Safety isn't a feature of our products, but the foundation.  Every child's bed must meet strict safety and durability standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM International. At Sprout, we test our beds thoroughly to make sure they meet these standards for safety.  We take Safety Testing Seriously  With the Sparrow bed, we strength-tested various parts of the bed until failure. Then we evaluated how those parts failed and whether those failure points were acceptable for real family use. We iterated on the curve of the headboard multiple times until we landed on the version you see now. We don't say final version, because we never view something as final, because we always welcome feedback.  After testing individual parts, we test the bed as a whole. We know it’s easy for brands to say something is durable, but we’d rather show you. That’s why we created this strength testing demonstration. Pushing the Sparrow Bed to the Limits  Standardized testing confirms the bed is safe for everyday use, but we wanted to see just how far we could push the Sparrow Bed beyond those requirements. One by one, we began stacking as many 32-pound cinder blocks onto the bed as could fit.    The goal wasn’t to create a 'normal use' scenario, but to demonstrate the level of strength built into the design. The Sparrow bed is made with solid wood and designed with an intentionally high weight capacity (500–650 lbs), making it strong enough for co-sleeping and years of everyday use. For us, durability matters because childhood is active and unpredictable, and your furniture should be ready for all of it. Explore the Sparrow Bed!

As we prepared to launch the Sparrow Bed, we asked our community about their biggest sleep challenges and received over 500 responses. One thing became immediately clear: sleep is not a simple hurdle. When it’s going well, everything feels easier. When it’s not, it can affect nearly every part of life. When parents are exhausted, even small challenges can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, it can feel like you do so much and the results still aren't there. You can create routines, environments, and habits, but you can’t force a child to sleep. That lack of control, especially when you’re desperate for rest, can bring up frustration, guilt, and helplessness all at once. And because sleep is so closely tied to parenting approaches, conversations around it can feel personal, or like you are being evaluated as a parent.  That rawness is what stood out while reading through all of these questions you had for our expert about sleep. We wanted to create space for thoughtful, developmentally grounded insight that you can consider, adapt, and determine if it works for your family.  We sat down with Kelly Routkevitch, a Pediatric Sleep & Development Specialist and Kinesiologist, to answer your tricky sleep questions. Her insight brings clarity, reassurance, and practical insight grounded in both development and real family life. Prefer to listen to the podcast? Your Q&A for sleep, with Pediatric Sleep Consultant Kelly: Q: Why do tongue and lip ties affect baby sleep? Kelly: If the frenulum under the tongue or upper lip is too tight, it can cause problems with feeding and latching, which can lead to discomfort and more night wakings. The tongue also helps expand the palate. If it can’t rest on the roof of the mouth, it can lead to mouth breathing, which affects sleep quality and can cause more frequent night wakings.   Q: Why do children want more connection at night? And how do we handle the curtain calls for water, hugs, and potty breaks? A: This is very common at this age. My thought process is to build those requests into the routine: offer water, snack, potty before bed, because you know they’ll ask anyway. It really depends on the family. Some enjoy lying with their child, others need space. One thing we use is audio stories as a bridge if a parent needs to step away. The main thing is connection. Kids want connection, and even if you spend all day with them, it matters how you’re connecting. Overnight is a long separation, and children don’t understand time. So creating a connection before bed is key. Also, making sure they are actually tired so bedtime doesn’t drag on.   Q: Why is feeling safe so important for sleep? A: Sleep comes from a sense of safety. Just like adults struggle to sleep when stressed, children need to feel calm and secure before they can rest. Their nervous systems are even more sensitive, so connection and a predictable routine help them settle.   Q: Is there a developmental age where it becomes too late to teach independent sleep? Is it ever too early?  A: No. Independent sleep can be supported at any age. There may be protests, especially under 12 months. The first three years are a period of rapid brain development, and children still need closeness. Independence comes from depending on a safe caregiver. It grows from feeling safe and supported, so gradual transitions tend to be more effective than abrupt changes.   