5 Changes That Can Transform A Traditional Nursery To A Montessori Toddler Room
Whitney Moss
When their daughter, K, turned 20 months old, the family behind the delightful Instagram account @Our.Montessori.Journey turned her already-beautiful nursery into a Montessori toddler room.
The reasons for the transformation are inspired by the Montessori philosophy of encouraging independence in children.
K's mom, Ashley, explained, "We wanted to provide her with more freedom within her room and instill a sense of trust in her, that she can listen to her own body and be able to wake up and do things independently if she wants to, such as get out of bed and read books."
1. A Floor Bed
Prior to her floor bed, K was in a crib (above). We bought her a House Floor Bed (below). We did a lot with K to help prepare her for the floor bed: we talked a lot about the change coming from sleeping in her crib to sleeping in a “big bed”, we read a book, printed and laminated a picture of her new bed and included her as much as we could in the process (ie. mattress shopping and taking her crib apart).
The transition overall has gone over pretty well.
One main benefit of the floor bed is that allows her the freedom to get up and wake up on her own from a nap or in the morning. Sometimes we may be busy making breakfast or washing dishes when she wakes up, and instead of her being in a crib waiting for us to get her she can enjoy a few minutes on her own either looking at books or playing with something she chooses from her shelf.
2. A Self-Care Area
In her new room, we included a wardrobe, mirror, and self-care station.
We love how having everything at her level allows us to easily involve her and have her help with her morning and bedtime routines (picking clothes, getting dressed, putting away dirty clothes, turning on the sound machine, and turning off the light)
The "Before" photo below shows a more adult-centered dressing station. The wall decor is at adult eye-level and the changing table is designed for a baby. The Montessori approach suggests toddlers can stand for diaper changes to take a more active role in their self-care and transition to toilet learning.
3. Reading Nook
We wanted her to feel that it was her space and designed for her.
Before, there was a nursing chair for reading together. Now, K can select books and get into a seated position on her own.
4. Activities on a low shelf
The independence and helpfulness that the Montessori method encourages has been great for her development. Being our first child, we don’t have anything to compare it to but she seems to be a curious little girl with a big heart.
K is playing with the Bolt Board from Monti Kids Level 6 Montessori Toy Box
5. Low Art Work
Placing wall art at a child's eye level conveys that this space is designed for them.
A huge thanks to @Our.Montessori.Journey for sharing these beautiful photos with us. Psst... they have a new baby and we'll being showing off their Montessori nursery soon!
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The "Before" photo below shows a more adult-centered dressing station. The wall decor is at adult eye-level and the changing table is designed for a baby. The Montessori approach suggests toddlers can stand for diaper changes to take a more active role in their self-care and transition to toilet learning.
A huge thanks to @Our.Montessori.Journey for sharing these beautiful photos with us. Psst... they have a new baby and we'll being showing off their Montessori nursery soon!
