Transitioning to a Big Kid Room

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With just two and a half months to go until our family’s newest member arrives, we’ve been busy creating a new space for our firstborn. It was a real labor of love for me, as I have a passion for interior design. But as special as his new room is, I know it won’t be easy transitioning him out of the nursery and crib, both of which he loves dearly. Patience will be key, and I’m grateful we’ve given him plenty of time to adjust before his little brother joins our tribe. Here are a few of the ways we’re making the transition to a big kid room as smooth on all of us as possible…

We started by getting his new room ready a little over a month ago. I wanted it to be a familiar space that we spent lots of time before the big change. His brother is due the first week of May, so I hoped that would give him plenty of time (a little over three months) to transition fully. He is two and a half, which is also helpful because he’s becoming more and more independent every day; he’s attempting to dress himself, saying full sentences, and generally developing a better understanding of things. My husband and I knew we could help him be “ready” by moving some of his cherished things into the new room and making the space as comfortable and pleasant to spend time in as possible.

We read books in the new room, play with blocks, cuddle on his new twin bed, and make it a place he’s excited to be in by initiating play sessions and quality time there daily. All of his clothes are in the new room, and we no longer use the nursery as a place to get him dressed or change his diapers. We’ve spent about a month enjoying the room together during the day. In the coming weeks, we’ll move his crib into the room. This may not be necessary for all families, but our son really loves his crib and is attached to it, and after a failed attempt at a nap in the twin bed, we’ve agreed the best way to transition him is by bringing the crib into the new room for a few weeks. After a few successful periods of sleep in the new space, we’ll convert the crib to a toddler bed, and from there, we’ll attempt the twin bed again. After researching the topic, I’ve learned that “easy does it” is the best way to help a toddler face big changes, whether it be a big kid bed, potty-training, or other milestones. We’ve been working on potty-training, but we won’t get serious with that until after the transition to not overwhelm him with change.

What’s most important is that he doesn’t feel that he’s been “pushed out” of his crib and nursery to make room for his little brother. Ideally, he’ll feel right at home in his new room for several weeks before the baby arrives.

We’re taking it a day at a time!

As for the room itself, I wanted it to have a relaxed, comfortable feel with soft textures, fun colors, and meaningful touches to make him feel right at home. Here’s a mini-tour of our new favorite spot in the house!

I’m not into themes or overly-designed spaces. I took the less-is-more approach, emphasizing colors, textures, and a fun bohemian/vintage feel. Many of the pieces were found on Etsy or CraigsList. I stuck with a soft gray on the walls and let the accessories and art do the talking.

We used the Ribba pictures ledges from Ikea to display his favorite books.

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My son loves his comfy indigo floor cushions, and I love how the colorful, vintage, woven rug (an Etsy find!) adds such liveliness to the space.

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I framed four of his finger paintings, which he loves pointing out to visitors. He’s very proud of his artwork!

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A few of his favorite things on display.

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The bedding is white, so I’d have flexibility with throws and pillows, etc. I also think there’s nothing more inviting than a bed layered in bright white buttery-soft textures. Baskets are our best friends for organizing stuffed animals, Legos, and other toys!

I’d love to hear your tips and tricks for transitioning your toddlers to big kid rooms! Wish us luck!

3 COMMENTS

  1. 1) Bo’s roomlooks like it could be in a beautiful catalog! Gorgeous. 2) I really like the multicolor rug you went with, as opposed to a neutral one. Perfect for the color palette of the room. Good luck with the transition!

  2. Great read! In my experience it’s always an exciting transition especially when a younger sibling is joining the family. Good luck!

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