So… your baby (or babies) are walking, climbing, and suddenly have opinions.
Welcome to the wild west of toddlerhood! When my twins hit about 18- months, it felt like my living room morphed into a jungle gym overnight. Between snack crumbs, toy explosions, and stealthy furniture climbing missions, I realized our setup needed help- and fast.
If you’re in the same boat, grab a snack (one you don’t have to share, for once), and let’s talk about how to make your home feel a little more functional, a little safer, and a whole lot more manageable with your toddler(s) running the show.
1. Create a Safe and Inviting Play Zone
One of the first things that saved my sanity was creating a “yes” space. This is a designated area where your kids can play freely without you having to say “no” every 30 seconds.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Use foam play mats or a washable rug as a base.
- Section it off with baby gates or a low shelf to give it some definition.
- Include bins of toys they can access on their own. For example: soft blocks, musical toys, books, puzzles, and pretend play items.
- Add a comfy chair or floor cushion for you, because mom life means you’re supervising and playing ‘make believe’ a lot.
This space doesn’t have to be huge, it just needs to be safe and engaging.
2. Storage That Actually Works
You know what no one tells you? With any amount of kids, you have SO MANY THINGS. Your house can get cluttered pretty quickly and easily- and without a system, things can get overwhelming.
Try this:
- Use labeled cube storage with fabric bins so toys are easy to toss in.
- Organize toys by type (cars, dolls, blocks, books) so even toddlers can learn where things go.
- Rotate out-of-use toys and store extras in a closet or under a bed bin.
Toy rotation helps kids stay less bored. Trust me. Rotate the toys.
There’s also something about a matching set of storage baskets that makes you feel like you might have your life together.
3. Upgrade Your Baby-proofing Game
Just when you thought you were done baby-proofing… welcome to the toddler stage where they’re faster, sneakier, and more inventive.
Make sure you’ve got:
- Anchors on all bookshelves, dressers, and TVs
- Cabinet and drawer locks (especially in the kitchen and bathroom)
- Outlet covers
- Door knob covers or locks for off-limits rooms
And if your kids are climbers? Consider moving or securing furniture they might try to scale. If there’s a way to get on top of something, they’ll find it.
4. Set Up Purposeful Zones
When your home has “zones,” even the tiniest spaces can work better for your whole family.
Examples of zones:
- A play zone for toys and free play
- A reading corner with a small shelf and soft seating
- A craft/art space with washable supplies
- A wind-down zone with calming toys, nightlights, or white noise
You don’t need a huge house for this. Even using corners of existing rooms makes a difference when each activity has a little home base.
5. Embrace Easy-to-Clean Everything
Toddlers are sticky. And if you have multiple toddlers? Sticky and fast.
Make life easier with:
- Washable slipcovers or wipeable furniture
- Machine-washable rugs
- High chairs or booster seats with removable trays
- Placemat bibs and silicone plates that rinse easily
Also, toss a basket of cleaning wipes in the playroom or near the kitchen for quick toy wipe-downs. When someone inevitably licks a block or smears banana on the couch (again), you’ll be ready.
6. Display Their Art
Let’s talk crafts. Toddler artwork is adorable, and you’ll want to save it all. But the reality? Not every scribble is fridge-worthy forever.
Here’s a simple solution:
- Use a cork board, wire + clips, or magnetic frame in their play area or hallway.
- Let them help choose which art to hang, and rotate it weekly.
- Snap photos of artwork before recycling it to create a digital “art book” later.
- Doing this honors their creativity without turning your walls into a chaotic art gallery.
7. Encourage Independence with a Snack + Drink Station
Toddlers live for snacks- and encouraging independence in this area can help them feel more in control (and save you from 500 snack runs per day).
What to include:
- Water bottles or straw cups on a low shelf
- Easy grab snacks in a fridge bin (string cheese, applesauce pouches, cut fruit)
- A small step stool so they can reach when safe
You’ll still supervise, but empowering them to grab their water or snack can help reduce tantrums (and keep your kitchen from becoming a constant drive-thru).
Keep only the snacks that you won’t mind them munching on 24/7. This way, they’ll still eat decent full meals when it’s time.
8. Simplify with Less Stuff
I know, I know- we want to keep all the things just in case. But less really is more when it comes to toddlers.
Try this:
- Declutter toys regularly (broken, outgrown, or duplicate toys can go)
- Create a donation bin in a closet and drop items in as needed
- Involve your kids! They’ll love helping pick which toys “go to a new home”
Fewer things means fewer messes- and more opportunities for meaningful play.
I’ve found that the more “things” that my twins have, the less they actually play. This is because they’re too overwhelmed and they’ll bounce from toy to toy in just a few minutes.
The less toys they have available at a time, the longer they actually play.
9. Set Routines That Work in Every Room
Your home setup isn’t just about physical space- it’s also about how your days flow within that space.
Easy wins:
- Keep diapers and wipes in multiple areas to help avoid running back and forth.
- Have a mini toothbrush and hair station near your kitchen if that’s where your morning routine happens
- Use a timer for play cleanup- “Let’s beat the timer!” is more fun than “Clean up now!”
Routines create predictability, which toddlers thrive on. Your future self will thank you for it.
10. Give Yourself a Break
Your house does not need to look like a Pinterest-perfect playroom. Some days it’ll be messy. Some days you’ll step on a block barefoot. Some days you’ll let them watch a tv show or movie just so you can drink your coffee while it’s still warm.
Creating a toddler-friendly home isn’t about perfection. It’s about function, flexibility, and making your space work for your family. You’re doing an amazing job- even if the living room looks like a toy bomb went off.
