I started seeing tons of videos popping up on TikTok about floor beds for toddlers, some very simple (literally a mattress on the floor), and some very elaborate (I’m talking lights and throw pillows and drapes- oh my!). The more these videos came up, the more I wondered if I was missing out on something, or if it was just another TikTok trend.
I wondered, was there really any tangible value in having your toddler sleep on a mattress placed directly on the floor?
The more I researched Montessori floor beds, the more I learned what makes them so special and why they can be beneficial for your family — no matter what learning philosophy you lean towards!
What Is Montessori?
The Montessori approach to child growth and development is child-centered. It was founded by Maria Montessori, and it involves designing an environment that encourages exploration, discovery, and independent learning. This includes furniture, toys, and activities specifically geared towards their interests and abilities.
What are the benefits of a Montessori Floor beds?
Promotes independence
Floor beds provide children with a sense of autonomy when it comes to their sleeping environment — allowing them to move around freely without the restrictions of a traditional bed frame or mattress.
Ownership of Space
The floor also helps create a safe and secure environment for children who are beginning to explore their independence. Additionally, children feel a sense of ownership over their space as they have access to their toys and more control over the layout and appearance of their sleeping area — allowing them to make it as fun, cozy and inviting as they wish!
Stimulates Curiosity and Builds Decision-Making Skills
Montessori floor beds can offer a full view of your little ones’ room, which helps them make observations and stimulates their curiosity. By allowing children to decide where they want items placed in their sleeping area, it helps boosts their decision making skills and again, gives them ownership of their space.
What are the Drawbacks of Floor Beds?
Safety Concerns
While the risk of falling out of bed is lower for children sleeping in floor beds, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk, so it’s important to keep the surrounding area safe.
Childproofing measures are crucial to ensure safety. Cover electrical outlets, secure furniture to the wall, and lock drawers and cabinets. Check for any small objects, or choking hazards and remove them from the room.
Keeping It Clean
It can be more difficult to keep floor beds clean because, well, they’re on the floor! Naturally, more dust and dirt are likely to make their way into your little one’s bed. Since your child now has free access to their bed, it’s likely to see more crumbs, spilled drinks, and half-eaten bananas… okay, maybe that’s just my daughter!
Limited to No Containment
Many floor beds are completely open, and some have some railings. The setup you choose will depend on your specific situation, room layout, and how child-proof you can make their room. It may take your toddler longer to get used to the routine of their new found freedom if there is no railing, or they may not miss a beat with this new transition.
Won’t My Child Just Get Up and Play Instead of Sleep?
It really depends on your little one and what age they are introduced and if there is a railing, but in general, most toddlers adapt fairly easily to their new floor bed.
The transition may take a little time, but once they are accustomed to it, a floor bed doesn’t really have any real challenges that any other bed doesn’t. Yes, you may find them sleeping on the floor (literally!) if the were used to crib rails, but in time, they will adapt.
Setting Up Your New Toddler Floor Bed
Style of Bed Frame
There are quite a few different styles, such a tent bed, bed with railings all around and a door, bed frames with or without slats (meaning the mattress may sit directly on the floor or on slats). There’s bed frames with three railings, leaving one side open, and beds that look like houses. It just depends on what fits your style!
Mattress
When choosing a mattress, prioritize safety and comfort. Look for a mattress that is firm, breathable, and meets safety standards.
Bedding
For bedding, choose soft and cozy materials like bamboo, jersey cotton, or flannel for the winter. You can also add a waterproof protector to the mattress to prevent accidents and spills.
Decor, Theme, Colors- Get Them Involved!
Accessories and decor can also enhance the experience for your child. Let them set up their favorite stuffed animals, pillows, blankets, and anything else they want. You can even add lights!
Consider adding a low shelf or basket near the bed to hold books, quiet toys, or a water bottle.
Room Layout and Childproofing
The location of the bed and layout of your child’s room should support your little one’s safety and independence. Place the bed in a corner or against a wall to help prevent falls. You can also add a soft rug or mat at the base of the bed for cushioning. Ensure that there are no sharp edges or small objects within your child’s reach.
How To Transition To a Floor Bed
Transitioning a child from a crib or toddler bed to a Montessori floor bed can take time and patience. Begin by introducing the idea of the new sleep arrangement to your child. Show them pictures and books of beds on the floor and talk about the benefits of more freedom and independence.
When it’s time to make the switch, start by placing the mattress on the floor in the same room as the crib or toddler bed. Allow your child to explore the new sleep arrangement during the daytime. Gradually phase out the crib or toddler bed by allowing your child to nap or rest on their new bed. Once your child is comfortable, you can remove the old bed.
Create and Maintain a Routine
Establishing a consistent bedtime and morning routine can help your child feel secure and relaxed in their new sleep arrangement. Depending on your child’s personality, you can keep their normal bedtime routine, or change it up to accommodate the new changes. Avoid using screens and bright lights before bedtime, as they can interfere with sleep.
Related article: 8 Reasons Why Montessori Toys Are Crucial for Your 1-Year-Old’s Cognitive Development
Where Do I Buy a Floor Bed?
When it comes to floor beds, there’s quite a few styles and designs. Here are 8 popular Montessori method floor beds of various price points, and some of the key features they offer:
P’kolino Tent Floor Bed
This fun tent bed sits right on the floor, and encourages kids to be more independent and creative in their play.
Features
- Washable Tent
- Bed Size: Twin Size
- Color- White
- Materials: Polyester, Wood, Pine, Fabric
- Assembled Product Weight and Dimensions: 35 lbs, 81.19 x 44.09 x 58.06 Inches
Slatted base: No
Triple Tree Montessori Bed Frame with Fence Guardrails and & Support Slats
This a great option for a first time floor bed, as it has a full fence rail all the way around. It’s a great way to transition your baby, who is used to the protection of the crib rails. It also has a little door that can open and latch for easy in/out.
