Youโre not sure how it happened, but here you are; contemplating your life as the parent of a toddler. The time since your child was born seems to have whizzed past with alarming speed, and now your baby is growing up– and your home needs to adapt to keep up.
While it can be tough saying goodbye to the nursery you raised your baby in, this transition is the start of an exciting new phase in your — and your little oneโs — life. Thereโs also no doubt that this is a transition thatโs necessary; the needs of babies and toddlers are very different, and what sufficed 18 months ago is likely to now be unsuitable for your current needs.
So how can you switch your nursery into the perfect bedroom for a toddler, but preferably without breaking the bank to do it?
#1 – Focus On The Mattress, Not The Bed
A novelty bed is always fun, but thereโs no doubt the fun factor tends to come at a premium. While this may be an area you want to explore in the future, for the moment, focus on ensuring that your toddler has a mattress that is comfortable, supportive, and safe. Compared to the mattress, the bed base itself is rather irrelevant.
Finding a good deal on a mattress tends to take a little work, but if youโre prepared to shop around, then youโll be able to take advantage of the cheaper mattress ideas that are out there. You also want to think about the financial implications of the future; do you want to buy a toddler bed and mattress, or transition your little one into a single bed that will suit them into their teenage years? Many parents do the latter, complete with a guardrail of course, and find it suits them well. Spending more on a good mattress for a single bed now might save you a fortune in the future, as there is no need to change again in a few years time.
#2 – Add A Rug
Rugs are great for toddler bedrooms, provided you install a rug gripper to prevent any unfortunate slips. As your child is now crawling and intrigued by the world, they are going to need as much support and comfort as possible. A good, thick rug that is easy to clean will also help the room as a whole look more โgrown upโ, so your child is likely to love this change.
The best time to buy rugs is during sales seasons, when they can be discounted considerably. You may also want to try this homemade solution for a rug gripper rather than buying a specialized, and often expensive, version.
#3 – Swap Your Mobile For A Night Light
Many young children are afraid of the dark, so buying a night light to help provide a little comfort is a good idea. If your child is okay with the change, you can swap out their mobile and replace it with a ceiling-mounted night light that can offer that valuable reassurance during the night-time hours.
If your mobile is still in good condition, you could always consider selling it, then putting the money raised towards a great night light that will last for years.
In Conclusion
As tough as it may be, transforming your nursery into a toddlerโs bedroom is one of the key moments of your childโs development. If you keep the above three principles in mind, then you should be able to make the change while saving yourself money in the process– perfect!