What is a Montessori floor bed?
Simply put, a floor bed is a low bed designed for young children. While the concept is straightforward, choosing to use a floor bed is a meaningful way to enjoy the benefits of the Montessori Method at home.
Montessori is a child-focused philosophy that emphasizes:
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- Independence
- Freedom within limits
- Respect for the child
As word spreads about the benefits of this parenting approach, more and more families are deciding to follow the Montessori Method at home to help them raise curious, confident, and kind children.
One way that families put these values into action is by designing a bedroom that allows their little ones to explore their space more freely and have more independence.
That’s where the Montessori floor bed comes into play!
Instead of using a crib — which restricts movement — many families choose to equip their baby or toddler’s room with a floor bed.
As the name suggests, floor beds are simply low children’s beds that are easy for little ones to climb into and out of without help. This allows children to go to sleep and wake up independently.
Since Montessori promotes freedom of movement, opting for a floor bed (and other toddler-friendly furniture) can be a great practical way to practice Montessori at home.
But which floor beds are best for toddlers? And how can you help your child transition from a crib to a floor bed? Keep reading to learn more!
Note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive a commission if you purchase something using one of these links.
Best Montessori Floor Beds
❥ Top Pick: Low Floor Bed (Sprout Kids)
❥ Fave House Bed: House Bed with Linen Cover (KM Designs)
❥ Most Affordable: Customizable House Bed (Sweet Home From Wood)
❥ Best Floor Bed with Railings: Simple Montessori Bed (Zipadee Kids)
❥ Nature-Inspired: Wooden Floor Bed with Tree Design (Simre Home Living)
❥ Modern Design: Padded Bed Frame (Soft Frame Designs)
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11 Best Montessori Floor Beds for Toddlers
Scroll down to check out the most popular floor bed picks for little ones, including simple low beds, sweet house beds, and more.
1 | Roomy Floor Bed with Railings
If you’re looking for a Montessori style bed with railings, this one is a great option! Even better: The railings are removable, giving you the chance to set up your toddler’s bed just the way you want it.
What do the reviews say? Amazing quality, awesome customer service, and manageable assembly. Overall, a gorgeous, first “big kid” bed!
2 | Simple Birch Bed
This eco-friendly floor bed from Sprout Kids is made with high-quality, finished birch to add a natural touch to your child’s room. Here’s the cool part: This bed is adjustable to grow with your child. Just flip it over when your little one is ready for more height.
What do the reviews say? Reviewers (and their kids) love the beautiful and simple design, easy 15-minute assembly, and high-quality construction. Definitely check this one out!
3 | Beautiful House Bed with Linen Cover
Image by ShopKMDesigns
I love the natural linen cover – complete with a cute little window! – on this bed. If you prefer a pop of color, the seller also offers the linen cover in colors like pastel pink, olive green, and sky blue to complement the rest of your child’s room.
What do the reviews say? This bed is equally beautiful in person, high-quality, and easy to assemble.
4 | Lovely Little House Bed
This simple, lovely floor bed is available in 4 colors (white, black, green, and natural) to perfectly fit your little one’s room. This is a great option if you’re looking for a sweet house bed with a sleek feel.
What do the reviews say? Quick shipping, easy assembly, and great quality. A beautiful floor bed with a clean, modern design.
5 | Pine Floor Bed
Here’s a sweet and simple house bed option made with beautiful Canadian pine. All railings are removable, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a bed that you can adjust as your child grows.
What do the reviews say? Well-made, easy to assemble, and even better in person. Amazing customer service too! Highly recommended.
6 | Customizable House Bed
Image by SweetHOMEfromwood
This popular floor bed (1,500+ reviews!) is available in 2 types of wood (pine or birch), as well as 4 colors (pink, white, gray, or black) to complement the rest of your child’s room decor. Not to mention, the unique chimney design is too cute!
What do the reviews say? Fast delivery, easy assembly, and the bed itself is adorable and high-quality. No wonder this one’s a bestseller!
7 | Unique Cushioned Floor Bed
This modern, cushioned floor bed is a cool alternative to a traditional wooden bed. Super soft, with no assembly required and free shipping to the US, you and your little one will love this bed. Available in 4 sizes (twin, XL twin, full, and queen) and 10 colors.
What do the reviews say? Excellent quality, fast shipping, and awesome customer service. Overall, a great option!
8 | Nature-Inspired House Bed
This sweet floor bed has a gorgeous wooden tree design, making it a great option if you’re looking for a house bed with unique features. The little trees can even move, allowing your little one to spin each tree around as they drift off to sleep.
What do the reviews say? Beautiful, well-constructed bed made with high-quality wood. A wonderful choice for your toddler’s room.