Q: When should babies or toddlers sleep through the night? A: There is no universal timeline, and it really depends on the child. Some babies sleep long stretches early, others don’t sleep through the night until age two or beyond. Sleep patterns depend on temperament, development, and possible underlying factors like airway issues, allergies, iron levels, or nutrition. Many children begin consolidating sleep around age two, but variation is completely normal.   Q: When should I transition my baby from a crib or co-sleeping? A: It depends on development and safety. Once babies are rolling or mobile, that’s a good time to transition. The recommendation is to keep baby in your room for at least six months, ideally a year. Floor beds can be used earlier if the environment is safe.   Q: Are Montessori floor beds safe for babies and toddlers? A: Yes, if the room is fully baby-proofed. Everything should be anchored, no cords, outlets covered, it should function like one big crib. A bed should be designed or positioned so that a baby can roll onto the floor rather than get stuck against a wall. I recommend you use a monitor and keep the door closed for safety. Here is our checklist on how to prepare a bedroom safely for a floor bed!   Q: Why does my toddler wake up at 5 am?  A: Early wake-ups are often related to schedule. Often, they wake because the child has had enough sleep. If they go to bed early, they may wake early. Looking at total sleep, bedtime timing, and environmental factors like light or noise can help address early waking. We assume kids should go to bed at 7 p.m., but that’s not always realistic. It’s about total sleep and internal sleep pressure.   Q: Why does my child wake in the middle of the night and stay awake? A: This can happen when a child has already had a long stretch of sleep or is going through a developmental phase. Sometimes adjusting naps or bedtime can help. These 'split nights' are often temporary and tied to growth or schedule imbalance.   Q: How do I tell the difference between a child needing me vs. normal waking? A: I would respond either way. Children don’t wake up to create problems; they wake because they need something, whether it’s comfort, food, or reassurance. Responding helps them feel safe and does not create bad habits.   Q: What’s the number one mistake parents make with sleep? A: Trying to force sleep when the child isn’t tired. Sleep cues like yawning can sometimes be misleading. If a child isn’t ready for sleep, bedtime can become a long and frustrating process.   Q: Does physical activity help children sleep better? A: Yes. Movement and sensory input are important for supporting better sleep. Movement and sensory input, like outdoor play, climbing, pushing, or rough-and-tumble play, help regulate the body. It’s most effective to look at the whole day, not just right before bed.   Q: What is one of the best things to add to a bedtime routine? A: Beyond physical activity, connection, and deep pressure. Eye contact, time together, massage, or gentle squeezes help regulate the nervous system and signal safety.   Sleep can feel all-consuming, especially when you’re in the middle of it. But one of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that many challenges are rooted in development, connection, and environment. You aren't failing, and there are tools and approaches out there that can support you and your unique child!   Have more sleep questions? Drop them below! If you’re looking for more personalized support, Kelly offers 1:1 sleep consulting and additional resources at bizzyasamother.com or @bizzyasamother. 

Teaching children how to live sustainably includes teaching them how to reduce waste, conserve energy, care for what they have, and how to reuse or safely dispose of items they no longer need.  Here are some simple ideas you can do:  Reduce  Try to stop optimizing everything for convenience. When everything is instant (snacks, toys, etc.), consumption increases without much notice Practice turning off lights and water when not in use Grow herbs or vegetables, even a small indoor or porch garden works Let them help plan meals using what you already have at home Choose open-ended, long-lasting toys and talk about caring for them Bring them along when shopping and talk about choices (local, less packaging, reusable) Teach them to ask if they need something or if they just want it. You can follow up with how long they plan to use it Another approach is that you can create a 'waiting list', where you can revisit a desired item after a few days to see if they still want it Try to avoid solving problems with purchases Reuse  Rotate toys instead of buying new ones Talk about rewearing clothes before washing (how to tell when something needs to be washed vs. when it can be reworn)  Teach older children how to repair clothing  Let them carry reusable bags Recycle  Let them help sort recycling vs. trash (make it a game!) Compost food scraps together (show what can/can’t go in) Involve them in passing down or donating clothing and toy items Use recyclables for crafts (boxes, jars, paper rolls) and create a 'reuse bin' for art supplies Have an activity you'd like share? Tell us in the comments! 

