Why Floor Beds Are Perfect for Toddlers

Floor beds have been common in many cultures for toddlers for thousands of years. Recently, they’ve become more popular, largely thanks to child development theorist Maria Montessori, who emphasised creating environments that promote independence. For us, transitioning our children to floor beds was a no-brainer.

We transitioned both of our children to floor beds at around six months old, moving them from their Next-to-me crib in our room to a floor bed in their room. For us, this was the perfect age to make the change, and it allowed us to skip the cot stage entirely. This decision had two main benefits: we didn’t need to invest in a cot and mattress, and it gave our baby the chance to get used to their new space. As toddlers, they could fully benefit from the independence and freedom that a floor bed provides.

For my husband, the concept of a floor bed felt quite foreign at first. Honestly, it did seem a little strange initially, just placing our 6-month-old baby on a mattress on the floor. But we quickly adapted, and it made many challenges of settling a young baby much easier. For example, we could lie down next to our children and pat or rub their backs to help them settle. We could also transfer them from a carrier or car seat without the hassle of lifting them over a cot side. Changing their bed was much simpler too.

Safety Concerns and Benefits

I know some people might worry about safety because it's not the "norm." But the same safe sleep rules apply to a floor bed: use fitted sheets, place the baby at the bottom end of the mattress, and keep the sleeping space free of loose items like toys and pillows. We never had concerns about our children getting their arms, legs, or heads stuck between cot bars. While they were not very mobile, we felt confident they were safe and could easily reach them if needed.

When our kids became more mobile, I was naturally worried about the potential risks. But in reality, it was okay. We made sure their room was safe by removing any climbing hazards and creating a calming, non-overstimulating environment. If they didn’t nap, they’d peacefully explore their room, play with a few toys, or look at books. They settled themselves to sleep much easier than other babies we knew. Instead of crying out for us, they would find us when they woke, which meant fewer tears and more content wake-ups. There were times when this didn’t happen and the whole seemed like chaos but for the most part, it worked well. 

Unexpected Benefits of Using a Floor Bed

One unexpected benefit of floor beds was how adaptable they were for staying at family members' houses or going on holiday. We could easily set up a floor bed anywhere, and we became pros at making any environment safe for floor sleeping.

Why Choose a Floor Bed for Your Toddler?

• Encourages Independence: Floor beds allow toddlers to get in and out of bed on their own, helping them develop self-confidence and autonomy.

• Safe Alternative: With the mattress on the floor, there’s no risk of falling from a height, especially as toddlers start trying to climb out of cribs.

• Supports Development: The freedom of movement in a floor bed promotes spatial awareness and motor skill development.

• Montessori-Inspired: Floor beds align with Montessori principles, creating an environment that encourages independent exploration and learning.

Final Thoughts

While transitioning to a toddler floor bed may seem unconventional, the benefits of independence, safety, and ease of travel make it a fantastic choice for many families. By creating a safe, calm environment and staying consistent with routines, you can help your child adapt and thrive in their new bed. Here you can read a step-by-step guide on how to make this transition.