Outgrown the bassinet? Teeth marks on the cot? Sounds like it’s time to upgrade from baby to big kids curtains, blinds and decor.
As parents, are we ever ready for our kids to grow up? From babies all the way to adults with their own kids, it’s a lot to take in. Here we’re just focusing on the step from babies to big kids.
There’s a lot to think about when transitioning from a nursery space into a big kid room.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on turning their baby room into their dream big kid space.
1. Kids curtains and blinds
Kids curtains and blinds are where practical and design elements meet.
If you’re redoing the blinds or curtains in your child’s room, consider things such as the amount of light entering the room, how the heaviness of the material may impact the temperature of the room and the style of window covering you want.
While curtains are generally not great for babies, they can be a lovely touch to a big kids room, adding some glam and style, especially as they grow up.
Another option is a dual blind system. This is especially good for kids rooms if you don’t want people to be able to see in during the day.
The sheer lets in light while still providing privacy, and the blockout provides the right amount of darkness during the night. If you have a child who prefers not to sleep in complete darkness, you can also adjust the amount you pull the blockout blind down at night.
Just like babies and infants, always make sure whatever window covering you choose abides by Australian safety regulations.
2. The bed
The bed is perhaps the biggest change both kids and parents face. While in a cot, the kids were trapped. Sure, some can climb out, but for the most part, they’re stuck in their cots until someone comes to rescue them. All of a sudden though, there’s freedom. Freedom to get out of bed in the middle of the night and wander into your room, or jump into your bed at the break of dawn.
When choosing the bed, think about how you’re going to use it. Bunk beds can be great for kids who share a room or for those who have sleepovers. But the top bunk bed sheets can be difficult to change, and it can be dangerous to put kids up there who can’t climb down safely on their own.
Then there’s the style of bed to decide – framed, bed with a base, bedhead, trundle, the options are endless – and the size – single, king single or double. Each option as their advantages and disadvantages and really, it boils down to personal choice.
Key here though, is choosing a bed that can grow with your child. The last thing you want to do is buy a new one in a few years time when their tastes change or as they age. And when they first go into the bed, consider how you’re going to keep them safe in there, whether it’s a bedrail, the pool noodle solution or rolling out the trundle to ensure they don’t fall onto the floor.
3. The decor
The decor should reflect your child and their interest, but again, with the ability to grow with them. Consider painting a feature wall in their favourite colour. If they have loved ones overseas, incorporate a world map in their room. Mad about construction? Use some wall decals that can easily be peeled off when they outgrow it.
If you don’t want to commit to a paint colour, or wall hangings, incorporate their interests in other ways. Use a bedspread or lay a rug on the floor that they’ll love. Also, remember to check any artwork in the room. Sometimes, we decorate nurseries with ‘cutesy’ prints. As your child grows, these will need to be updated.
Involving kids in the process of decorating and choosing items gives them ownership of their room and makes them feel included in the process.
Try to keep it as simple and neutral as possible so things are easy to change as their interests change.
Seeing your child grow from a baby to a big kid can be emotional, but changing their bedroom from baby to big kid can be pretty exciting, especially as you see their little faces light up with their brand new space.
