How to Transform Your Nursery Into a Toddler Room
6 minute read
Your baby is a toddler! Can you believe it?
Those early newborn days may feel like years ago as you watch your little one fearlessly run around the house, explore new hideaway spaces, and express themselves with great exuberance!
The toddler years come with so many new exciting milestones, including transitioning out of the nursery! And while your child doesn’t have to physically change rooms, it can be helpful to clear out some of their outgrown baby items to make room for your independent little one.
But finding the time and energy to transform your toddler’s room can be a little challenging when you’re keeping up with a little one that is constantly on the go.
That’s why we wanted to share our favorite tips and tricks to help you transition your child’s nursery into a wonderful toddler room that will support their learning, development, and independence well beyond their toddler years. Let’s take a look!
Convert Your Toddler’s Crib or Get a Toddler Bed
Photo of dadada Baby’s Muse Toddler Bed
Perhaps the most exciting part of changing your little one’s nursery into a proper toddler room is transforming their crib into a toddler bed! Most toddlers make the switch sometime between 18 months and 3 years old according to the Sleep Foundation.
And while this change may feel intimidating, many cribs come with a conversion kit making it super easy to swap out one of the crib’s sides for a toddler bed rail. The toddler rail lets your little one climb in and out of their bed while still protecting them at night.
But if your child is getting too big for their crib or is starting to ask for a big-kid bed…it may be time to get your toddler a true toddler bed. A toddler bed is low to the ground and has safety rails on each side to give your little one more freedom of movement in and out of their bed.
We love the high-quality and modern design of dadada Baby’s Muse Toddler Bed — making it a perfect first toddler bed for your little one.
Refresh Your Toddler’s Bedding
To complete the “big-kid” bed refresh, swap out your toddler’s nursery crib sheets for some fresh, new bedding!
Your toddler’s bedding is a great opportunity to allow their unique personality to shine through. Maybe you want to feature your little one’s name, their favorite color, animal or nature theme…
You can keep it simple by upgrading your little one’s sheets. Or go above and beyond with a toddler pillow or new personalized blanket! Whether you’re converting your toddler’s crib or using a toddler bed — both usually use a crib-size mattress (but make sure to check your furniture’s instruction manual!).
Your toddler will be so surprised and happy to see their beautiful, new bed!
Swap Out Your Changing Table for a Dresser
Photo of Soho 5-Drawer Dresser
As your days of changing diapers draw to a close…Consider upgrading your toddler space by repurposing your changing table or swapping it out for a new dresser. Your little one may be getting too big to fit on top (and could be nearing the maximum weight limit of your changing table!).
Many parents take this opportunity to get a big-kid dresser to store all your little one’s clothes, toys, and other bathtime/bedtime essentials. Your child may end up using this dresser well into their teenage years, so take your time finding one that fits your space, aesthetic and storage needs.
Pro Tip: Store items you’d like your child to access in the lower drawers. That way, as your child grows and begins to dress themselves, they’ll enjoy being able to find all the clothing items they need all on their own!
If you’re not quite ready to get a dresser yet, that’s ok! You can always repurpose your changing table. If you have a changing top on your changing table, remove it and use the top for storage and to display fun decor items. Use storage baskets on open shelves to organize all your little one’s items.
Create More Open Space
As your little one becomes more mobile…it won’t be long before they’re zooming around the house! Needless to say, they’ll need more space for all their toddling, running, stomping and jumping.
If you live in a small home or your child’s bedroom doubles as a playroom — you’ll want to maximize all the space you can in your little one’s room.
Now may be the time to move out your bulky rocking chair or glider to create more floor space. Get rid of the diaper pail and other unused nursery items if you can. You can even forgo a dresser/changing table if your child’s room has a large closet, opting to change your little one on the bed or a soft rug on the floor.
Use the newly found space in your toddler’s room to create a small play area or reading nook that will entertain your little one for hours!
Personalize Your Toddler’s Room Decor
As you’re moving things around your child’s room, you may find that you’re ready to refresh some of the decor in the space. This is a great opportunity to finally get around to some of the details you didn’t quite get to while you were pregnant and preparing your child’s nursery.
Maybe you’d like to paint a cute accent wall, hang new curtains, get some comfy floor pillows, or a new rug.
It can also be fun to involve your child in the process! Let them pick out fun accent items for their bookshelves. Or go all out and take inspiration from their interests to create a colorful and fun decor theme for the whole space!
Our favorite wall decor? A personalized name sign! There are so many fun styles, colors, and themes to choose from.
Swap Out Nursery Items for Developmentally Appropriate Toys
Photo of Babies in Bloom Toys
The rattles, teethers, and other baby toys that once fascinated your little one may be starting to gather dust as your child gravitates toward new toys that match their current interests and development.
That’s why this is a great time to clear out all the unused baby toys that are taking up valuable space in your little one’s room. This will make it much easier for your child to play with the toys that they enjoy — stimulating their imagination, creativity and senses.
And you may find that you even have room for a few new toys to boost your child’s development and learning. Looking for the perfect toy your little one will love? Shop the Boutique by your child’s age — 2 years old, 3 years old, 4 years old, and over 5.
Store Toys & Toddler-safe Items at Your Child’s Level
Photo of dadada Baby Muse Bookshelf
As your baby becomes a toddler and then a child, they’ll also become more independent and able to play, get themselves dressed, or ready for bed…all on their own! This is a great time to rethink the storage in your little one’s room so that they can easily access what they need.
As you reorganize your child’s nursery, display your toddler’s favorite toys and books at their eye-level. (We love using the Muse Bookshelf to make sure everything is accessible!)
Keep your little one’s clothing and accessories (hats, shoes, jackets, etc.) within arm’s reach so that they can easily dress themselves or get ready for bedtime. Use the lower drawers of a dresser, floor storage baskets, and hooks at their height.
Baby-Proof Your Toddler’s Room
While not the most exciting part of transforming your nursery into a true toddler-friendly space…baby-proofing is one of the most important jobs as a parent. Your child will be spending more and more independent time in their room and you want them to be totally safe in their space.
Cover up all the electrical outlets and power cords. Secure heavy furniture to the wall. Tie up blind cords, pennant banners, or decor that has hanging strings or beads.
Store any sharp or “adult only” objects far out of reach from your child — either on a high shelf or a baby-proofed drawer. Make sure all creams, lotions, ointments, and medicine are locked or stored in a different location.
It can be helpful to get down on your child’s level to see things from their perspective! You may surprise yourself by catching some things that you need to move or remove from your child’s space that you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.
Need More Guidance Transitioning Your Nursery to a Toddler Room?
Transitioning out of the newborn phase and into their toddler years is such a fun stage in your child’s life! But we know how overwhelming it can feel to transition your little one’s room into a toddler-friendly space.
If there’s an item or two you need to transform your child’s space, head on over to the Babies in Bloom Boutique! Our curated selection of parent-tested, family-favorite furniture, toys, and toddler gear will help you to check all the boxes for a perfect toddler room.
And if you start to feel stuck, take a deep breath, and remember: the hard work you’re doing to create a toddler-friendly environment is one of the best ways you can support your little one’s learning and development during this time.
You’ve got this!
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)
