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Get Ready, Get Set, Get Organized!

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  • Get Ready, Get Set, Get Organized!
June 21, 2023 General /Family

For some people, being organized comes naturally. For others, it’s something they must work at. As a busy parent, keeping things in their place isn’t always easy, but there are a few tips that can help. If you’re willing to make the most of your time (and help maintain your sanity), get ready, get set, and read on to get organized!

Couple discussing dates on wall calendar, smiling together
Two women and toddlers smiling on a cozy couch

Get Ready

If organizing doesn’t come easy, you may need some motivation to inspire you. Here are some benefits of getting better organized:

  • Stay on top of appointments. No more forgetting and having to reschedule.
  • Save money. Forgetting to buy things at the discount store may mean having to buy them at the last minute — at the corner gas station or drug store, where the prices are higher.
  • Stay out of trouble. Forgetting to pay bills not only costs extra money in late fees, it can also affect your credit rating and future ability to make purchases, like a house or car.
  • Stay healthy. Keeping piles of paper can attract bugs, which is not healthy for you or your family. A lot of clutter can also create a stressful environment, which can take a toll on mental health.
  • Save time. Being organized saves time and stress — time you can use to exercise, play with your kids, or take a nap.

Get Set

Make a list of the areas of your life where being more organized would help:
  • Eating: Do you know what groceries you have in your cupboard or what you need to cook dinner? Do your meals and snacks contain a variety of healthy foods? You need a meal plan and a grocery list.
  • Money: Do you know how much money is in the bank or what bills are due at any given time? Do you follow a budget and track your expenses? You need a way to manage your money.
  • Health: Do you know when your next doctor’s appointment is? Do you schedule time to be active for 30 minutes every day? You need a calendar and a daily or weekly routine.
Person reviewing nutrition plan with phone and salad nearby
Woman writing and using phone at kitchen counter

Go Get Organized!

Organize your time:

  • Keep one calendar and always have it with you. This might be a pocket calendar, a planner, or on your smartphone. If you have a smartphone, you can keep track of appointments and set reminders so you don’t forget about them.
  • Don’t multi-task. Finish one thing before moving on to the next. Put your phone on silent or vibrate mode to help you focus.
  • Keep a routine of what to do when. For example, set a time for meals and snacks, exercising, cleaning, checking social media, etc.

Organize your space:

  • Set aside areas for baby’s activities. For example, a diaper changing area could be where you keep a blanket for laying down baby and a basket to keep diapers, wipes and cream.
  • It’s convenient to have a feeding area for your newborn close to the changing area, so plan to have a comfortable chair close by for feedings.

Organize your papers:

  • Only touch a piece of paper once. After reading mail, toss it in the recycling bin, file it or put it in your to-do pile.
  • Find a place to keep important papers. Items such as birth certificates and social security cards should be kept in a secure place in a moisture-proof container like a plastic portfolio.
  • A notebook with folders or a binder can be used to organize different areas of your life. One could be used for cooking — keeping recipes you want to try in the folder along with coupons. The notebook area can be a place where you keep lists of pantry items you currently have, and grocery lists of what you need. A health notebook can be used to keep WIC brochures, your family’s shot records and copies of medical records.

It takes a little time, but getting organized for you and your family will pay off in the long run! Stick with it and you’ll see!

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    Cartoon vegetables with leafy tops gather playfully together.

    Side-Lying Hold

    1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
    2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
    3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
    4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
    5. Reverse for the left breast.

    This hold is useful when:

    • You had a C-section
    • You want to rest while baby feeds
    • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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    Cross-Cradle Hold

    1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
    2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
    3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
    4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
    5. Reverse for the left breast.

    This hold is useful when:

    • Your baby is premature
    • Your baby has a weak suck
    • Your baby needs help to stay latched
    • Your baby needs extra head support
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
    Cat playing with butterfly in a garden.

    Clutch or “Football” Hold

    1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
    2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
    3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
    4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
    5. Reverse for the left breast.

    This hold is useful when:

    • You had a C-section
    • You have large breasts
    • You have flat or inverted nipples
    • You have a strong milk let-down
    • You are breastfeeding twins
    • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
    • Your baby has reflux
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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    Cradle Hold

    1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
    2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
    3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
    4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
    5. Reverse for the left breast.

    This hold is useful when:

    • Your baby needs help latching on
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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    Laid-Back Hold

    1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
    2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
    3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

    This hold is useful when:

    • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
    • You have a strong milk let-down
    • You have large breasts
    • You and your baby are comfortable in this position