Think your baby’s outgrowing their nursery? If they’re attempting to climb over the crib rails, physically outgrowing the length of their crib mattress, or showing signs of potty training readiness, perhaps it’s time to turn their space into a proper child’s bedroom. Most toddlers between the ages of 2.5 and 3.5 are ready to transition to a kids’ bedroom, and some of them will actively ask for one as they feel that they’re ready for this major milestone.
Some parents have a difficult time planning a room makeover as they’re overwhelmed with things like choosing the right paint colours, furniture, and decorative materials for the space. According to interior designer Jeremiah Brent, parents should aim to combine function with aesthetics since this room is not only for their children, but also for them since they’ll be spending a lot of time in there. “Create rooms that feel soft and sophisticated, but that also have the practicality for childhood,” he advises. If your toddler’s ready for a big kid room, here’s how to turn their nursery into a space that they’ll love.
Switch Out the Crib for a Real Bed
The crib will be the first thing to go while you’re outfitting the room, so once it’s dismantled and put away, evaluate the available space to know the right size bed for your little one. If you want to ease the transition from the crib, choose a standard toddler bed, which measures 70cm x 140cm, and it’s best for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. Want a bed that your child can use for a few more years? Get a junior bed with a wooden bed frame, which is about 70cm x 160cm. This gives your child a bit more room to grow while still being low to the ground, and it’s suitable for kids ages 2 to 8 years old. Choose a bed with partial, half length side rails to prevent your child from accidentally rolling off the bed at night while still allowing them to climb in and out without assistance.
Apart from size, there are other things that you’ll need to consider when choosing a toddler bed. First, check if the wood is finished with natural,chemical-free sealers or stains, or non-toxic water-based paints. There’s always a possibility that your curious toddler will gnaw on the rails, so don’t hesitate to ask about the paint or varnish used on the bed to protect your child’s health. Next, see to it that the railing has gaps that are spaced according to safety guidelines. Ideally, the slats should be no more than 6cm apart to prevent entrapment. You’ll also want to ensure that the mattress has a snug fit, with no gaps around the edges. Pick a firm, breathable mattress that’s about 10 to 15cm inches thick for comfort.
Make Space for Play and Recreation
If you’ve got a glider or a big armchair in the room, remove it to free up space in the middle for play. Install low pile, wall-to-wall carpeting, or cover sections of a hard floor with interlocking foam mats to create a cushioned surface in case of tumbles and falls. To create a dedicated zone for reading, crafting, or colouring, place a non-slip rug in one corner of the room to define the space, then equip it with a bookcase and a child-sized table and chair. Ensure that the bookcase is facing forward and low enough so that your child can easily grab books on their own, and add one or two more chairs to the zone to accommodate siblings or same-age cousins and friends.
Keep it Tidy and Safe
Your child is going to be a lot more active and curious at this stage, so prioritise safety to prevent accidents and injuries. Make sure that heavy furniture like bookcases and dressers are anchored to the wall to prevent tip overs, and see to it that lamp cords and blind cords are out of reach. Better yet, replace window treatments with cordless window coverings, and install wall-mounted lighting fixtures to keep the light out of reach. Protect early walkers and crawlers by applying cushioned corner protectors to sharp furniture edges, like low tables or toy chests. Don’t forget to cover unused wall sockets with lockable plug covers, and place a sturdy baby gate in the doorway to keep your child safely in their room.
Expect that your child will make a lot of mess in their room as they play and explore, so teach them to clean up after themselves once they’re done playing. To encourage them to tidy up, provide open bins for toys, and have a low basket somewhere in the room where they can place their dirty clothes, plus low hooks on the walls to hang jackets and hats. If they love picking out their own clothes, keep their favourite clothing items inside bottom drawers so they can easily put together outfits without making a mess.
Your child is growing up, so prepare a space for them to comfortably learn, rest, and play. Try these tips to turn your nursery into a kids’ bedroom, and create a place that your little one will treasure for years to come.
