It starts innocently enough. A few stuffed animals, a well-edited collection of books, a couple of plastic thingamabobs that whiz and bang.

And faster than you can say “itsy-bitsy spider,” your pad is overrun by stuff.

Clear the clutter with 3 Sprouts storage bins. Made of organic cotton canvas with ecospun felt (a.k.a. recycled water bottles), each one features a bright elephant or owl applique. The playful sacks provide a sturdy organizational solution for any child’s room and fold easily when not in use.

So when your newbie-parent friends call to complain about the ever-expanding mess, you can say, “Bin there, done that.”

Available at Capucine, 20 Harrison Street, between Greenwich and Hudson Streets (212-219-4030 or capucinemaman.com); online at 3sprouts.com.

READ
I’d Like the Goo-Gen-Heim, by A.C. Hollingsworth
What: A little boy marvels at modern art as he wanders through Frank Lloyd Wright’s museum masterpiece.
Why: Give it a whirl.
When: You need a change of art.
Where: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., at 89th St. (800-329-6109); online at guggenheimstore.org.

DANCE
Carnival of the Animals
What: The New York Theatre Ballet romps through a creature-filled enchanted forest.
Why: Take a walk on the wild side.
When: Sat., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m., 1 & 3:30 p.m.
Where: Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., b/t Madison & Park Aves. (212-679-0401). Tickets online at nytb.org.

WATCH
Awaji Puppet Theater Company Family Matinee
What: Puppeteers perform a series of short plays, including Dance of the Fisherman God.
Why: They’re amazing marionettes.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Where: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., b/t First & Second Aves. Tickets online at japansociety.org or 212-715-1258.