Is a Floor Bed a Good Idea for Your Child?
A Montessori floor bed frame is a structure placed close to the ground or directly on the floor. If the bed is designed for infants, it often includes side rails for safety and can even double as a playpen.
Meanwhile, floor bed frame models for school-aged children and adults are made without rails or barriers. This design allows children to move into and out of bed freely. But even with side rails, a child can freely get into and out of the bed on their own.
Independence for Your Little One — The Main Advantage
For parents, this is a great opportunity to teach the child to listen to their body, recognize signs of fatigue, and rest as needed. This way, the child doesn’t “miss” the optimal time to fall asleep, making the bedtime routine shorter and less exhausting for both the child and the parents.
It’s also convenient in the morning: place a teething ring, ball, or other favorite toys near the bed, allowing the child to transition to play and giving mom and dad an extra 10-15 minutes of sleep. For example, with a traditional crib, this is impossible: an adult has to place the child in it and help them out.
If parents don’t notice that the child is tired in time, it becomes harder for the child to fall asleep later, leading to tantrums. The morning also starts with tears, as the child can’t get out of the crib alone and calls for help in the only way they know how at an early age.
Other Benefits of a Floor Bed
The child’s independence, healthy bedtime routines, and the aesthetic appeal of this solution set the Montessori floor bed frame apart from other beds. Free access to the bed encourages movement and exploration. Infants and toddlers can crawl into and out of bed at will, helping develop their gross motor skills and spatial awareness.
The child rests when and as much as needed. This forms a healthy sleep routine, improves the quality of rest, and positively impacts the child’s health and mood (and the whole family’s). The Montessori floor bed creates a sense of security and comfort, as the child can more easily see and interact with their surroundings.
This reduces anxiety and fears (even the “under-the-bed monster” has no place to hide under such a bed). Importantly, Montessori beds are made from natural wood, making them aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly. Wood is durable and long-lasting, and its surface doesn’t emit toxic compounds, which is exactly what children need.
What to Know before Buying a Montessori Bed
To help your child quickly and seamlessly adjust to their new bed, here are a few tips that will be useful for all parents.
- Choose the best time to transition to such a bed. This can be either at an early age (6-8 months) or when the child is confidently mobile (1.5-2 years).
- Ensure the entire child’s room is safe. Make sure nothing within the child’s reach could harm their health or cause injury.
- Choose the right mattress along with the bed. It should fit the frame snugly, leaving no gaps between the mattress and the bed base. The firmness of the mattress also matters: it’s best to choose a medium-firm option that is comfortable but not too soft, providing proper support for the body in an anatomically correct position during sleep.
- Start slow and gradual. For example, you can begin the transition by offering a new bed for daytime naps. Gradually, the child will get used to it and willingly use it all the time.
And one more tip – be patient. It may take several months for the child to get used to sleeping separately, or they might completely resist transitioning to a new bed. Be attentive to the child’s feelings, patient, and supportive. Let your parental love be enough to navigate this journey confidently and enjoyably!