9 | Sweet Montessori Bed
This adorable little bed is a simple and practical option for little ones. Cute design, safe and sturdy construction, easy assembly, plus an amazing seller. Made from natural Canadian pine and available in 3 different sizes (crib, twin, or full).
What do the reviews say? High-quality, super easy assembly, and “cute as pie,” this is a great option for your child’s Montessori-inspired space.
10 | Sturdy Toddler Bed
This teepee-style bed is a sweet and simple option for your toddler’s room. With a low footprint, this is a great choice for a small space.
What do the reviews say? A solid, sturdy bed built to last with a “ridiculously cute” design. You’ll need two people and power tools to assemble it, but reviewers say this bed is worth it.
11 | Gorgeous Wooden Montessori Bed
Another lovely house bed option, complete with an olive green linen cover. This floor bed comes in a variety of beautiful wood shades: Everything from light and airy coconut to dark and dramatic pepper.
What do the reviews say? Unique, beautifully crafted floor bed, and a wonderful 5-star seller to boot.
FAQs
What did Maria Montessori say about floor beds?
“We must give the child an environment that he can utilize by himself: a little washstand of his own, some small chairs, a bureau with drawers he can open, objects of common use that he can operate, a small bed in which he can sleep at night under an attractive blanket he can fold and spread by himself. We must give him an environment in which he can live and play.”
– The Child in the Family
Why choose a floor bed?
Floor beds build confidence, independence, and executive function skills. They also help your child learn to self-regulate, fall asleep on their own, and develop healthy sleep habits.
Your family can benefit from the transition too. Once your child has adjusted to their new bed, your mornings may become less hectic. Since your child isn’t confined to a crib, they’re free to get out of bed on their own and play quietly while you get a few extra minutes of rest.
This also works at bedtime. If your child has a hard time settling down at night, they can play quietly with toys or read books until they tire themselves out. Then, when they’re ready, they can simply climb into bed and put themself to sleep.
And of course, a floor bed can prevent unsupervised escape attempts from the crib – and potential injuries too.
When should your child transition to a floor bed?
At what age should your child start sleeping on a floor bed? The short answer is: Every child is different. Some Montessori families choose to move their baby to a floor bed during the first few months of life, while others wait until their child is 2 or 3 years old.
The sweet spot is likely somewhere between 16 months and 2 years. Moving to a floor bed at this age gives your child time to establish healthy sleep habits and start showing more interest in being independent. But ultimately, it’s up to you to decide when the time is right for your child!
Keep safe sleep practices in mind
If your child is under 2, it’s critical that they sleep on a flat, firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Avoid using soft bedding or bumpers in your child’s bed, as well as pillows, stuffed animals, and similar items.
Babies under 12 months should also sleep in the same room (but not the same bed) as a caregiver. This may make a floor bed impractical at this age, unless your bedroom is 100% baby-proofed. You can check out the AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines to learn more!
At the end of the day, every child is different, so it’s important to consult with your child’s pediatrician if you have any questions about making the switch. They can give you personalized advice based on your child’s individual needs.
Tips to help your toddler adjust to a new floor bed
Making the switch from a crib to a floor bed can be a big adjustment for both you and your child. But with a little preparation, you can set yourself up for a smooth transition. Here are a few tips to help you make the switch…
1 | Introduce the new bed gradually
Show your child where the bed will be placed and let them help you set it up. If possible, let them nap in the bed for a few days before you make the switch at night.
2 | Create a comfortable & inviting space
Encouraging your child to bring a comfort object to bed with them, like a favorite book or toy, can help. You may also want to let your child pick out their own bedding to make it feel more personal.
3 | Make sure everything is child-proofed
Because your child will be able to move around their room freely, it’s important to eliminate safety hazards like cords and electrical outlets; small objects that could be choked on; and heavy, unsecured furniture. A baby gate in the doorway can help prevent your toddler from wandering around the house unsupervised.
4 | Limit distractions
It’s a good idea to limit the number of items in your child’s room. A small number of board books and quiet toys is all your little one needs. Having fewer things available at once will reduce distractions and help them sleep through the night.
5 | Be consistent
As you prepare to give your child more freedom, set clear expectations for their behavior and follow through. Let them know that they can read a book or play quietly after you say goodnight, but they need to stay in their room. A ready to rise clock can help teach your little one to stay in their room until it’s time to get up for the day.
Remember: It may take a few days or weeks for your child to adjust to the new rules – try to be patient! With a little time and some guidance, your child will soon be sleeping soundly on their new floor bed.
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I’m absolutely fascinated by the concept of Montessori floor beds discussed in this blog post. The idea of providing a safe and independent sleeping space for toddlers is brilliant. It not only fosters their autonomy but also encourages a sense of freedom and exploration. Thank you for sharing this insightful and innovative approach!