When you first have a baby and you bring them home, there is usually a lot of thought, time, and effort put into making that nursery or first bedroom space for them. It typically revolves around cutesy items and even soothing colours that will relax babies, but it doesn’t often ooze personality. As they get a little older and start to reach the toddler stage of one to three years, their personality really develops, they form their own likes and dislikes, and suddenly that nursery you first decorated may no longer suit them, their interests, and their needs.
Here, we will take a look at ways that you can transition from a baby nursery into a bedroom space that is comfortable and inspiring for your toddler. The goal is to not only create a fun looking space, but create a bedroom that they feel is their own, and that will prompt them to be independent and want to spend time in there.
Consider Purchasing a Toddler Bed
While a cot may still be fine for your little one, for those who have toddlers in the three-year-old range, it may be time to consider purchasing a toddler bed. While there is no specific age that a child outgrows their cot, toddler beds can be a wonderful way to transition them from the cot into a “big kid bed” without it being too scary or intimidating. These styles of beds are usually low to the ground, are smaller than a single or twin-sized bed, and yet give them that feeling of having a real bed.
If you don’t want to invest in a brand-new bedframe but they have grown out of their cot, then you can always put a mattress on the floor until you feel ready to get them a full-sized bed.
Give Them Soft and Fun Bedding
Now that they have a big kid bed, you’ll want to top it off with brand new bedding. Kids tend to like soft textiles that are gentle against their skin, like Kidsco cellular blankets. You can also buy a few soft throws that are perfect for snuggling up in.
Pick a Theme Together
It can also be fun to pick a theme for their room rather than just picking up random items and décor pieces. If you are going to go down the route of a theme, you can ask your little one for their input. Sure, they may not give you the best direction, but then again, they may just have a few opinions about what they want in their room. It can at least give you some sort of place to get started.
Give the Room a Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the most impactful changes you can make in the room is to paint it a different colour. While you may have picked something soft, neutral, and soothing for the nursery, there is no need to stick with that palette now. Instead, maybe opt for something bright and fun. You can even do an accent wall or get really creative and add shapes and designs in different colours.
Let the Lighting Be Part of the Décor
Another tip is to look at lighting as part of the décor. Children ceiling lights can be a fun addition to the room, and as you browse ceiling lights for children online, you’ll quickly discover just how much variety there is. There’s a good chance you will find options that fit with your theme and/or colour palette, allowing you to tie the whole look together.
Storage Should be a Priority
While there is obviously a lot of fun and creativity that goes into designing a fresh new space for your toddler, there is also a realistic aspect. Kids are notorious for having all kinds of toys and clutter. Without proper storage, you can bet all that stuff will end up scattered over the floor in no time. Investing in good quality storage that houses all their items in a secure and child-friendly manner should be key.
Give them an Area to Play and Sit
Another great way to encourage them to use their bedroom for more than just sleeping is to create zones in the room. Give them a designated play area and a spot to sit and look at books, draw, and work on crafts. The zones can be created through the use of an area rug, shelving, a bookcase, a small table and chair, toy box, etc.
A Space They Will Race To
Each of these tips is designed to make the transition from nursery to toddler space easy, fun, and satisfying for you the parents and your little one. Making a space that your toddler wants to spend time in and feels inspired by will be a win-win for all.
