8 Montessori floor bed options we love—and an expert’s advice on how to use them

If you’re a parent of a baby or toddler, you’ve probably spent a lot of time researching sleep questions: How to get your baby to sleep, how to manage naps and, of course, where they should sleep! In all that googling you have likely come across the option of Montessori floor beds (aka toddler floor beds) and wondered if they might work for your family.

Floor beds are by no means new. They’ve been used around the world and in other cultures for centuries, but have gained popularity in recent years in the U.S. as more families are opting to Montessori at home. Dr. Maria Montessori advocates for freedom of movement starting at birth, and this includes where a child sleeps. In her book, “The Secret of Childhood,” she describes the developmental significance of the floor bed—something low to the ground that allows your child to develop their independence and encourages freedom of movement.

“One of the greatest helps that could be given to the psychological development of a child would be to give him a bed suited to his needs and cease making him sleep longer than necessary. A child should be permitted to go to sleep when he is tired, to wake when he is rested, and to rise when he wishes. This is why we suggest that the typical child’s bed should be done away with as has already been done in many families. The child instead should be given a low couch resting practically upon the floor, where he can lie down and get up as he wishes. Like all the new helps for a child’s psychic, a low bed is economical.”

– Dr. Maria Montessori, The Secret of the Childhood (p. 74)

But practically, in the year 2023, what does that look like? Although Dr. Montessori’s understanding of child development through the lens of a scientist, the world has changed in the last 100 years. That being said, it is still very possible to follow this piece of the Montessori method if it feels right for your child and your family. If the idea of going the non-crib route comes with a lot of safe sleep concerns and questions, you are not alone.

Here are the answers to some common questions when deciding if a Montessori floor bed is the right choice for your family.

What is a Montessori floor bed?

The concept of a Montessori floor bed is almost all in the name. A floor bed is truly a bed that is placed on the floor, or low enough to the ground so that a young child can safely climb in and out of it on their own. This can be as simple as a crib mattress placed directly on the floor (for children under the age of 2 a firm crib mattress should be used), or a mattress in a bed frame specifically designed as a Montessori floor bed. How you choose to set up the floor bed and which option is best depends on the space you are setting it up in, as well as the age of your child when first beginning to use it.

Is a toddler floor bed right for me?

In determining if a floor bed will work for your family, it’s important to consider your child’s current sleep habits. Some families choose to start using a floor bed right when their child transitions into their own room for sleep. In this case, it’s important to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations.

Although it is more traditional in Montessori practices to start using a floor bed in infancy, other families choose to begin using a floor bed when a crib is no longer working for their child. Just like any big transition, if you decide to move from a crib to a floor bed know that there will be a learning curve for all (yes parents, you too!). Maintaining a similar sleep environment and routine to what you were using while crib sleeping can help with the transition. Also, some have found that starting with naps can be a slightly lower-stakes option. Keep in mind that if your child is having frequent wakings and trouble sleeping, it’s unlikely that switching to a floor bed will solve this. Beginning with a strong sleep routine and foundation will make the process smoother for everyone.

How do I set up my child’s room and bed?

It depends on your child’s age. Just like any other room in your house that you are using the Montessori method with, you want to have the space set up for your child’s needs at their developmental stage. If you are using a floor bed before your child is mobile, it helps to get down at the floor bed level and see what your baby will be seeing from their view. A toddler floor bed allows a pre-crawling infant to observe the world visually without looking through the slats of a crib, but you want to ensure the space isn’t cluttered or overly stimulating.

It’s also important to secure all furniture to the walls, and hide all electrical cords even before your child is mobile. If you’re setting up a floor bed for a toddler it’s likely the room will need some significant changes from the traditional nursery setup. While you may use the crib mattress you’ve had, you can also take the opportunity to upgrade to a twin mattress (we like Newton’s organic, washable twin mattress).

