Let’s take a look at how we arrange our toddler’s small and simple bedroom to encourage his independence and self-sufficiency, starting when he had just turned 1 year old.
Back when my son was about to turn one year old, my husband and I decided to do a DIY makeover for his bedroom. Prior to that, he had been sleeping in the same room with us. However, as he was gradually transitioning into toddlerhood, we felt it was the right time for him to have his own space to sleep and play in. Much of the makeover was inspired by the Montessori approach, which I found to be meaningful and helpful.
When I was first preparing for my baby’s arrival, I didn’t know much about Montessori principles. Initially, we furnished the nursery with basic items like a crib and a daybed. However, as I learned more about Montessori and its approach, I decided to give it a try. I found that incorporating these principles into the room was a sensible and effective method that works well for our family.
4 key spots in my toddler’s bedroom that support independence:
Inspired by the Montessori approach to child development, we aimed to create a space that promotes independence, creativity, and curiosity. To achieve this, we focused on designing a child-friendly room where everything is easily accessible to our toddler.
We began by decluttering and organising the room to make it easier for him to find and use everything he needs. Our goal was to provide a nurturing yet simple and cosy environment where he can navigate independently. We selected appropriately sized furniture, such as a low-to-the-ground bed (a makeshift floor bed, more on that later) and small table and chairs, to encourage a sense of ownership and enhance his experience in his own space.
While my knowledge of Montessori is limited, I have been able to incorporate certain aspects of it into raising our child, and these have been really beneficial. With this in mind, when transforming our toddler’s bedroom, we aimed to include some Montessori-inspired elements.
Although our toddler bedroom may not be a 100% Montessori space, we selected what works best for us and integrated it in a way that aligns with our family’s needs and preferences. And since we also have limited floor space, we try to make the most of every corner.
1. Reading Corner by the Bed
My baby loooves looking at picture books and enjoys choosing them himself, especially before nap and bedtime. To make selecting and storing books fun and simple, we added some wall bookshelves by the bed. This setup not only makes book selection easier but also promotes a love of learning and early literacy in young children.
What I like about wall bookshelves is that they display the book covers, making them easily visible and accessible for small children. This setup allows toddlers to quickly pick out the books they want by seeing the colourful covers, which encourages independent reading.
This space-saving wall bookshelves that I got from Shopee is perfect for fitting the narrow extra space beside the floor bed. We placed it there because my son has a habit of reading before bedtime, making it convenient for him to choose a bedtime story. The ease of access supports his developing fine motor skills and makes handling books more manageable for his small hands
Additionally, we used the popular IKEA KURA reversible bed and hacked it into a floor bed for our toddler. A floor bed allows children to get in and out of bed on their own, promoting independence and self-sufficiency. Its low height also reduces the risk of injury from falls and helps children feel more secure. This setup supports their natural development by encouraging exploration and self-directed activity.
2. Art and Craft Corner
In one corner near the door, we set up a small art and craft area with IKEA LÄTT child-sized table and chair. This space is dedicated for our son to explore various art and craft activities, such as learning to use colouring pencils or playing with play-dough and other sensory materials.
I used IKEA BEKVÄM spice racks to store the activity and sticker books that are currently in use.
For safety, I keep supplies that require adult guidance, like glue, scissors, messy materials, and small parts, inside a cabinet and only take them out when needed. I store them in MUJI PP clear drawers to help see the contents easily. The drawers are placed at toddler height to allow my son to help choose his preferred activities under adult supervision.
3. Dress Up Corner
I added IKEA DRÖMMARE kids-safe mirror on the cabinet door and placing it on low level so my son can see himself while learning to brush teeth or dress up. I also add IKEA SKÅDIS wall pegboard to help keep stuff like his hairbrush or other small accessories within reach.
Teaching toddlers to dress and groom themselves is beneficial because it fosters independence and self-confidence. Learning these skills helps them develop fine motor skills and coordination, and it gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also instills self-care habits early on, promoting personal responsibility and making daily routines smoother for both the child and the parents.
4. Play Corner
Last but not least, we have a toy storage corner placed at toddler height to provide easy access for him to dig through his toys during playtime. I love the popular IKEA TROFAST storage because it holds a lot of toys and features a clean, simple design that’s easy to use.
By placing the toy storage at his level, we give him the opportunity to develop the habit of tidying up after playtime, which promotes a sense of responsibility. Having a designated spot for storing toys also helps keep everything neat and organised, making it easier for him to find what he wants and to put things away when he’s finished.
You can encourage kids to be self-sufficient, even in a limited space.
You don’t necessarily need a big space to encourage kids to be self-sufficient. With thoughtful organisation and strategic use of available areas, even a small home can support your child’s growth and independence.
When you create accessible, designated spots for their belongings and activities, you foster a sense of autonomy and help them navigate their environment with confidence, regardless of the size of your house.
Here’s a reel I posted on Instagram a while ago featuring a room tour of my son’s space. It will give you a better idea of how it all looks. Seeing how we’ve made the most of the limited space might spark some creative ideas for your own space.
Thank you for reading!
