One of the sweetest (and most emotional) parts of motherhood is watching your baby grow—and along with them, their space grows too. I thought it would be fun to walk you through how we transitioned my daughter’s room from a cozy nursery, to a playful toddler room, and now into her vintage-inspired big girl room—with just a few thoughtful swaps along the way!

Spoiler: It doesn’t have to mean a full-blown makeover every time. A few intentional changes can completely transform a space without losing the heart of it. Let’s take a look:

Stage One: The Nursery (So Many Snuggles!)

In the beginning, her room was pure sweetness. A soft rug, an oval crib nestled under dreamy curtains, a cozy rocker for all those late-night feedings, and a basket full of stuffed animals. The palette was warm and soft, with muted pinks and natural textures. Everything felt very gentle, very "newborn bubble."

Small Swaps Tip: Focus on softness, comfort, and a calming color palette—you’ll spend lots of time here, so you want it to feel like a hug!

Stage Two: The Toddler Room (Play All Day)

As she grew, so did her need for independence. The crib dropped down to a toddler bed height (big girl vibes, but still safe!) The rug got an upgrade as we went through potty training and I opted for a playmat that looked liked a rug, but was much easier to clean.

The big pieces stayed—the rocker, the curtains, the woven textures—but the room became more about exploration and movement.

Key Swaps:

Lowered the crib or transitioned to a toddler bed
Swapped the rug to a wipeable playmat
More floor-accessible toys and books
Safety first! Make sure you attach all furniture to the wall, hide outlets, and secure cords.

Small Swaps Tip: You don’t have to change everything—just adjust a few pieces to encourage more independence and imagination.

Stage Three: The Big Girl Room (All Grown Up…Almost)

Cue the happy tears: the full-size bed made its debut! Her vintage bed and new side tables gave the room a timeless, classic feel. So much has stayed, but the furniture grew up with her.

Now, the space feels a bit more structured while still cozy for sleeping. We have a separate playroom, so if you’re wondering where all the toys are — that’s where they live!

Key Swaps: