Montessori Floor Bed with Rails?
Montessori Floor Bed with Rails?
Floor beds have been gaining popularity, with some parents choosing them from birth or as soon as their child outgrows a bassinet. It is natural to have questions about trying something that feels non-traditional, including:
- What if the child rolls out?
- What if they never want to go to bed and stay up to play all night instead?
- What if the room isn’t fully baby-proofed?
Some parents might look for a middle ground: a floor bed with rails. This type of bed looks more like a traditional crib but sits low to the ground. But do they still provide the benefits of a true floor bed? And are there hidden risks?
Here are our thoughts.
The Philosophy Behind the Floor Bed
The Philosophy Behind the Floor Bed
The floor bed philosophy originates from Maria Montessori’s belief that children thrive when they are given independence and accessibility within their environment, both at home and at school. She extended this idea to sleep, suggesting that allowing a child to get in and out of bed freely supports both development and a healthy sleep rhythm.
As she explained:
“The child... must be free not only during the day but also at night… If we want to get out of bed during the night, we can. Imagine what it would be like to be put to sleep in a high cage that you could not get out of when you woke in the morning. I should not sleep well under those conditions. Suppose a giant always put me to bed, and I couldn't get out unless this giant were to come to me very sleepily and help me out."
— Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures, pp. 133–135
Montessori herself never designed a specific bed. In fact, she often recommended simply placing a mattress directly on the floor. This is still a perfectly valid option today, but it’s important to consider airflow to avoid moisture buildup and mold.
Sosta Bed, Full platform
In addition, this might not always match the desired aesthetic of the parent. You can choose a mattress on the ground and can air it out regularly, or place it on a low bed to allow ventilation while keeping it accessible to the child. The heart of the method lies in freedom of movement. If tall rails or barriers prevent a child from getting in and out independently, the purpose is lost. Still have questions? See our blog explaining them in detail!
Safety and Rails
Sometimes when people think of Montessori furniture, they think of "sad beige" aesthetics. However, the only component a bed needs to be truly Montessori is the accessibility to the child. The aesthetics of the bed are simply a choice for a parent and child to make to best suit their needs and style.
So, can a toddler bed with rails be considered Montessori?
Yes - as long as there is a way for the child to independently get in and out of the bed. Some floor beds with rails have an opening for the child or a gate that they can learn to open. This can allow children the freedom and mobility a floor bed offers, while preventing them from rolling off.
However, it is worth noting that children who like to climb might need some observation as you introduce rails, which may distract from sleep.
One solution is removable or adjustable rails. You can use a rail until the child no longer needs it, and then it can be removed to provide better access to the bed when they are ready. This flexibility was something that we looked for when we designed the Sosta Bed. All rails are removable, to best adapt to your child’s needs as they grow.
Sosta Bed, Twin with headboard + footboard
Alternatives to Rails
There are some alternatives to rails if you want your child to have a little extra support staying in bed during the night.
Some parents may place pool noodles or foam bumpers underneath their children’s bedsheets to create a barrier that prevents the child from accidentally rolling out. You may want to ask your health care provider if you consider this approach to determine if this is a safe option for your specific child.
Another option is to place a cushioned play mat or carpet by the bed, so if the child does roll off in the night, they have a soft landing.
Birch Montessori Floor Bed
Safety and the Floor Bed
There are several things to consider and prepare for introducing a floor bed to a child, depending on their age. You can explore our other blog articles on these topics:
Checklist of Everything to Baby/Childproof Before Using a Floor Bed
How to Transition Your Child to a Floor Bed
Mattress Guide for Sprout Beds
Have questions? Drop them below or email us at support @sprout-kids.com
