A newborn requires a lot of attention and keeps parents so busy they lose track of time. Next thing you know, the newborn is called an infant. Then, in what seems almost like overnight, the infant becomes a toddler. Children over 18 months old are clearly expressing their interests, while running around and seemingly getting into everything. One of the first things on the list of things-to-do is toddler-proof the bedroom. The second thing is updating the nursery decorations to reflect the interests of the growing child
Decorate the Walls Once
Some parents keep the toddler years in mind when they first set up the nursery. That makes the transition from infant to toddler much easier. If that is the strategy you choose to employ, it is necessary to keep the older and more mobile child in mind whenever you choose nursery items. For example, you will want to avoid anything that is breakable, if accessible by the toddler. Instead of glass knick-knacks on the dresser, you can hang personalized wall tiles that a young child cannot reach.
In fact, hanging wall art is one of the best ways to decorate a nursery that will become a toddler room. Baby Artwork can brighten any room for an infant, turning blank walls into cheerful ones. Artwork personalized with the baby’s name can then be used to introduce the child to letters. This type of nursery décor also makes a great gift because it is practical, useful and long serving.
Along the same lines as artwork are personalized picture frames that can be hung on the wall. Picture frames that have the baby’s name painted on it can be updated with newer pictures as the baby grows.
Able to Withstand Climbing and Pounding
Furniture designed to withstand toddler use includes storage bins, hampers, stools, chairs, potty chairs, and table and chairs. Choosing the right furniture for a child that is sure to be rough on it means buying items that will not easily fall apart. You can count on a toddler climbing on a stool or pounding on the table and chairs. Other than the crib needed for the infant, it is important to avoid buying furniture for the nursery that is not sturdy enough to handle a toddler. Otherwise, you will have to replace furniture shortly before the infant starts walking.
Creating storage space is another good idea. Hampers are ideal for storing clothes the infant or toddler outgrows. The clothes can eventually be donated to a charity or passed on to an expecting family member or friend. Of course, every nursery and toddler room needs a toy box. A toy box can easily hold infant toys first and then eventually hold toddler toys.
Look Ahead From the Beginning
As you prepare the nursery for a new arrival, think in terms of a baby that can walk, talk, grab items off the dresser, and open drawers and lids. Then think about what the toddler child will need versus the infant. That will influence the nursery décor and the choice of furniture and storage units. The nursery can easily transition to a toddler room with a little advance planning.
