyond Folding: Other Laundry Tips for Baby Clothes

Before you start folding, make sure you’re caring for your baby’s clothes properly. Use a gentle, baby-safe detergent to protect your little one’s sensitive skin, and always check care labels for washing instructions. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains (and trust me, you will), pre-treating with a baby-safe stain remover can save the day.

A Word of Encouragement

Parenthood is full of small, seemingly mundane tasks that add up to something much bigger: the care and love you pour into your child’s life. Although it might not seem important, folding baby clothes is a crucial element of making your home cozy and inviting for your child. I am aware of how demanding those initial days can be. You’re learning, adjusting, and probably feeling more tired than you ever thought possible. But keep in mind that you are capable. Even the smallest act of love, like folding laundry, is something your baby will experience in their own unique manner. So, the next time you find yourself sitting in front of a stack of baby clothes, stop and admire them. You are reminded of the lovely, short season you are in by these little clothes, which will soon just exist in your memory. 

Do you have any interesting folding stories or advice of your own?

I’d love to hear them! Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s support each other in this amazing journey of parenthood.