Step inside a Montessori-inspired space, where the goal isn't to separate children from the work of a home, but to thoughtfully bring them into it. These spaces support independence, confidence, and everyday connection. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a home that works with your child, not against them. Small, intentional choices can transform the way your child moves through their day, and how your home feels as a result. Support Choices in Everyday Routines A thoughtfully arranged wardrobe gives children the opportunity to participate in getting dressed from the very beginning. Because independence isn’t taught in big moments, it’s built in the small, everyday ones. Will you love their outfit every time? Maybe not. But they will, and that’s where confidence begins. Follow Their Curiosity More isn't always more. When children are young, too many options can feel overwhelming. A simplified, intentional setup helps them focus, engage, and choose with confidence. Instead of overwhelming shelves, children can clearly see their options, either with toys or with books.  Low, open shelving in the playroom keeps toys accessible and visible, helping children choose their own activities with ease. A forward-facing book display shelf makes it easier to reach, choose, and fall in love with reading on their own. Bring Them Into the Rhythm of Home It’s easy to think the goal of involving children in the kitchen is to teach them how to cook. But in the beginning, they often aren't much help, and might actually slow you down.  A toddler tower supports something else: connection.  Whether they’re helping prepare a meal or simply observing, they’re included in learning through presence, participation, and shared experience. Designed for Real Life Each piece featured in this home was designed intentionally to support both the parent and the child.  Start With Simple Changes You don’t need to overhaul your entire home. Start with one space. One shelf. One small shift. Because when your environment supports your child, everything else begins to feel a little easier.

When a child hits, it can feel sudden, surprising, and sometimes even alarming. It can leave you wondering what just happened and what to do next. In early childhood, behavior is a child’s first language. When feelings are big, and words are limited, the body steps in. Frustration, overstimulation, jealousy, or exhaustion can spill out physically before a child has the skills to express it any other way. Hitting is less about character and more about regulation and communication. That does not mean we ignore it. It means we approach it differently. Sprout worked with a licensed professional counselor to get this insight into children and hitting. She is finishing up a PHD in counseling and works with children at a nonprofit in their child development center. Here’s a few ways she recommended approaching hitting in a way that supports growth, protect boundaries, and builds long-term self-regulation.   Remain Calm Hitting can often be triggering for a parent to observe. It can be helpful to take a step back and take a breath before correcting the behavior. When we respond calmly, we model the regulation we want them to learn. A calm tone can help a child begin regulating, even during moments when their emotions feel overwhelming.   Understand the “Why” Beneath the Behavior Hitting often happens when a child: Feels overwhelmed Doesn't have the words to express their frustration Is tired or overstimulated Wants connection  Is testing cause and effect Young children are still developing impulse control. When we see hitting as a lack of skills instead of misbehaving, we can shift our response from punishment to teaching.    Create and Maintain Boundaries Holding the boundary consistently is important. When a child hits you can gently block their hands to prevent it from happening again and repeat a boundary like “I can’t let you hit. Hitting hurts.”.  While the behavior may not stop overnight, over time, children will internalize what they experience repeatedly and predictably.   Teach What To Do Instead Stopping the behavior is only part of it. We then need to teach them what to do instead when they feel like hitting. During calmer moments, practice the words they can use next time to express how they are feeling, like “I’m mad” or “I need space.” You can also offer physical outlets for big feelings like stomping feet, squeezing a pillow, or taking a breath together. The more tools they have, the less they need to use their bodies to communicate.   Teach How to Repair When hitting does happen, teaching them how to repair the situation is important. Instead of simply telling them to say sorry, you can gently guide them towards awareness or care. "Hitting hurts. Let’s go check on them together.” Repair can help a child understand the impact of their actions and build empathy over time.    Learning not to hit is part of learning self-regulation. It takes repetition and consistent modeling. When we respond with guidance instead of punishment, we’re helping a child develop the internal tools they’ll carry with them long after the hitting phase has passed.

