Tips for Moving a Toddler into Their Own Room

There are many transitions for you to manage in your child’s life, including moving from a crib to a proper bed. However, one factor that often doesn’t get discussed as much but is necessary is when children move into their own room. 

This might come when you move them from your bedroom into their own space or when you move home and have more area or need to move them when a sibling is on the way. No matter when and how this comes about, it’s helpful to know some tips for easing this transition in your toddler’s life. 

Do Things Gradually

Firstly, it can help if you transition your child into their own room gradually, over time. Have them spend more and more hours in the space over a few weeks so they grow comfortable in it. You could start by playing some games or reading books in there, and then move their clothes to the closet in the room so they get dressed there. 

Start transferring over some of their favorite toys and other belongings, too. Later, go through the usual bedtime routine in the new room a few times before your child actually goes to sleep in that part of the home. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend in their new place, and it won’t feel scary and unfamiliar to them when the move-in date arrives. 

Make It Sound Exciting

Our moods easily influence toddlers, so use this fact to your advantage when it comes to getting your child ready to move into a room of their own. Whenever you talk about the space with them (do this often), do so in a fun, happy, positive way. The more you make the prospect of having their own room sound exciting, the more your little one will be keen to take it over. 

Mention how much room they’ll have to store all their belongings and to play and perhaps even plan out the new toy or other items you’ll buy for them to use in their special place once they’re all moved into it, such as a train set or dollhouse. Talk highly about how great the new room is, such as the view out to the park it offers, the loft space it has, or a big built-in closet for storage. You might mention the closeness to your bedroom it provides, too, and how grown-up children have their own rooms and how mature your child must be as a result. 

Let Your Toddler Make Some Décor Choices

Another great way to help your child settle into a new space more quickly is to let them make some décor choices. Kids love to feel involved and important, so being asked which paint colors they want for the wall, new bed and bedspread they’d like, and artwork they prefer will help them see the room as their very own and feel more invested in spending time in it. 

Let your child look online at decorating blogs and in magazines and the like for ideas and take them shopping on a special outing where you pick out some of the new pieces that will bring their room’s design all together. You might consider, too, painting one wall or a part of a wall or closet door with blackboard paint so they can draw away to their heart’s content and make some of their own art for the room. Alternatively, buy a blank canvas and give them some paints to create a masterpiece to hang in the room. 

Ensure the Room is Comfortable

For your toddler to want to spend time in their room, the space needs to be comfortable and practical. While much of this stems from the furniture and other pieces in it, you also need to consider factors such as temperature and lighting. For instance, you might install two small ceiling fans in a large bedroom or choose a single unit for a standard or compact space. 

Alternatively, utilize a reverse-cycle air conditioning unit, especially if you live in a location that gets very hot or cold. If the bedroom already has a built-in working fireplace, this can add warmth, but be sure to talk to your child about not touching the fire at any stage. If they’re only young, you may need to board up the fireplace until they’re a little older and use other options for the time being. 

As for lighting, hopefully, the room has good natural light. Plus, the space will need downlights or pendants and a floor or table lamp for reading at night and other activities. 

Many toddlers are resistant to moving from their parents’ bedroom into an area by themselves at first. However, if you work consistently and patiently to change your child’s mind and make them see the move as an exciting adventure, they’re sure to be settled into their room in no time.