If you have a newborn or toddler, you’ve undoubtedly spent a lot of time looking for information on sleep-related topics, such as how to put your child to sleep, how to handle naps, and where they should sleep. You most likely came across the Montessori floor bed choice during your extensive Google searches and pondered whether they may work for your family.
Floor beds are not at all novel. Although they have been used for millennia in other countries and cultures, they have recently become more common in the United States as more families choose to implement Montessori at home. Dr. Maria Montessori is an advocate for a child’s freedom of movement beginning at birth, including their choice of sleeping location. In “The Secret of Childhood,” her book, shedescribes the developmental significance of the floor bed—something low to the ground that allows your child to develop their independence and encourages freedom of movement.
However, how does that actually seem in 2022? The world has evolved over the past century, despite Dr. Montessori’s understanding of child development via a scientific perspective. However, if it feels appropriate for your kid and family, it is still very possible to use this component of the Montessori approach. You are not alone if the thought of forgoing a crib raises many worries and queries about safe sleep.
When determining if a The concept of a Montessori floor bed is almost all in the name. A floor bed is truly a bed that is placed on the floor, or low enough to the ground so that a young child can safely climb in and out of it on their own. This can be as simple as a crib mattress placed directly on the floor (for children under the age of 2 a firm crib mattress should be used), or a mattress in a bed frame specifically designed as a Montessori floor bed. How you choose to set up the floor bed and which option is best depends on the space you are setting it up in, as well as the age of your child when first beginning to use it.
Floor bed is the best option for your family, consider the following answers to some often asked questions.In determining if a floor bed will work for your family, it’s important to consider your child’s current sleep habits. Some families choose to start using a floor bed right when their child transitions into their own room for sleep. In this case, it’s important to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations.
Although it is more traditional in Montessori practices to start using a floor bed in infancy, other families choose to begin using a floor bed when a crib is no longer working for their child. Just like any big transition, if you decide to move from a crib to a floor bed know that there will be a learning curve for all (yes parents, you too!). Maintaining a similar sleep environment and routine to what you were using while crib sleeping can help with the transition.
Also, some have found that starting with naps can be a slightly lower-stakes option. Keep in mind that if your child is having frequent wakings and trouble sleeping, it’s unlikely that switching to a floor bed will solve this. Beginning with a strong sleep routine and foundation will make the process smoother for everyone.
