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. A floor bed is not a new idea; many people around the world have used floor beds for centuries. They have gained popularity in recent years as more people have become interested in the Montessori method of learning and raising children. 

A few insights from educators and child psychologists explain 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 get to decide what will best meet the needs of your child and your family! This information is intended to inform you as you seek to make decisions regarding your child's sleep.

Sprout Beds align with the teachings of Maria Montessori. The low height gives children access to their bed which allows them to self-regulate their sleep. This puts trust in them knowing their body and gives your child independence which leads to your child building self-confidence. The home is the best place to develop an understanding of themselves and the floor bed helps turn their bedroom into a learning environment. 

The Sprout Birch Montessori Floor Bed is made of durable materials to provide safety and stability in your child's sleep environment. The bed comes in crib, twin, and full sizes and can be adjusted to be in a raised position that is a few inches above the ground. The additional space under the floor bed can be utilized for storing toys, shoes, or clothes.

The Sosta Bed is made from solid, American-grown red oak. It currently comes in a twin-size platform with multiple configurations as well as A La Carte options to create a bed that reflects your child's needs. Legs can be added when your child is ready for a raised bed, and for families with small spaces, it can be converted to a bunk bed. 

Are Floor Beds Safe for Infants and Toddlers?

Some Montessori families choose to integrate a floor bed from infancy by setting a rug and pillows on the ground to soften the floor beside the bed.

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.

Regulations recommend waiting until 18 months to introduce the floor bed to err on the side of caution

The 250-pound weight capacity allows both the parent and child to easily snuggle in bed. The Sosta Bed has a higher weight capacity of 400 pounds with a mattress. These beds were designed with the needs of a 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