We want our kids to have some freedom, learn to make decisions, and take care of their own needs. Our goal as parents, after all, is to raise capable kids who are ready to venture out into the world. This doesn’t mean letting them do whatever they want. Kids still need boundaries and safe places to explore, but they can do so much on their own.
One way to give kids more freedom is to ditch cribs and use a Montessori floor bed. These beds are fantastic and can be life-changing.
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What is a Montessori Bed?
A Montessori bed, inspired by the work of Maria Montessori, is becoming popular as parents incorporate her ideas into their homes.
Instead of using a crib, which is designed to confine babies and toddlers, parents place a mattress on the floor. This gives kids the freedom to move around their room and meet their needs while staying safe.
Now, this may sound like a bad thing. Who wants their babies and toddlers getting up all night and roaming their rooms? But it helps kids build independence. Toddlers can get up in the morning and quietly read books if they are awake before anyone else. Your kids do not have to wait for you to come and get them out of bed. They are in control.
Kids grow up feeling capable because they are! They learn to lay down when they are tired and quietly entertain themselves when they are not.
- Looking for more Montessori-inspired ideas? Check out our favorite Montessori toy shelves and Montessori Mirrors!
Allowing kids the freedom to move around reduces bedtime struggles and the need to force them to stay in bed.
This can make the evenings a peaceful time for parents to get some much-needed alone time. They can stop engaging in power struggles about sleep and instead step back, giving kids the opportunity and freedom to choose when to sleep.
Whatever our kids do is up to them once we have closed the bedroom door or baby gate. Bed can be an enjoyable space. Who doesn’t want bedtime to be a pleasant time of the day?
Are you worried about keeping your kids in bed? See below.
Childproof a Space for a Montessori Bed
To succeed, we will need to create a Yes-Space for a Montessori bed. A Yes-Space is an area that has been wholly childproofed, allowing your kids to roam around to their heart’s content and be safely left to play alone.
A Montessori bed is necessary because your kids can climb in and out of bed even when you aren’t present. These safety measures are what make a floor bed safe. It eliminates the need for the safe space a crib creates.
A fully childproofed Yes-Space takes a bit of work up front, but it will be a lifesaver as kids go through the baby and toddler exploration phase. It will reduce how often you have to say “No” or redirect your kids from things you don’t want them to touch or climb on.
Anything we place at their level is something they can touch, explore, and learn from. It gives them a place to build focus and confidence as they play independently.
We demonstrate a deep respect for our kids when we design a space that meets their needs instead of just our own.
Babyproofing Checklist:
- Place a baby gate across the door
- Cover all outlets with outlet covers
- Install window guards or window stoppers
- Remove tall shelves and secure lower shelves
- Keep cords secured and out of kids’ reach
- Place corner protectors on sharp edges
- Place toys and books on a low level where kids can access them
- Remove any choking hazards
- Cover the floor in carpet or play mats
- Remove long curtains and the pull cords for blinds
- Keep all plants out of reach
- Keep pets out of the space. Babies should never be left alone with pets.
FAQ
1. At what age can kids use a Montessori floor bed?
As soon as a baby moves from a bassinet to their bed, they can start using a floor bed! You can skip a crib altogether, eliminating the phase when kids start climbing and falling out of cribs. Starting babies on a floor bed makes the transition easier later on.
Use a firm mattress, avoid blankets and pillows, fully childproof the space, and keep pets away from the baby when an adult is not in the room.
2. What types of families is a Montessori bed for?
You do not have to be a strictly Montessori-practicing family for you and your kids to benefit from a floor bed. It can build independence in all kids and help calm bedtime. It empowers kids by saying, “You are capable of meeting your needs, and I trust you to make decisions!” What a great message for our kids.
3. How do I keep kids in bed when using a floor bed?
The short answer: you don’t.
Parents like to think that they can control their kids and MAKE them do what they want. But at the end of the day, you can’t make a kid eat, poop, or stop crying. You can’t make them sleep even if you keep them in bed by placing them in a crib. This doesn’t mean you should step back and let kids run around like crazy wild people, staying up until they finally pass out on the couch at 11 pm.
You can control the routine and the environment. This creates consistency and a daily rhythm that is important for kids. Set a bedtime and stick to it. After reading books, singing songs, and giving kisses, turn off the lights and let kids rest. If they aren’t tired or a floor bed is new, they might get up out of bed. And that’s okay.
You can place a baby gate at their door to keep them from wandering the house and limit the types of toys available to them. Keep only a few toys in your kid’s room, like books or stuffed animals that they can play with should they get out of bed. These might be the same things you’d be willing to place in a crib with a baby. You can keep the rest of their toys in a separate playroom.
Soon, kids will learn to listen to their bodies and lie down when tired. They are given freedom AND limits.
4. What if my kid stays up half the night playing?
Kids might be excited to get up and move around their rooms when introducing a floor bed. They aren’t used to this new freedom, but they will get tired and fall asleep. Over time, they will learn that their bed is the most comfortable place to sleep and go there when they’re tired. With a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine, the time spent playing should diminish.
