If you’re wanting to try a Montessori floor bed, make sure you know these things first!
Introduction
Most parents are so busy these days that they don’t have time to read all the parenting books out there. They want to do what is best for their child, but it’s hard to know which advice is actually true.
While many experts recommend that children should transition into a regular bed at about age two, this doesn’t always go smoothly.
Many toddlers don’t feel comfortable sleeping on the floor of their parent’s bedroom or even in a twin size bed frame. Transitioning to an adult sized mattress can also present issues for younger children who are still developing motor skills and might have trouble getting in and out of bed independently.
A Montessori style toddler bed offers parents an alternative option that allows them to keep their child close by while giving them more independence than they would get with a traditional crib or co-sleeper bassinet set up.
Some people may have never heard of a Montessori bed before, and that is okay! In this short guide, we will walk you through what they are and why it might be worth considering them. If you have been thinking about how to give your child more independence in their bedroom, you should read on for some important information about floor beds to see if a Montessori floor bed is right for you and your family!
What is a Montessori Bed?
First, it’s important to note that there is no “Montessori Bed.” In contrast, Montessori-inspired beds follow the general principles of the Montessori Method.
Generally speaking, with a Montessori bed, there is no bed rail and the mattress will be close to the floor. The idea is that your child feels empowered knowing they have many opportunities for freedom of movement in their room.
Montessori-inspired beds come in two main types, the bed either has no rails to prevent movement or it’s at floor level with rails, allowing your child to get in and out of the bed by themselves. Many are built like house bed frames and they’re SO cute!
What is the point of a Montessori bed?
You may be wondering why you would opt for a Montessori-inspired bed rather than a regular toddler bed, a toddler floor bed, or traditional twin bed for your kiddo.
One of the most important principles behind Montessori is giving freedom to children and allowing them room for exploration. Giving your child a bed that they can get in and out of independently allows them more opportunity to try new things, which will help them grow as individuals.
Parents are often surprised to learn that even young babies will choose to get back in their bed at nap-time or sleep time when it is time to rest again! Having the bed on the floor makes your child’s room friendly and inviting for them.
What age are floor beds for?
Montessori floor beds are typically best for the young children years, when your child is still taking naps throughout the day. That way, you can put them in their floor bed starting with naps and work your way up to night time sleeps.
These beds are great for toddlers, but can actually be introduced in children as young as six months old.
Essentially, a floor bed would replace a crib or toddler bed. When you choose a Montessori-inspired floor bed for your baby, you are getting them into the habit of freedom and independent choice by giving them something comfortable to sleep on that they can get themselves back into.
Benefits of using a Montessori bed
There are many benefits to using a Montessori floor bed. Here are five of the most commonly cited benefits:
1. Independence
Children learn how to make choices and decisions early on, so a Montessori bed will allow them to get in and out all by themselves! This sense of empowerment encourages your child as they grow older to be more independent.
They may feel less anxious about trying out new things when they know that even if they fall, they won’t hurt themselves because there’s not far to go..
2. Respect for others
The Montessori approach doesn’t just encourage independence. Montessori teaches children the importance of respect and courtesy towards themselves and others as well. Children value their own privacy, so a bed that allows for more privacy will encourage your child to respect the personal space of others.
3. Trust in themselves
Having a Montessori bed means your child can trust that they will still have their own sleeping area set up each night, and they’ll feel confident making the choice every time to come back into this safe place to rest.
Having a bed close to the floor can help reinforce the advancement of their gross motor skills as well.
4. Freedom to explore
Children need room to explore, so make sure that your child has a chance to get out of their bed several times throughout the day. This freedom of movement will encourage curiosity and creativity in your child.
5. Saves space
In some situations, where space is at a premium, using a Montessori floor bed allows you to save space by having an actual bed for your child. Even toddler beds can take up a lot of space, especially if you have a little one who needs a princess bed or a character bed.
What happens if my child falls out of their Montessori bed?
This is actually a pretty common question. Montessori beds are usually just a few inches off the ground, so it would take a lot for your child to get hurt. They are low to the ground so your child can climb in and out of the bed all by themselves.
If you have concerns that your child will get hurt, you should consider a Montessori floor bed with rails.
How to create the perfect space for your child’s room with a floor bed
Here is where the fun comes in! Because you’ll be saving space by only having a floor bed, you can actually get super creative with the rest of their room.
Just because you have a Montessori floor bed doesn’t mean the rest of your room has to have Montessori features. You could also choose to keep their room simple with neutral colors and then have them decorate their room in other ways.
Now if your little one wants a full blown Star Wars themed room, heck yeah, go for it!
But let’s say for example, if your little one is into cars, why not paint the room like a racetrack and decorate it with cars?
Montessori floor beds are an excellent choice for parents who home-school their children. Not only does this bed give your child freedom to explore and play, but it also helps them learn independence through the use of these personal sleeping spaces.
By allowing your child to choose their own sleeping space, you are giving them the independence to choose what they want to do with their day.
Children learn responsibility by choosing a bed that is suitable for them and not necessarily having one chosen for them by their parents.
Children will also be more likely to sleep in their beds when it’s a comfortable area that has been designed with their needs in mind. Your child will feel more relaxed at night when they are given this independence!
When creating an environment for your child to sleep, make sure it is a private and secure place that allows them space to explore and grow. Give them a chance to let loose and get messy during the day so that they can also enjoy the security of a clean and tidy space at night.
The Montessori method supports all your child’s natural developmental needs, from physical to social awareness and their bed is just a part of that!
Our Favorite Montessori Floor Beds
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Conclusion
Montessori floor beds are a great way to give your child independence, encourage creativity and foster their confidence. If you’re considering getting one for yourself or someone else’s baby, give it a shot!
Who knows? You may be surprised by how many ways this simple change can positively impact your family!
In the meantime, happy playing!
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