The nursery starts here

Moving from the baby's room to the child's room: how to ease this big transition

There comes a moment in a parent's life when everything changes all at once. You open the door to your baby's room and realize they're not really a baby anymore. Their crib seems tiny, their toys are overflowing, and that little voice inside whispers that it's time to expand their world . This stage is emotional , often overwhelming, but also full of magic. It marks the beginning of the transition from baby to child .

I resisted for a long time. I loved the atmosphere of her room so much: the light wood, the soft nightlight, the little music box that played every evening. But children grow up. They want to climb, explore, make their own decisions. One day, she told me she wanted a big girl bed. Two words that hit me like a gentle uppercut: “big girl.” And I understood that the time had come.

Supporting this transition means accepting that your child needs to grow up.

In this guide, I share what I've learned: my mistakes, my small victories, and the tips that make this stage smoother, for you as well as for him.

How do you know when your child is ready to move to a big bed?

A child doesn't say, "Mom, I want to make some structural changes to my room." They show it. And often very clearly: climbing out of the crib, needing more space, wanting to play in their bed as if it were a mini-living room, or simply wanting to "do things by themselves." These little signals are precious: they show that your child is gaining independence. And their room should reflect that.

The baby's room: what to keep and what to change

Do you have to change everything? No. What matters are the emotional anchors. The objects that reassure and tell your story. The wooden nightlight , the musical box that accompanies bedtimes, the baby gift box that still holds its treasures, the cuddly toys that remain the same. These are the elements that make the child feel secure when the room changes. They form the emotional thread of the cocoon.

The big moment: moving to a big bed and a big bed frame

This is the most impressive step: changing the bed . Switching to a "big kid" bed isn't just a practical matter. It's a way of saying to your child, "I see you growing up." A more stable and wider bed base gives her security and, above all, comfort. For us, the difference was immediate: she slept better, she got in and out of bed on her own, and she felt proud.

To make this transition reassuring , some small gestures make a difference: keeping the same blanket, keeping the nightlight in the same place, playing the music box on the first few nights, involving them in assembling the bed, and above all, talking a lot.

Creating a child's haven: a soft, simple and reassuring decor

A child's room shouldn't be a showroom. It should be accessible, calm, and adaptable. I made the mistake of putting too much in it: too many cushions, too many colors, too many toys. As a result, she didn't play in her room.

When I simplified things, everything changed. Children need reference points, not a catalogue. A nightlight, a personalized piggy bank to encourage independence , a few low shelves: these details are enough to create a calming atmosphere .

Thinking like a child: autonomy above all

Between the ages of two and four, children develop a tremendous need to do things independently . Their bedroom should become a playground where they can explore and act on their own. Low furniture, simple objects, stable visual cues, an accessible reading corner, and a calming atmosphere are all important. These choices are n't just aesthetic : they foster confidence, the ability to experiment, to tidy up, and to create.

Managing emotions: yours… and his

We often talk about the child's emotions. But the parent's are just as important. Moving to a nursery is like grieving the loss of the toddler. It's normal to feel a lump in your throat. For the child, the transition can bring a little excitement , a little apprehension , or even some temporary regressions .

Consistent rituals help enormously: the same light, the same music, the same story, the same reassuring phrase. Symbolic objects like the nightlight become a strong anchor.

The key takeaway: growing up is a journey

The nursery tells your little one's story. It evolves with them, gently. This transition from baby to child is a stage you go through together. Your role is to create a space where they feel free, secure, and capable.

A big kid's room is first and foremost a place where your child feels comfortable, free and at home, while still retaining some of the sweetness of their early years.