As a parent, you’ve probably noticed the word Montessori everywhere. Montessori toys, daycares, beds, and kitchens. Because Montessori is now attached to everything, it is fair to wonder: Is Montessori just a trend? Is it a marketing tactic to sell more products? The short answer: Montessori has gained a lot more visibility lately, but it’s not new. And when it’s done well, it’s not about aesthetics or labels at all.   Montessori is a Philosophy, not a product category Montessori may feel trendy right now, but the philosophy itself was founded over a century ago. Because Montessori is a philosophy and not a product category, it isn’t about buying the right things. It focuses on the adult's mindset and creating an environment that respects the child and supports their natural development. You can practice Montessori without a perfectly curated home or a long list of specialized materials. At its core, Montessori is about: Trusting children’s capabilities Encouraging independence over convenience Designing spaces that say “you belong here” to a child Products can absolutely support these values, but they aren't the primary purpose. Learn about the method here.    Why Montessori feels trendy right now     Why do we think it is getting so much more visibility? Parents are overwhelmed  Families are craving simpler routines and more meaningful play Social media has amplified beautiful, minimalist children's spaces, often labeled Montessori Child development research is more accessible than ever Parents want to be intentional  All of this has pushed Montessori mainstream, and that comes with both benefits and challenges. More visibility means more families learning about the Montessori Method. From the beginning, it was meant to be attainable. Dr. Montessori first developed her method while working with children who were considered the poorest in Italy, proving that this philosophy was never about privilege or perfection. The challenge is that when Montessori is used loosely as a marketing label, its meaning gets diluted. This can create confusion and distrust, especially for families who are genuinely trying to understand and apply Montessori principles.   How to tell if something is Montessori So, with all of that in mind, it’s important to remember that not everything that says Montessori in the title truly aligns with the philosophy. Think of these questions as a lens you can use anytime you see the word Montessori. This can be on a product, a social post, a company, or really anything that you're wanting to question a little deeper:   1. Does it support independence? True Montessori materials help children do things for themselves. They reduce the need for adult intervention and build confidence through feeling capable. 2. Can a child use it on their own (is it truly child-appropriate)? Montessori environments are designed from the child’s perspective. If a child can’t use it or do it without help, it may not be supporting independence in a meaningful way. 3. Is it open-ended?  Most Montessori materials invite exploration, different possibilities, and trial and error, rather than one possible outcome or performance. 4. Is function prioritized over appearance? Something can be beautiful, and Montessori, but beauty should never be the primary goal. If the focus is on how it looks rather than how a child benefits from it, that’s a red flag. 5. Does it have a clear purpose? Montessori materials serve a clear developmental purpose. They aren’t decorative or solely for entertainment. They’re tools for real work and real learning. 6. Is it calm rather than overstimulating? Montessori environments are intentionally calm. Materials that light up, make noise, or overwhelm the senses can stop a child from focusing deeply.  Remember: Not everything in your home needs to meet every one of these criteria. Montessori isn’t about perfection- it’s about being thoughtful and intentional.   Sprout and the Montessori Method At Sprout, Montessori isn’t a marketing buzzword or an SEO keyword- it's the foundation of how we design. We consult Montessori educators, have had Montessori consultants on our payroll, and keep Montessori experts on speed dial. We don’t reference the philosophy lightly. It’s something we actively learn from, question, and return to as we grow. That commitment shows up even in how we build our team. When we interview for our marketing team, we talk openly about how important it is to understand Montessori before speaking publicly about it, and that a willingness to learn is essential to joining Sprout. We take the trust of our audience seriously. We work closely with educators and schools, listening to what’s working and learning how we can better support their spaces. Their insight keeps our designs grounded in real needs.     Montessori may be popular right now, but it’s not going anywhere. It has lasted for over 100 years because it respects children as capable human beings, and that is a concept that doesn’t expire or follow a trend.    

Parenting is filled with long days, big feelings, and constant learning. These are some of Sprout's favorite quotes for a parent to offer encouragement and inspiration along the way.   1. "You can't teach children to behave by making them feel worse. When children feel better, they behave better."  -Pam Leo   2. "When we treat children as if they are incapable, they become incapable" -Janet Lansbury   3. "The level of cooperation parents get from their children is usually equal to the level of connection children feel with their parents" -Pam Leo   4. "Instead of training children to meet the expectations of adults, we should be training adults to meet the psychological, emotional and developmental needs of children"  -Zoe Tolman   5. "Children don't need to have their feels agreed with; they need to have them acknowledged"  -Joanna Faber & Julie King (How to talk so little kids will listen)   6. Children don't need to be treated equally. They need to be treated uniquely."  -Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish (Siblings without Rivalry)   7. "Too often we forget that discipline really means to teach. Not to punish. A disciple is a student, not a recipient of behavioral consequences."  -Daniele J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson (The Whole Brain Child)   8. "Play is often talked about as it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."  -Fred Rogers   9. When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which is grows, not the flower." -Alexander Den Heijer   10. "The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."  -Maria Montessori   11. "Yelling doesn't teach children to behave. Instead, it teaches them to be angry." -Michaeleen Doucleff (Hunt, Gather, Parent)   What are some of your favorite parenting quotes? Drop them in the comments below!  

