Jump To: 

• What is a Montessori Floor Bed?
• Are Floor Beds Safe for Infants and Toddlers?
• What Others are Saying About Floor Beds

What is a Montessori Floor Bed?

You might be wondering what sets a floor bed apart from other beds. While floor beds are not a new concept, they have been used around the world for centuries. Recently, they’ve gained popularity as more people embrace the Montessori approach to learning and child-rearing.

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

Are Floor Beds Better?

As a parent, you have the power to choose what best meets the needs of your child and your family. This information is here to support you in making informed decisions about your child's sleep.

Sprout Beds align with the principles of Maria Montessori. The low height of the bed gives children easy access, allowing them to learn to self-regulate their sleep. 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 Sprout Birch Montessori Floor Bed is crafted from durable materials to ensure safety and stability in your child's sleep environment. Available in crib, twin, and full sizes, the bed can also be adjusted to a raised position, a few inches above the ground. The extra space beneath the floor bed is perfect for storing toys, shoes, or clothes.

The Sosta Bed is made from solid, American-grown red oak. It is currently available in a twin-size platform with multiple configurations and A La Carte options, allowing you to customize the bed to meet your child's needs. Legs can be added when your child is ready for a raised bed, and for families with limited space, the bed can be converted into a bunk bed. 

Are Floor Beds Safe for Infants and Toddlers?

Below are some safety recommendations and guidelines!

Safety guidelines recommend setting the low side of the bed at least twelve inches away from the wall. This ensures that a child will have space to right themselves after they roll off the bed.

They recommend that the high side of the floor bed should be less than one and a half inches away from the wall.

To err on the side of caution, regulations suggest waiting until your child is 18 months old before introducing the floor bed. However, some Montessori families opt to use a floor bed from infancy by placing a rug and pillows on the ground beside the bed to soften the floor.

With a 400-pound weight capacity, both the Birch Floor Bed and the Sosta Bed are sturdy enough for both parent and child to snuggle together comfortably. These beds are designed with the needs of both child and parent in mind!

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!