Toddler Floor Bed: Encouraging Independence and Comfort

In the world of high children’s beds, the idea of a floor bed or a compact bed with legs may initially seem unconventional. However, such a placement of a sleeping area is exceptionally well-suited for a child’s room, especially if you prioritize fostering your child’s independence, self-reliance, and confidence.

Toddler Floor Bed: A Concept That Revolutionized Comfort

Maria Montessori was not the first to introduce floor beds for children; they had been used before but were not widespread. Instead, high cribs with rails were more popular.

The scientist noticed that such cribs were inconvenient because the rails completely obstructed a child’s view of the room, and getting in and out of such a sleeping space without parental assistance was impossible. A floor bed allows toddlers to use their resting place as needed and without external help. Children can lie down and rest when tired and climb out of bed to play when they wake up. Thus, the Montessori floor bed for toddlers became a part of the Montessori environment: a room adapted to children’s needs.

Benefits for Child Development

A toddler floor bed helps children become more independent and self-reliant, teaching them to listen to their own bodies’ signals. This makes establishing a routine of activity and rest easier because a child who doesn’t want to sleep or feels overtired may have difficulty falling asleep, turning bedtime into a complex quest for both parents and toddlers.

The transition from a crib to their own bed is also smoother when a child doesn’t feel confined behind bars but instead considers themselves the master of their space, especially if they were involved in choosing the bed, bedding, and decorating the room. Such a bed allows a child to learn how to make it themselves, developing responsibility, independence, and organizational skills.

Functional Features

The most significant difference of a Toddler floor bed is its high level of safety. While these beds can have rails or guards to prevent a child from accidentally rolling out during sleep, they do not hinder the child from getting up and playing when they wish. The low placement of the bed helps prevent falls and injuries if the child decides to play in bed or climb out of it.

These beds are typically constructed from natural wood, making them incredibly sturdy, capable of holding a mattress securely, and durable. Furthermore, the bed’s functionality can be expanded, as many toddler bed models are designed to resemble houses, teepees, or tents. Thus, the bed becomes a sleeping space and an area associated with comfort and enjoyable activities.

How to Choose the Best Montessori Toddler Bed?

When selecting a toddler bed, consider the following criteria:

1. Available space in the room. Depending on this, you can choose the bed’s configuration and size to fit the room’s interior perfectly.
2. Child’s preferences. There are both minimalist designs and options shaped like houses, and teepees, with cloud-shaped guards, and more.
3. Color. Natural wood with a varnish finish is a classic and versatile option that easily matches other furniture. However, you can also choose beds in colors like white, gray, brown, or dark tones.

Choose a few options that fit the above criteria and let your toddler choose. This way, the child will feel involved in setting up their room and adapt more quickly to their new sleeping place.

After purchasing, ensure the room is arranged for maximum safety using a floor bed. Install safety guards on windows and outlets, place a soft rug near the bed, and remove any small or potentially dangerous objects on which the child could get hurt. This is important so that even when the toddler wakes up and gets up independently, no dangers lurk around every corner, and you can have peace of mind.