Sleep is an incredibly important part of a child’s development, so choosing the right bed can feel like a big decision. From design to size, there are many factors to weigh. One of the most common questions families ask is: “How do I decide between a twin bed vs full bed for my child?” Here’s a helpful guide to make that choice a little easier. Jump to:  Key Considerations  Why You May Choose a Twin Bed  Why You May Choose a Full Bed Parent Advice  Sprout's Beds    Bed Size, What's the Difference Twin Bed Size: Approximately 38" x 75" Full Bed Size: Approximately 54" x 75" Understanding these dimensions is a great starting point for figuring out what will work best in your child’s room.   Key Considerations for Choosing Between Twin vs Full Bed Child age & size: Age is often the starting point, but size and comfort matter just as much, so keep in mind your child's size as well.  Sleep style: Some children sleep still, while others move freely throughout the night. Room size: The size of the room plays a big role in how a bed feels day to day. Floor space: Beyond the room size, consider how much open space your child needs for movement, play, or independent activities.  Future growth: Some families prefer to choose a bed their child can comfortably use without added transitions over many years. Other purposes: Consider how your child uses their bed beyond sleeping, from reading in bed, building forts, seeking comfort from parents, etc.   You Might Choose a Twin Bed If:     Transitioning from a crib: Twin beds can be great first “big kid beds". A twin bed can feel like a meaningful step up from a crib without having the bed take over the room, which can help children settle into this transition.  Space is limited: With its smaller footprint, a twin bed can be really beneficial for compact bedrooms or shared spaces. Younger kids: A twin bed can typically provide plenty of room to grow for children 15 months and up without feeling bigger than necessary. Bunk beds: Twin beds are the standard size for bunk setups, so if having a bunk now or in the future matters, a twin size might be a good option, so you don't have to purchase different mattresses later on.  Note: While some people might want more space, a twin-size frame can work until adulthood.   You Might Choose a Full Bed If:     Longevity is important: A full bed can accommodate your child through teen years, reducing the need for another upgrade as they grow. For children who struggle with change, it can help knowing the bed won’t need to change again anytime soon. Your child moves a lot in their sleep: Extra width gives restless sleepers room to spread out, stretch, turn, and settle without feeling confined. Extra room for snuggling: Many families also appreciate the space a full bed creates for connection. Whether it’s reading together at the end of the day, comforting a child after a bad dream, or lingering during bedtime routines, the extra room allows an adult and child to share the space comfortably. Room size allows: Ensure there’s enough floor space to balance the larger frame along with the other needs of the space.  A comfortable space for guests: A larger size can better accommodate when you need space for out-of-town visitors.   Real Parents Weigh In on Twin vs Full Bed From a Reddit parenting thread about choosing between a twin bed vs full bed, several recurring themes come up that reflect what many families experience when making this decision: Many parents say a twin bed is plenty of room for kids, even up to 8–10 years old and sometimes into the teenage years, especially if space is tight. Some note that adults can sleep comfortably in twin beds, suggesting that it’s not too small for children.  Other families shared that they chose twin beds because they maximize the room for important things like dressers or even a play space.  A few parents point out that a full or larger bed makes it easier to lie down with their child, for bedtime routines, comforting during the night, or if the child is sick or scared.  A twin bed is often sufficient, especially if space or budget is more limited. If “co‑sleeping,” cuddling, or comfort during the transition is a priority, the extra space of a full bed can be a real benefit.     Sprout Beds Come in Which Sizes Sparrow Bed Sizes:  Why Families Love It: Crafted from sustainably sourced wood with a customizable railing design, the Sparrow Bed grows with your child and adapts to your space. Customer Reviews My 4-year-old is OBSESSED with their new bed! We started with the Sprout Montessori floor bed and then transitioned to the Sparrow with legs, but if this had been available when my kiddo was younger, this would have been our first choice. The legs are not super high off the ground, but there's decent storage space underneath (more than with the original floor bed when that one is flipped to be platform style). The quality is what you expect from this brand, very sturdy and well-made, and fairly easy to assemble. I love that the birch wood matches all of our other Sprout furniture in my kiddo's room too! Birch Floor Bed Sizes: Why Families Love It: Low-to-the-ground design encourages independence and safe exploration while complementing any nursery or bedroom. Customer Reviews "I was searching for long time for the perfect flood bed for my toddler to transition from crib to bed. I also wanted to find a bed that was "green and cleanly made" and made in the USA. I was so happy when I found sprout. My son LOVES his new big boy bed. I love how it looks its simple and timeless. It will be great when we want to flip it over to be higher off the ground when he gets bigger too." - Brooke "We originally purchased this for our baby, but our toddler fell in love with it and adopted it before she arrived. So, we purchased a second twin floor bed and an infant shelf to put between them, and the kids both love their cozy, child height, 'everything is accessible' 'yes space.' Thank you!" - Neha     When deciding between a twin bed vs full bed, consider your child’s age, sleep style, the size of the room, and your budget. If you want a bed that lasts through many growth stages, or gives space for snuggling little ones, a full-size may be the better investment. If you’re looking for a space-saving, more budget-friendly option, a twin bed can be a great fit!

