Tips for creating the perfect toddler room

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Tips for creating the perfect toddler room

Transitioning your little one from a baby to toddler sleep space is a big milestone - for them and for you! Their room now needs to do more than just cradle them through those early months. It becomes a space for play, independence, safety, and of course, sleep (lots of it, hopefully!).

Here’s how to create a toddler room that balances comfort, practicality and longevity, with a few BabyRest favourites to support you along the way.

1. Choose furniture that grows with them

Toddlers grow faster than you can say, “Where’s your other sock?”, so choosing furniture that adapts right alongside them is one of the best investments you can make. Think beyond the baby years: a cot that becomes a junior bed, or a chest of drawers that still looks beautiful when they’re in highschool. Choosing pieces that grow with your child also helps them feel secure during big transitions, like moving out of their cot for the first time.

Look for:

  • Convertible cots with the option to add a junior bed rail.

  • Storage pieces that remain practical beyond the toddler stage.

  • Low furniture that encourages independence and confidence.

  • Timeless design made of quality, durable materials like solid timber.

Shop BabyRest:

  • Amara junior bed - a low-profile design that helps toddlers climb in and out safely, while feeling like a ‘big kid’ upgrade.

  • BabyRest cots with junior bedrail options - a smart (and cost-effective) way to extend your cot’s life while still feeling familiar to your little one.

Read Is my toddler ready for a junior bed? → 

Read 4 Convertible nursery essentials →  

2. Prioritise safe, sound sleep

A solid night’s sleep is the secret ingredient to happier days - for both toddlers and parents alike - affecting their growth, mood and learning. Their sleep space should evolve with them, offering the right balance of comfort and safety. Choosing age-appropriate sleep essentials makes bedtime smoother and gives you peace of mind well into the night.

Think about:

  • A supportive mattress designed for their developmental stage.

  • Simple bedding that’s easy to wash.

  • Natural fibres like bamboo and wool for breathability and natural temperature regulation

  • Introducing a toddler pillow only when they’re old enough (usually after age 2).

Shop BabyRest:

Read 10 tips to make your nursery safer →

‘Been there, done that’ parenting hack: Try layering two waterproof mattress protectors with a fitted sheet on top. If there’s a middle-of-the-night accident, you can peel off the top layer and still have a clean, dry bed ready to go - no full bed remake required at 2am.

A playful sage toddler room, featuring the BabyRest Amara Junior Bed & Library, Nova Change Mat and Aster Nappy Bin

3. Create a space that inspires play & independence

One of the biggest joys of toddlerhood is watching your child learn to do things themselves, and their room can help encourage that. When spaces are set up with toddler-height access and clear ‘yes’ zones, little ones can play, explore, and take part in daily routines independently. This not only builds confidence but also helps reduce power struggles (because choosing their own shirt is everything at this age).

Set the room up to support independence with:

  • Low shelves, baskets and bins for books and toys, so toddlers can make their own choices.

  • Accessible storage for everyday items like clothes and shoes.

  • Defined zones - like a soft rug for building towers or a special tent for quiet reading, in addition to a safe sleep space.

Shop BabyRest:

  • Amara Library - child-height shelving that lets toddlers explore books and pick their own storytime adventure. From baby books to school trophies and knick-knacks, it’s designed to grow with your little one.

  • Celeste Electric Nursery Chair - the perfect bedtime story companion

‘Been there, done that’ parenting hack: When offering choices (like bedding or clothes), keep it simple with two parent-approved options. That way, your toddler feels empowered without ending up in tears if you veto their pick of Christmas pyjamas for a day at the beach.

4. Think practical for everyday life

Toddlers bring so much joy, but they also bring a lot of chaos! From the endless snack requests to the daily outfit changes, a practical room setup can make life feel less overwhelming. Think about what will help the whole household function more smoothly.

Ideas include:

  • Storage solutions your toddler can help with, like baskets for toys or low drawers for clothes.

  • Rounded corners and soft-close drawers to make middle-of-the-night routines a little less hazardous.

  • A plan for travel, because holidays, weekends away and visits to grandparents can go awry for everyone if your little one is not comfortable or sleeping well..

Shop BabyRest:

  • Journey 2-in-1 Travel Cot - lightweight, portable, and designed for safe, familiar sleep (or supervised play) no matter where life takes you. The travel bag’s backpack straps also make getting from A to Z while running after a toddler much easier!

‘Been there, done that’ parenting hack: Keep a small basket of dedicated ‘quiet play’ toys in the room - like puzzles, books or soft toys to help signal that it’s time to start winding down before bed. Rotating toys can also help keep old toys feeling exciting.

5. Keep safety top of mind

As toddlers become little explorers, their room needs to be just as safe as it is inspiring. A few small adjustments now can help your child play and learn (and maybe sneak a midnight wander) without any mishaps or need for worry.

Key safety checks include:

  • Anchoring furniture to walls to prevent tipping.

  • Securing cords and using cordless blinds where possible.

  • Storing small or breakable items out of reach.

Shop BabyRest:

Read the full list of tips to make your nursery safer →

‘Been there, done that’ parenting hack: See the world from their point of view. Kneel down and look around the room at toddler-height before you transition them to their ‘big kid’ room - you’ll often spot potential hazards you might have missed standing up.


Final touches: Make it feel like theirs

Finally, add personality. Toddlers may be little, but they have BIG opinions, and they love to feel proud of ‘their’ space. Giving them a sense of ownership helps the room feel special, which can make transitions like bedtime or getting changed that little bit smoother.

Whether it’s a favourite colour scheme, a cute night light or a playful wall decal, giving toddlers a say in the little details can make their room feel truly theirs. When they feel a sense of ownership, they’re far more likely to embrace the space for playtime, story-time, and, hopefully, bedtime too. (Or at least, that’s the dream, right?!)


A pastel toddler room, featuring the BabyRest Juno Cot & Chest, Celeste Electric Nursery Chair, Nova Change Mat & Aster Nappy Bin

Meet BabyRest: Designed by parents, for parents

At BabyRest, we know that nothing swells the heart more than the sight of a sleeping baby. As parents ourselves, we pour our hearts into crafting beautiful, practical and safe furniture to support your family’s journey.

For generations, our family business has been dedicated to developing products that enhance better sleep and peace of mind. From our premium, award-winning mattresses, to our thoughtfully designed nursery furniture, we create pieces built to last, tested over and above industry standards, and designed with both beauty and function in mind.

With BabyRest, you can rest assured that your nursery is not only a blissful haven for your little one, but also a space designed for longevity and safety.

BabyRest has a team of passionate expert representatives. Get in touch with us today with any questions about nursery sleep essentials - or even product maintenance advice. We’re here to help you create the ultimate space for your little one.


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