You can try limiting the number and type of toys your child has access to in their room. Remove any electronic devices, loud toys, or lights. If you have lots and lots of toys, it might be time for a toy declutter.
5. What size mattress should I get?
Kids don’t need a small mattress, but it is recommended that babies under 1 sleep on a crib mattress. These are specifically designed to be firm enough to keep them safe. You can also do careful research and choose a very firm twin mattress.
If kids are over age 1, we recommend skipping the toddler mattress and starting with a twin mattress. This will eliminate the need to buy a second one as they grow. A twin mattress is thin enough to stay low to the ground if a toddler rolls out of bed.
Choose a firm mattress and avoid fluffy bedding. A sleep sack can be a great, safe alternative to blankets.
6. Does the Montessori bed need rails?
Rails might seem like a safety feature, but they are unnecessary because kids are so close to the floor that they will not hurt themselves should they slip out of bed. Many kids will keep sleeping even if they end up half out of bed. Placing the bed on a carpet or a rug can keep them comfy.
But if your kids move around a lot and wake up when they fall out of bed, rails might be a great option.
7. Are there any safety considerations when using a Montessori bed?
In addition to childproofing the room, make sure your kids cannot roll between the bed and the wall. This is especially important for babies who could quickly become stuck and unable to breathe.
Parents can avoid this by placing only the head of the bed against the wall. Leave space around the three exposed sides of the bed. This bed position eliminates areas where kids can get trapped.
Also, a mattress placed directly on the floor can collect dust or develop mold because of limited airflow. Keep the space clean and stand the mattress up every so often to air out the underside and check for signs of mold.
- Looking for great bed options for older kids? Check out our favorite quadruple bunk beds!
Montessori Bed Options
Simply place a mattress on the floor, and just like that, you have a Montessori bed! You can also adapt a wooden bed frame by sawing the legs off if you are feeling handy.
Or, if you’re looking for something ready-made, many stylish floor bed frames are available.
1. Montessori Bed Company
Montessori Bed Company stands out for its thoughtfully designed Montessori beds, combining a beautiful, minimalist aesthetic with a sturdy, child-friendly construction. I love that it’s fully foam, fits a twin mattress, and has a washable cover.
The low-to-the-ground design encourages independence, while the quality materials and craftsmanship make the bed feel like a long-term investment rather than just another piece of kids’ furniture.
For parents looking for a Montessori bed that balances safety, style, durability, and practicality, Montessori Bed Company is an easy choice!
2. Twin Size House Floor Bed
This simple bed frame has a cute house design and features slats that raise the mattress just off the floor.
It has no rails, so you can easily sit in bed with your kids to read or talk. The house shape lends itself to imaginative play and can be draped with cloth to make a little fort. It is sized to perfectly fit a twin mattress with a total height of 70.3 inches.
The instructions leave a bit to be desired, but the frame is relatively easy to assemble and needs only an allen key. It helps to have a second person hold the pieces when screwing them together during setup.
Note: It is not meant for climbing on and will not hold up if used as a jungle gym.
3. KD Frames Twin Trundle
This twin-size trundle is a great way to keep the mattress off the floor. This helps increase air circulation and limits mold and dust accumulation in the mattress. It is still low to the ground, making it an excellent option for a floor bed.
It has wheels that make the bed easy to move. This is convenient for cleaning. Placing the trundle on the carpet helps to keep it from slipping around.
The trundle frame is extra sturdy and easy to assemble in 30-40 minutes using the provided hex wrench. You can attach the wheels with a screwdriver.
4. Play Tent Bed Canopy
Once set up, this bed canopy can accommodate a twin-size mattress up to 9 inches thick. Place the mattress on the floor inside the tent; it needs no additional frame. Itis great for turning the bed into a play tent and looks extra cute in a kid’s bedroom. This encourages imaginative play and creates a cozy, quiet time spot.
It is straightforward to assemble and can be up in minutes.
Note: This is NOT a suitable option for babies. A baby could roll off and get stuck between the tent wall and the mattress.
5. Ashley Piperton Scandinavian Youth Twin Tent Bed
This cute floor bed is a fun alternative to a house-shaped bed frame.
The mattress sits directly on the floor inside the frame, which is 60.35 inches tall. There is just under an inch of space all around the mattress, leaving a bit of room for bedding but not enough for kids to get stuck.
The simple design lends itself to imaginative play and can be draped with a blanket to make a tent. The lack of a railing makes it easy to sit with your kids in bed. Bedtime is a cherished time to chat with our kids about their day.
The setup is extra simple and requires only a screwdriver and the provided hex wrench.
Final Thoughts
We hope you will consider a Montessori floor bed and all the ways it can benefit you and your kids. Consider giving your kids more opportunities and creating spaces for them to succeed. Be patient and allow time to adjust when making transitions and trying out new routines.
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