The holiday season can be full of beauty and togetherness, but it can also feel busy, loud, and overwhelming. This can be especially true when you have young children at home. It is so easy to put the pressure on yourself as the parent to pull out all the stops and do what you see everyone else doing, but traditions don’t need to be elaborate or perfectly executed to be meaningful. The moments children carry with them aren’t the ones that looked the best, they’re the ones that felt safe, connected, and joyful. This season, the goal isn’t to do more. It’s to be more intentional with what you already have. Jump to:  Traditions that begin with mindset Classic holiday traditions  New family traditions  Montessori-inspired ways to celebrate Simplifying family traditions    Traditions that begin with mindset Some of the most meaningful holiday traditions begin with how we approach the season.  Age-appropriate giving can look simple and tangible for young children: Making drawings or cards for family members, neighbors, or caregivers Choosing a toy to pass along together when it’s time to donate Talking about giving in concrete, everyday language Practicing gratitude and connection doesn’t have to be formal: Naming one thing you’re thankful for at dinner or bedtime Sharing a favorite part of the day or week Creating small pauses to be together, without distractions Talking about something someone did for you that made you happy Brainstorm ways as a family to potentially spread holiday joy These traditions build slowly, over time, and can lean into the pure heart that children have.    Classic holiday traditions You don’t need to reinvent the season to make it special. Familiar traditions, adapted to the pace of young children, can feel comforting to parents and children. Reading holiday books together Baking or cooking holiday classics Decorating the tree together Looking at Christmas lights together A yearly keepsake made with your child Themed advents Holiday movie nights Making a paper chain countdown to Christmas  Sipping hot cocoa together  Lighting a Christmas-scented candle  Playing outside, in snow or other weather  Wearing matching PJs on Christmas Eve  An exclusive Christmas meal or treat  Singing Christmas carols together  Making gingerbread houses  Writing letters to Santa  Making ornaments together Secret Santa gift exchange     Looking for new traditions? If your family is ready for something new (but simple), here are some alternative family holiday tradition ideas: Read books, listen to music, or share simple stories about different celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, or St. Nikolaus Day. This can be as easy as lighting candles, noticing symbols, or talking about how families around the world celebrate. Making snowflakes to bring a white Christmas indoors Each person adds something to the 'family stocking' A wrapping party Light a candle at dinner all December, taking turns who gets to light it (or with young children, who gets to blow it out) An act of kindness advent Family gratitude list No-electronics night, where the family can unplug and connect with puzzles or games Family sleepover  Midnight dessert feast - have treats in bed Christmas Eve  Quiet night of reading together    Montessori-inspired ways to celebrate Sensory experiences might include: Exploring natural textures like pinecones, fabric, or wooden ornaments Noticing seasonal scents, sounds, and light A holiday-themed sensory activity Practical life moments can naturally become part of the celebration: Wrapping gifts together Setting the table or helping prepare food Carrying decorations, wiping surfaces, anything that keeps them contributing in real ways     For years you need to simplify holiday traditions Some years might ask us to slow down. Holiday traditions can be simplified to meet your needs depending on the season of life you are in, while still committed to doing it every year. Simplifying traditions doesn’t mean you’re letting them go, it means you’re meeting your family where they are. Baking together might mean using store-bought dough Decorating a small tabletop tree instead of a large one  Watching videos of Christmas lights while listening to holiday music Coloring Christmas pages instead of a Christmas craft  Having a movie on in the background while you wrap presents  Children don’t need everything to stay the same. They need to feel calm, included, and connected.   When there are young children at home, it’s okay to choose less. The holidays don’t need to be full to be meaningful. In fact, simple, familiar routines can be especially comforting during busy seasons. Choose traditions that feel manageable, and let go of the idea that you need to do it all. However this season looks for your family, we hope it’s filled with moments of connection, calm, and togetherness. We’d love to hear which traditions your family returns to year after year.  

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 Safety and Rails  Alternatives to Rails  Safety and 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.    Sparrow Bed, Twin size with full rails and two 1/3 rails 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 originally, which we then redesigned and improved upon to design the Sparrow Bed. All rails are removable, to best adapt to your child’s needs as they grow.  Sparrow 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, with high side against the wall, and low side for easy access   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