September 2015 Moms

Thoughts on new bedroom for daughters and indoor swing

Hi all.  Just wanted some thoughts, suggestions, ideas for the new bedroom I created for my two daughters, ages 11 months and 3 years old.  I am a single dad and have them for half of the week. Some of the things I did that the pictures may not reveal--colorful interactive carpet, child size art desk with all kinds of art supplies-crayons, soft colored pencils, coloring books, etc. reachable bookshelf with fun books, both beds feature underneath storage, tv with a dvd player-only for dvd movies, fun wall decor, baby monitor, colorful toy bins filled with fun stuff, train set.  All plugs have been blocked off with outlet boxes.  All electrical cords have been secured to prevent any strangling hazards.  Child's flip switch night light next to the 3 year old's bed, also motion activated night lights near the exit of the room.  I got a sound machine that uses slides and projects fun images on the wall.  Because it is an open space loft, the bedroom didnt have a door so I had a professionally installed blockout style hanging drape as the separating door.  The drape works well as it provides an easy and safe exit/entry and rules out the kids from locking themselves in or closing a door on their fingers.  The only thing i would like to add is a wall mounted baby changing table.  Thoughts? Suggestions?  I also added a picture of the swing I made for them.  It hangs off of my loft bed.  The bed has a 2000lb weight limit with no sway and is aircraft aluminum.  Each swing strap has a 500lb weight limit.  The full bucket seat is the same found in any playground.  The weight of my 3 year old is approx 25 lbs.  Swing area is free of any obstruction.

Re: Thoughts on new bedroom for daughters and indoor swing

  • It looks like a really cute space for them. A couple suggestions: get rid of the tv, even if it is just for dvd's, you want that to be something you do together as a family. You also want to encourage imaginative play and a tv in the bedroom will mess that up and you don't want them to be dependent on falling asleep with a tv.

    I would also keep the crayons and colored pencils as a supervised activity for now or you are likely to have art work on the walls, the desk, ect. 

    I would skip the changing table because you won't be using it for very long and it becomes a fall hazard for a very wiggly 11 month old, not to mention the 3 year old climbing on it and she will. 

    Also do you have a baby gate at the top of your loft stairs? You may also want one to separate your room from theirs. It looks like there is a lot of stuff in your room that 2 toddlers would love to get into. 
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  • Thanks Misslizz.  The tv hasnt been used and if it does, it would be very seldom.  I use the sound machine for them to fall asleep to, sometimes with the visual wall slides but more often just the sound.  Has been working well.

    Haha..yes.  Art projects we do together or supervised.  However, the thought of painting the walls with a chalkboard paint does come to mind.  Have at it girls!

    Good point on the changing table.  I'm going to skip that. 

    No stairs in the loft, just a ladder to my loft bed that has a prevention piece at that bottom of it to prevent climbing.  Anything outside of their room has been childproofed--tip over protection for large items, electrical cables and outlets protected, etc The place would win an OSHA award for safety.
  • Lurker from October 2015. I think the room is amazing!! Good job Dad!!
  • Oh sweet.  Thank you.  It is pretty much done.  Here is a vid clip of the swing in action that I attached to my loft bed. 
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/gdom6jywlpqrh5h/20160731_160923.mp4?dl=0
    When the swing isn't in use, we add sheets to the outside perimeter and instant clubhouse!  Just added a mailbox to my dresser.  Had to get a real one as the kid ones were not really good quality.  I did take the time to file any sharp edges that may have been apparent on it.

  • I need you to come work on my sons room next! Looks great to me! Good job. 
  • Great job @Happydad ! It's wonderful to see a single dad so involved & putting forth so much effort; single parents don't get near enough credit! Bravo to you! 
  • The room looks amazing! I agree with skipping the change table. We rarely use ours now, and will be getting rid of it in a few months when LO moves in with her sister (she's with me until she sleeps a longer stretch, my 3.5yo doesn't nap so I don't want her to lose sleep).
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Really cute room, you obviously love your girls!  One thing my DH mentioned when I wanted to do a wall in chalkboard paint was that it might teach the baby its ok to color on the walls before she can really distinguish the difference... (Yes I know, he's a kill joy but he makes a valid point...)
  • @mrsmctaggart6

    That happened to my aunt. She had a wall that was specially for my cousins to color on, except they didn't quite get it and colored all of the other walls in the house too. 
  • @missliz53 oh no! Now I'll have to tell DH he was right! There'll be no living with him after this... Lmao, I hope your cousins didn't use anything too permanent... My baby brother took markers to my dad's finished basement when he was little, I think they had to repaint with primer and all...
  • Thank you for the comments.  I'm looking for a link that I had found in the past for children's bedrooms.  I'll post it when I find it.  These rooms were way over the top but so awesome!
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