Your baby has grown into an active toddler – their clothes are bigger, their personalities are bigger, their attitudes are unfortunately bigger (those terrible 2’s or threenagers), but their nursery needs are starting to become smaller. As your child grows, the space can function more for them, rather than for your constant care. 

There are certainly some areas that spill over from the infant nursery, but the essentials start to shift. In part 2 of this series, we’re talking to those of you looking to transition your infant nursery for a toddler. We’ve compiled a short list in each category that should fit the needs of your little one.

Sleeping

This category doesn’t change too much from the infant nursery. If you’ve bought a transitional crib, you may adjust it to make a toddler bed. Otherwise, you may consider swapping the crib for a new toddler bed. For sleeping you’ll need:

• Crib or toddler bed - Kibou’s pick: Nestig Wave crib - from mini crib to toddler bed all in one
• Mattress - Kibou’s pick: Naturepedic organic--no off-gassing 
• 2-4 fitted crib sheets - Kibou’s pick: Quickzip easy zip-on sheets
• Small comforter
• Bed rail
• Lamp or dimming light - Kibou’s pick: Hatch Rest - programmable night light that doubles as a noise machine
• Optional: Nightlight or noise machine - Kibou’s pick: Dohm Classic

Diapering (As Needed)

This is the age where babies start to potty train, and you may be able to remove this from the nursery as they go through toddlerhood. If not, you’ll still need:

• Changing table OR changing pad for dresser (if they still fit on it)- Kibou’s Pick: Keekaroo - wipeable changer
• For dresser: fill drawers with diapers, wipes, cream
• For changing table: basket for diapers, wipes, cream
• Optional: Diaper pail - Kibou’s pick: Ubbi-steel canister doesn’t absorb odors like plastic

Clothing

By now, you’ve seen the need for keeping a donation bin in the room. Your child has likely moved up at least four sizing categories since they first arrived. Clothing needs remain mostly the same as infants except now you have to worry more about shoes! For clothing you’ll need:

• For closets: Hang clothes by size
• For dresser: Organize drawers by category and size - Kibou’s pick: OXO drawer dividers and Mari Kondo folding method for little clothes
• Donation bin
• Optional: Hanging shelf or door organizer or shelf for shoes

Books & Toys

Your toddler is now in full toy-loving mode and keeping them from taking over your house can be a challenge. Your little one is now able to flip through books on his or her own, and may appreciate a little space to enjoy “reading.” For books & toys, you’ll need:

• Basket or toy bin - Kibou's Pick: Pehr Pom Baskets
• Donation bin
• Small bookshelf 
• Optional: Small seating area, table or desk

As your toddler grows, the nursery adjusts to reflect her or her interests and personality. You may start swapping decor, toys and books to his or her liking. But the essentials for the toddler nursery are the same – it has to serve a purpose or it’s got to go (those donation bins are crucial)! Less = more – that’s our parenting philosophy at Kibou where our diaper bags were created for the minimalist parent.

Up next: transitioning the toddler nursery into a big kid bedroom.

Also, see our picks for infant nursery essentials. 

Photos courtesy of Cottonbro via Pexels