I recently met Pooja Gugnani, owner of Organizing With You.  As a city dweller and mother of two, I am limited on space, but not STUFF!   How is it that two little human beings can need so much stuff?  I loved Pooja’s philosphy of re-using what you have instead of spending a lot of money on new products.  I ask Pooja to do a guest post on the topic.  I hope you enjoy her tips.  Follow Pooja on Twitter of Facebook for more great organizing tips.

Chicago Mommies and Chicago Mommies-to-be,

It seems to me that every other article offering  tips on organizing your baby’s room/toddler’s room/ kid’s room, involves an investment in one more or more organizing products.  How about some tips on using what we already have?  Raising a child is expensive in itself, especially in a busy city like Chicago where time and space are often limited.  Here are some tips on how you can achieve the same goals of space maximization and decluttering by getting a little creative.

• Give your furniture multiple uses.  For example, you can use your dresser as a changer by using the drawers to store your diapers, wipes, lotions, burp cloths etc., and use the top as a changer by placing a changing table pad on it.  The same dresser can then be used when your baby is older to store clothes, blankets, socks etc.  If you want, paint the dresser you already own in a fun color and make it look baby pretty!
• Even babies and young kids have seasonal wardrobe.  You can re-use the same storage tub with two seasons- for example- label one side ‘winter clothes’ and the other ‘summer clothes.’  In the summer, store your winter clothes in it and have the winter label facing forward, and reverse in the winter.  This way you don’t have to make room for four different bins.  You can apply the same storing concept to other things as well.
• Laundry baskets are a great way to store toys.  Use your old laundry baskets to store different types of toys such as stuffed toys, cars, blocks etc.  Train your toddler to be organized at an early age and make it easy for him/her by attaching a picture of the type of toy on the front of each laundry basket.  Children are quick learners and with a little visual help they can do wonders!
• Your tiny tots’ belongings hardly take up space.  Use your over the door hanging shoe bag to store shoes, socks and other small items.  This is a great way to compartmentalize and fit a lot of items in one area.

Babies are tiny but their budget not so much! So plan efficiently and only buy what you need. Try to reuse as much as possible and if you know you want to have more kids, plan their nursery/room by keeping your long term plans in mind!

When my daughter first started walking I suddenly realized that I needed to trade out the binkies and bottles in my diaper bag for bandages and Neosporin.  Although there are some prepackaged kits available, all of the ones I found online or in stores were either too bulky, not made for children and/or infants or not inclusive enough.

After talking to some fellow moms and researching the topic extensively online, I compiled the following list of must haves to tend to your little one’s boo boos on the go.

• Emergency Information – On a piece of paper or index card write down:
  • Children’s names and date of birth
  • Your mobile
  • Spouse’s mobile
  • Pediatrician’s name and number
  • Poison Control (The American Association of Poison Control Centers’ national emergency hotline: (800) 222-1222.)
  • Any allergies
  • The proper doses for the medications included in your kit.
• First Aid
  • (5) 3/4 “ X 3” self adhesive bandages (average self stick bandages)
  • (2) 3” knee & elbow bandages
  • Sting/pain relief spray or pads (Benadryl makes one and there is a CVS brand that is much les expensive) The CVS brand relieves the itching and pain from minor cuts, burns, scrapes, rashes (e.g. poison ivy) and insect bites.
  • (4) 2”X2” gauze pads
  • (4) Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment – Neosporin makes a convenient spray on version (Neo To Go).  I have also found a CVS generic version. Target’s regular price on the Neo To Go was less than the CVS brand.
  • Tweezers (splinters)
  • iPhone App – I have a first aid app on my phone.  Not sure if I would have time to use it in case of a real emergency, but figured it could come in handy in case of a broken bone, nose bleed or burn.
• Over the Counter Medicines – Keep in separate zip lock to avoid messes caused by spills. Always check proper dosages based on your child’s age and weight. When in doubt, consult your child’s physician or pharmacist.
  • Fever reducer – Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Upset stomach medication – Kids Tums or Little Tummies (I put 5 in a small baggie to save space)
  • Anti-allergy – Benadryl for allergic reactions.  Make sure you buy one made for kids and review the proper dosage.   Benadryl makes these convenient single shots for kids.  I would never have thought to bring this, but I have a friend who found out on vacation that her child had a nut allergy.  Luckily she had Benadryl with her.  My sister had a similar incident with her eldest daughter and an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
• Stickers and Lollipop – I added a few stickers and a lollipop to my kit.  My little patient sometimes needs a distraction after getting a skinned knee!

I set a reminder in my calendar to check all of my first aid kits once a year to make sure they are stocked and none of the contents have expired.

If you haven’t already, sign up for an infant/child CPR class.  It is a good idea to have your nanny become certified too.  For a list of local Red Cross Infant/Child CPR classes click here.