Let us guide you in buying your first Montessori bed! If you’re searching for reliable information on Montessori floor bed and need help choosing the perfect one for your family, you’re in the right place. Our article covers everything from the benefits of owning a Montessori bed to my experience using one with my kids. Plus, we’ll provide some valuable tips on how to set it up safely in your home.
What is a Montessori Bed
A Montessori bed, also known as a Montessori floor bed, is a bed from a low height that allows the child to access it independently. It is usually directly on the floor, and unlike traditional cribs, it has no barriers or elevations. The floor bed concept is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, which values respect for the child, freedom of movement, and a prepared environment.
A Montessori bed is placed in a prepared environment where the bedroom is safe for the child to explore independently. You may also use a soft rug or mat around the bed to cushion any falls initially, but you will be surprised how fast your child learns where the edge of the bed is
Why get a Montessori Bed
First and foremost, the Montessori floor bed promotes independence. A child can move freely in and out of bed as they wish, fostering independence.
This freedom of movement promotes cognitive and physical exploration development, as the child can access their environment independently.
This Montessori bed also supports a child’s natural sleep pattern, allowing them to learn to regulate their sleep without confinement.
Personal experience with Montessori Floor Bed
My daughter’s sleep improved after transitioning to a floor bed at 14 months old. I found that she felt more secure knowing she was not “locked inside” her bed, though she didn’t leave her bed alone until she was closer to 18 months.
After I potty trained my son, the floor bed allowed him to independently get out to use the potty or toilet when needed. Though I admit, he did not do it until he was almost 3! But it helps that he can try it when needed, and initially, he walks to our room at night to ask for assistance.
And best of all, it is to find your little toddler coming to you herself after waking up without needing to cry out!
Montessori floor bed when to start
Maria Montessori says the best time to start with a Montessori bed is from birth! But I understand that it is only feasible for some of us parents. I, for one, prefer to co-sleep (safely!) with my newborn; I also used a side bed connected to mine like Babybay.
Many parents choose to have their babies sleep on the Montessori floor bed for naps from the start, which may help in an easier transition later. As for me, I transitioned my firstborn to the floor bed only at around two, while my daughter went on hers at 14 months old. I was more confident the second time around, and she learned even quicker at this age than my son, who was too used to having barriers around his bed.
Most Montessori experts recommend transitioning your child to the floor they are mobile, hence between 6-12 months, depending on your child’s individual development. I also think it is equally essential that the parents are ready; besides, emotionally, they also need to ensure the room is safe for that!
What if my child falls out of the Montessori floor bed?
I can’t mention how often I found my son lying on the mattress next to his floor bed the next morning, especially at the beginning. It is okay if your child seems to be the type to roll around more, and putting down a mat or carpet or, like us, another mattress next to their bed should help cushion the fall.
Another tip is to use a long bumper pillow at the side of the bed; to secure it, you can have it under the bedsheet! It’s also most likely we already have one of these bumper pillows for our baby, so we can extend its usage! But of course, my son sometimes somehow rolled over the bumper pillow onto the floor mattress next to him.
Tips on Choosing a Montessori Floor Bed
In principle, a mattress on the floor is enough for a Montessori “floor bed.” We started with that so our son could try it out if it worked for us. Also, that ensures the mattress is low and close to the floor. We made a mistake buying a relatively thick mattress, thus needing us to have another thinner one on its side to cushion falls. I recommend purchasing a thin or futon-like mattress.
Later, we got a slatted frame below the mattress because we were concerned about mold or air movement. In this case, getting a floor bed will also help. A floor bed will also alleviate the room’s look, aligning with the Montessori philosophy of an aesthetically well-made room.
So, if you intend to get a Montessori floor bed, here are the criteria you should take note of:
- Safety first – look for a mattress with rounded edges, made with natural material or a non-toxic finish
- Low height – opt for a bed truly on the ground, allowing easy and independent access for the child
- Quality – high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting.
- Simple design – aligning with the Montessori aesthetic of simplicity and beauty
- Open design – look for a bed with no sides or low ones to keep the freedom of movement. A tip: if your bed comes with barriers on the side, leave them out!
- Size – Montessori beds come in many sizes; choose the right size for your child’s height. Also, you may want to consider a bigger one if you like to lie down with your child during bedtime or sometimes cosleep! I recommend 200 x 90 cm so you can use the mattress even after the kids have upgraded to adult-size beds.
- Budget – set a budget and look around your price range. Our recommendations below cover that!
Recommended Montessori Beds / Montessori Floor Beds
Montessori House Bed
When researching a Montessori floor bed, I found that many house beds are options. House beds have become trendy recently, even outside of the Montessori community. Hence, even regular kids’ bed comes with a house bed style. That is why it is essential to remember what makes a Montessori floor bed if you want to get one with a house bed version.
Montessori beds can be good because they may symbolize comfort, resembling a cozy home for the kid’s bed. On the other hand, it also stimulates creativity and imagination. Overall, it provides an aesthetic appeal to the room, a key point in the Montessori setting.
Here are some recommended Montessori House bed that aligns with the Montessori philosophy:
How to build a Montessori bed / DIY
If you are handy and looking to build your own Montessori bed or DIY, then you’re in luck. You can find many instructions online for free, such as this Montessori House Bed DIY.
People often build a fancier version of a Montessori Floor bed like the house bed above. But if you want a more conventional one, you can get the instructions here.
Montessori Bed – Ikea
Many people look to Ikea when shopping for a Montessori Bed, and that makes sense as it is usually affordable and comes in a simple, minimalistic design that suits Montessori aesthetics. Although there aren’t any real Montessori beds in Ikea, here are some that one can consider using.
If you have the skills, you may cut off the legs of Ikea’s Sniglar bed to make a Montessori floor bed!
Ikea Utaker bed makes an excellent low bed for older Montessori children, probably from age 3; it comes in a set of two, though. They would be perfect for twins or the occasional guests.
Tips for Setting up a Montessori Bed
- Keep to sleep safety guidelines, especially for younger babies
- Keep the bed free of unnecessary blankets or toys
- Place the mattress or Montessori bed directly on the floor
- Consider a bed frame that maintains full accessibility to the child
- If a child is prone to falling out of bed, consider placing a mat or carpet around the bed’s edges
- Remove hazards from the room and create a prepared environment following Montessori’s advice
- Carry out child safety-proofing measures for electronics and furniture
- If your child is older, consider using transition items like a lovey or their favorite blankets.
Transitioning to the Montessori Floor Bed
Many parents suggest trying out the Montessori floor bed with naps first to get the child used to it. Or you can be like me and go all out with it. Depending on your child’s age, some may take longer to get used to the bed and freedom.
My son, at two plus, fell off a few times, luckily onto another thinner mattress next to his bed, and he also gets out more often before he falls asleep. On the other hand, at about one year old, my daughter learned quickly about the bed edges and did not trust herself to get out of bed in the dark.
In short, give the children some time, and they will adjust to their new bed. Some children may need more interaction or cuddling before sleep, which is fine. I find lying down with my children on their floor bed easier than a crib.