Remember that everything left in the room is “fair game” to use once you’ve closed the door and said goodnight—it’s best to start with as little in the room as possible and slowly add more back in if needed. Having a small bookshelf with a few options and 2-3 toys available is enough at the beginning. Even more so than with an infant using a floor bed, ensuring the room is baby proofed is essential for those curious toddlers.

How do I get my baby or toddler to stay in bed? Won’t they roll out?

When a baby is first starting out on their floor bed, they may roll out a couple of times. Having the bed on a plush carpet helps with this, but it is also important to remember they are close to the ground for this reason. After rolling out a few times they will learn where the edge of the bed is and what it feels like. This is cause and effect, a skill they will be spending many months learning. If they continue to roll out, or it is causing worry, placing a pool noodle under the sheet around the edges can help them identify where they are.

For an older child who’s capable of crawling or walking out of bed it can be impossible to imagine why they would choose to stay in bed. And the short answer is, they may not. Or, at least not at first. Allowing a child freedom of movement and choice around sleep means they might not rest exactly on your schedule, but instead may play with the couple toys available for them until they have tired, then will fall asleep on the floor or return to their bed to nap. They will eventually learn to listen to their body and know that the floor bed is where they can take themselves when they are ready to sleep. A floor bed takes trust and flexibility on the parents’ end, but it will help build a child’s independence and maturity.

Here are our favorite picks for Montessori floor beds.

South Shore

Sweedi Toddler Solid Wood Bed

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$233.99

With a simple Scandinavian inspired look, this natural poplar wood frame allows the mattress to lay directly on the floor. And, it’s the same footprint as a standard crib, so no need to buy a new mattress!

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2MamaBees

Montessori Solid Wood Bed

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$449.99

How sweet is this tent style Montessori floor bed? Made from solid wood that’s easy to assemble, it can easily become a play space for your little one as well. Additionally, the bar across the top is convenient for adding fairly lights or greenery!

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Simply Sori US

Montessori Floor Bed

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$940

For an option that will no doubt become the coziest spot in the house, the versatile style from Simply Sori US comes in twin, full and even queen size options. The surrounding rails keep little ones from rolling out and can be purchased with or without a riser. Best of all it’s handmade in the US from Appalachian poplar and ships for free!

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2MamaBees

Montessori Kids Bed

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$513

For a cozy space all their own, check out this playhouse style floor bed from 2MamaBees. Fill it with snuggly blankets for the dreamiest bedtime or throw a blanket over the top to create a playtime fort. The frame is available in three sizes.

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Sprout

Montessori Floor Bed

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$399

The Sprout floor bed is one of the most popular options on the market, and thanks to its sleek style and conversion options it isn’t surprising that is the case. The frame is made out of baltic birch, can hold up to 250 lbs, and comes in twin, toddler, or full size. One reviewer said, “The minimalist style is crafted so beautifully, and it assembled in about 10 minutes with no screws or tools. Ben loves climbing in and out by himself and we love being able to sit close to him to play or read stories before bed.”

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Harper Orchard

Solid Wood Platform Bed

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$152

This affordable option from Wayfair can be purchased in toddler or twin size, and can be easily customized to go with your child’s bedroom decor. The house-style frame tends to be a hit with the toddler crowd; add a few string lights or pom poms to the frame to make it their own. Minimal assembly is required, and the mattress must be purchased separately.

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Bellemave

House Bed with Trundle

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$162.99

Available in twin or full size this simple trundle design by Bellemave can keep them close to the floor as long as they need. When they’re ready to be up just a bit higher, you can tuck it underneath. It also makes a great option for little ones who prefer to have a parent snuggle nearby for awhile. The style is available in several fun colors to add a pop to their space!

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Harriet Bee

Gwenetta Storage Bed

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$269.99

Available in four neutral colors and three sizes, the Gwenetta Storage bed is great for wild sleepers or little ones who need a little co-sleeping love. The assembly is easy too!

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A version of this story was published September 17, 2021. It has been updated.