It’s bittersweet when your baby turns into a little boy or girl, and ultimately outgrows the nursery you spent lots of time and energy designing. A nursery is more that just your baby’s room, it’s a symbol of your love, a memory of your furious nesting phase, and a snapshot of that brief period in your child’s life where they relied on you for everything. Sooner than later, you will realize that you no longer need the changing table, glider and crib and it’s time to start transitioning to a toddler and big kid room. The great news is you don’t have to change your child’s entire room all at once to start the transformation from a nursery to a toddler room. You also don’t have to spend a lot of money to do it! We’ve gathered up a handful of easy ways you can start the change from nursery to big kid room in no time flat.
Source: Ikea
1. Plan & Purchase Transitional Furniture
This is a tip for those of you who’ve yet to complete your nursery shopping or those who would like to make your next furniture purchase last longer than a year or two in your child’s room. Furniture can be expensive, and no one wants to buy something that has a short lifespan, like a changing table. Instead of buying an item that has 1 use only, consider purchasing furniture that can change with your child. For example, purchase a dresser that can be simply adorned with a changing pad, instead of both a dresser and a changing table. When the time comes that you no longer need a changing table, you can simply toss the changing pad and decorate the top of your dresser! When you’re searching for furniture, be careful not to spend an exorbitant amount of money thinking “this will last my child until college.” Chances are, styles and your child’s taste and preferences will change often over the next 18 years and they most likely won’t want to be using their nursery room bookshelf when they’re 16.
Source: LandOfNod.com
2. A New Bed
Nothing says toddler like a cute toddler bed, but you can also just upgrade directly to a twin. Removing the crib will give your child’s room an immediate mature feeling. You may have a crib that changes to a toddler bed, which will save you time and money since you don’t need to purchase anything new. Be sure to select a bed that your big kid is excited about sleeping in, and you should try and avoid buying anything too “cutesy” that they will outgrow emotionally within a year or so (think: a cartoon themed bed).
Source: Etsy
3. Artwork
If you outfitted the nursery with baby themed decor, then it’s time to swap out some of the artwork for more big kid themed pieces. Etsy is a great source of artwork ideas, like this adorable print that is both gender and age neutral. Another great option is to use vinyl, removable stickers. You can do large pieces like trees or jungle themes, or take a more modern approach and cover an entire wall in hearts or triangles. They can be easily removed if you mess up while applying or just when your child no longer likes them.
Related Images:
Karly Wood
Latest posts by Karly Wood (see all)
- Summer Chore Charts To Keep The Kids Busy - July 9, 2026
- 8 Family-Friendly Vegetarian Dinner Recipes - May 21, 2026
- 15 Wonderful White Kitchens to Inspire Your Dream Home Design - January 14, 2019