Features
- Bed Size: Twin, Full Size, or Queen
- Bed Dimensions: Twin: 79.5″Lx41.8″Wx17.5″H, Full: 79.5″Lx57″Wx17.5″H, Queen: 84.5″Lx63.7″Wx17.5″H
- Color: Grey
Main Materials: Pine + Plywood
BUSYWOOD Wooden Floor Bed Playpen with Extended Rail
This is a great option for rolling babies or parents who just want a little more protection and containment for their toddler as they transition. It is bigger bed has higher rails, similar to a crib.
Features
- Latching gate for easy in and out
- Bed size: toddler (crib mattress), twin, full size, queen, king
- Material: alder wood
Color: wood color
Merax Cute Metal Montessori Bed Frame
Featuring a cute house roof, this unique and fun metal house bed frame can be decorated to different styles for your toddler.
Features
- Bed Size: Twin Size
- Color: Pink
- Demensions: 77.2″L x 41″W x73.1″H
Bed Frame Material: metal
Bellemave Twin Size Floor Bed Frame for Kids
This cute and practical wooden bed frame has railings all around with a door that easily opens.
Features
- Bed Sizes: Full Size, Queen King
- Colors: White, Natural Grey, Walnut
Bed slats: Comes with or without
Harper & Bright Designs Twin Car Shaped Canopy Wood Floor Bed Frame
This super cute wooden car shaped bed is the perfect touch to you car loving toddler’s room!
Features
- Size: Twin Size or Full
- Material: Pine
- Product Dimensions: Twin: 79.5″L x 42.3″W x 65″H, Full: 79.5″L x 57.1″W x 65″H
- Style: Platform
Bed Slats: No
LUCA Montessori Bed With Rails
The simple design of the Luca Floor Bed is functional, yet perfect for inspiring creativity.
Features
- Bed Size: Twin
- Finish: Natural
- Built with legs to elevate the bed off of the floor. The bed can be assembled with or without the legs.
- Includes slatted base, so no box spring is needed
Dimensions: 79″ long x 41″ wide
Karling Twin Daybed by Harper Orchard
The Karling Twin Daybed is the perfect addition to any bedroom or nursery. This classic floor daybed has a sturdy design and neutral finish that will pair well with your kid’s room decor.
Features
- Size: Twin
- Material: Solid Pine Wood
- Color: White, Natural
- Bed Slats: Yes
Dimensions: 65” H X 42.6” W X 77.9” L
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you transition your child to a floor bed?
Transitioning your child from a crib or toddler bed to a Montessori floor bed or a low bed can take time and patience. Begin by introducing the idea of the new sleep arrangement to your child. Show them pictures and books of Montessori floor beds and talk about the benefits of more freedom and independence.
When should you transition to a floor bed?
There really is no ideal age. Some parents start as young as 3 months, some wait until they are crawling. It really depends on your child’s independence. Short answer: when they are ready. You can begin introducing the idea and let them explore the new sleep arrangement during the daytime. When they’re comfortable, you can phase out their old bed.
Can I just put a mattress on the floor?
Sure! The beauty of Montessori style floor beds is that you can make them as simple or as elaborate as you want! However, there are some things to take into consideration if you are going to put your mattress directly on the floor. Mold can become an issue due to restricted airflow, so moving the mattress and cleaning under it regularly is very important. Bugs and mites can gain access to your baby’s bed easier, It’s recommended to have something between the mattress and the floor if possible.
What has your experience been with transitioning to a floor bed? Let me know in the comments!
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These are interesting ideas and love the design and color combination which very important for sleeping places. Thank you for sharing!
I want to do every best things for my children. Your post truly gives me good ideas for being a good dad. I will learn more about the Montessori thing to apply for my kids.
Ooohhhh….so, all along this bed was called a Montessori floor bed? I’ve always loved them. I hope my kids love them, during their time.
These are great! We love floor beds. Both my kids were climbing out of their crib, or did everything to get stuck between it, when they were only 15 months old. I was so fearful of them hurting themselves, so we decided to go with a floor bed at that age. It was the best thing we did, because they were able to safely roam around their room. And they’d always end up back in bed if they wanted to sleep. Great recommendations
I haven’t tried TikTok so I haven’t yet seen this trend. It’s very interesting as an interior designer to learn about this trend, and the beds that you found are adorable. I remember sleeping on the floor a lot when I was growing up, just because it felt good for me. I probably would have loved the freedom of a montessori floor bed!
These montessori floor beds are amazing. They look perfect for little ones and the pictures are fabulous! Thank you for sharing!
I think they are perfect for my youngest granddaughters. I wouldn’t be so worried about them falling off.
My daughter has a bed like this for her 18 month old. It works out great, but she has had to address some of the issues, such as him getting out of bed more easily.
I’ve never heard of this as a Montessori thing, but both of my boys moved from cribs to a mattress on the floor when they were about a year old. They both loved having more space than their crib (they both have queen-sized beds so we bought a mattress that big to start with) and actually went to bed easier when we made the switch!
We actually had a mattress on the floor for my youngest, and it worked out well. We were in the middle of renovations and it made the most sense instead of having to keep moving furniture around and having multiple bed sets. I love that this is a thing now!
Must say I have never heard of Montessori beds. Thank you for including in your review the safety procedures that should be put in place if one chooses to use this set up for their child’s bedroom.
Oh interesting! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! There’s so many ways we can help our little ones learn new skills!
I absolutely love how the Montessori floor beds featured on this website promote independence and exploration in children while also being aesthetically pleasing and safe. Brilliant concept!