Jump To: 

• What is a Montessori Floor Bed?
• The Appeal of Floor Beds
• Floor Beds Aren't Just Montessori
• Floor Bed FAQ
  • Are floor beds better?
  • Are floor beds safe for infants and toddlers?
  • What kinds of floor beds are there?
  • What size floor bed should I get?
  • What if they don't like it?
  • Will they stay up and play all night?
  • Will they roll off the bed?

• What Others are Saying About Floor Beds

What is a Montessori Floor Bed?

While floor beds are not a new concept (they’ve been used around the world for centuries), they’ve become increasingly popular as more families embrace the Montessori approach to learning and child-rearing.

A Montessori floor bed is a low-profile bed frame or firm mattress placed close to the ground, allowing babies and toddlers to move in and out of bed independently within a fully child-proofed bedroom. Rather than being confined to a crib, the child’s bedroom becomes a prepared environment that supports autonomy, confidence, and natural movement.

Here are a few insights from educators and child psychologists about the potential benefits of a Montessori floor bed:

"Floor beds promote independence in that babies and toddlers have free reign of their entire (baby-proofed) bedroom, rather than being confined to a crib. Floor beds also promote freedom within limits. While they have more space to explore, they also learn the boundaries of that freedom. Floor beds require parents to set clear expectations surrounding bedtime and sleep, which gives the child a sense of security and trust. Simultaneously, they allow for tuck-ins and cuddles at the child’s level, promoting love and comfort." -Theresa, Montessori In Real Life

"A mat on the floor, in a room that has been completely prepared for safety, allows a child to come and go, exercising all his developing abilities." Susan Mayclin Stephenson, The Joyful Child

The Appeal of Floor Beds

Sleep with young children can be complex, and for many families, it evolves over time. While a floor bed is not a solution for every sleep challenge, it can be a supportive option for families navigating co-sleeping, early wake-ups, or bedtime transitions.

Because a floor bed is low and accessible, it allows parents to sit or lie beside their child for comfort, connection, or reassurance without fully committing to long-term bed-sharing. This can be especially helpful during phases when children need extra support falling asleep or returning to sleep after waking.

Floor Beds Aren't Only Montessori

You’ll often see the term 'floor bed' paired with 'Montessori'. While floor beds are commonly used in Montessori-inspired homes, a floor bed on its own doesn’t have to follow a specific philosophy. Many families choose floor beds simply because they work well for their child.

At Sprout, we don’t label our floor beds as “Montessori” to follow a trend. Our beds are inspired by principles that encourage independence and accessibility, but they are designed first and foremost to be safe, durable, and flexible for real family life.

A floor bed can support autonomy, self-regulation, and exploration in any child’s space, whether or not you follow a Montessori approach at home. Our focus is on creating beds that meet both children’s developmental needs and families’ practical needs, no labels required.

FAQ

Are Floor Beds Better?

With sleep, there will never be a better or worse, across-the-board option. Each family has different needs and will have different solutions. A Montessori floor bed is simply one tool that can support independence and self-regulation when it’s the right fit. 

Are Floor Beds safe for infants and toddlers?

When thoughtfully set up, floor beds can be a safe sleep option for infants and toddlers. Some families start as early as infancy, while others wait until later, and both choices can be right. 

Newborns don’t move much at first, but concerns about rolling, room safety, and the practicality of lifting a baby from the floor (especially postpartum) are very real. For many families, the timing depends on comfort level, physical recovery, room setup, and the child’s development.

There’s no “correct” age, just what feels appropriate for your family.

Below are commonly recommended safety guidelines:

• The low side of the bed should be placed at least 12 inches away from the wall, allowing space for a child to safely reposition themselves if they roll off.
• The high side of the bed should be no more than 1.5 inches from the wall to prevent entrapment.
• To err on the side of caution, some safety regulations suggest waiting until your child is 15 months old before introducing the floor bed, though many Montessori families choose to begin earlier, with additional precautions such as rugs or soft floor coverings beside the bed.

Both the Birch Floor Bed and the Sosta Bed are built with a 400-pound weight capacity, making them sturdy enough for shared moments like reading, comforting, or cuddling, an important part of building trust and connection around sleep. 

These beds are designed with the needs of both child and parent in mind!

What kind of Floor Beds are there?

There’s a wide range of options:

• A firm mattress on the floor (with regular airing for airflow)
• A mattress paired with slats to prevent moisture buildup
• A low wooden bed frame

If you're interested in a low frame, Sprout Beds align with the principles of Maria Montessori. The low height of the bed gives children easy access, allowing them to listen to their bodies so they can choose to rest when they're ready. The home is the ideal place for children to develop self-awareness, and a floor bed transforms their bedroom into a supportive learning environment. 

The Birch Montessori Floor Bed is crafted from durable materials to ensure safety and stability in your child's sleep environment. The Sosta Bed is made from solid, American-grown red oak. Both beds are GREENGUARD Gold certified. 

What size floor bed should I get?

The right floor bed size depends on your child’s age, room size, and how long you want the bed to last. We break down crib, twin, and full options, and how to choose what’s best for your family, in our floor bed size guide.

What if my child doesn't like it?

That’s okay too.

Not every child takes to a floor bed right away. If you’re unsure, you don’t have to fully commit all at once. Some families keep the crib nearby or store it temporarily so it’s easy to switch back if needed. A pack-and-play can also serve as a flexible backup.

If the floor bed doesn’t work right now, it doesn’t mean it won’t ever work. Many families revisit the idea later with more success.

Will they just stay up and play all night?

At first, maybe a little, but that’s just part of the learning process.

When children are new to a floor bed, the freedom can feel novel. They may get out of bed after you tuck them in, explore their room, or come to the door repeatedly. With consistency, they usually learn when their body is ready for rest and begin choosing sleep on their own.

Can they roll off the bed?

It can happen, especially early on.

Because the bed is so low, most children are able to resettle themselves or fall back asleep. Some may need brief reassurance. It’s also common for children to sleep partially or fully on the floor for a while, and that’s okay. If they’re sleeping well and safely, it’s part of the transition.

What Others are Saying About Floor Beds

"I love seeing my son fall asleep with his toys around him. It reminds me of college when I would fall asleep on the ground when studying, with books stacked around me. Play is his work and I’m thankful for a room that allows him the independence for unstructured play before and after naptime."  - Nathalie @nathalieruthlu 

"I spent hours researching a big boy bed for my 18-month-old toddler that would give him the independence he needed while keeping him safe. I purchased the Sprout Kids Montessori Floor bed, as I loved its simple clean lines, and set it up within 20 minutes. My son has been sleeping there ever since, and it has by far been the easiest transition we have experienced during this toddlerhood phase. We both couldn’t be happier!" -Ellen, @ellenraereid

Selecting a mattress

There are some things to consider with an enclosed bed frame. See our blog for considerations!

Floor beds aren’t about rushing independence or doing things “the Montessori way” perfectly. They’re simply one tool that can support autonomy, confidence, and respect for a child’s natural rhythms when it’s the right fit.