Dr. Montessori was the first to talk about supporting a child's natural inclination to independence and learning about the world around them. Her approach to education is based on following the child, not imposing certain concepts on them. In the context of beds, she suggested sleeping on floor beds without legs or with low legs. Montessori floor bed suits the baby best because they can climb in and out of bed without the help of their parents. So now they don't have to wait for their parents to pick them out and let them do other things.
Advantages of Montessori floor beds
Being the best adapted to the child's needs, the floor bed offers convenience and functionality: it can have adjustable length and upper bars on which the child can climb, be decorated at your discretion, and much more.
Montessori floor beds are ideal for preschoolers, as they can get up or rest without the help of adults. They learn to listen to the signals of their own body, adjusting the daily routine to their needs. Moreover, such a bed promotes free exploration of the surrounding space.
Key benefits of using Montessori floor beds
Development of independence and independence;
- Stimulation of motor activity and motility;
- Helping the child to explore the surrounding space;
- Mastering body in space;
- Support for cognitive development and creative thinking;
- Psychological comfort and promotion of healthy sleep.
This way, the floor bed fully supports the idea of freedom of movement and independence of children, stimulates their development, creates coziness in the room, and helps to easily adjust the daily routine taking into account the child's individual needs.
Features of Montessori floor beds
Montessori beds are made exclusively from natural materials: beech, alder wood, and birch plywood (for slats). These materials are known for their durability and longevity. Each bed is meticulously hand-polished to create a smooth surface, ensuring safety and comfort for your child. The surface is covered with hypoallergenic varnish or water-based paint, making the bed suitable even for children with allergies. These finishes are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals, promoting a healthy and safe sleep environment. These furniture pieces undergo certification, confirming their compliance with international safety standards for children's products. Thus, you can have complete peace of mind that such a bed will provide a cozy space for your little one's comfortable and healthy sleep, lasting long and withstanding any load.
By the way, all models of Montessori floor beds are designed in a way that the structure can withstand heavy loads. The construction is carefully engineered to support the weight and movements of an active child. This includes features such as reinforced corners and sturdy crossbars that can withstand even if the child pulls themselves up on the upper crossbar. Therefore, the bed is suitable not only for sleeping but also for active physical development, promoting gross motor skills, coordination, agility, dexterity, and the development of other valuable skills.
Recommendations for choosing and using Montessori floor beds
A floor bed can be selected for both a baby and a teenager, so the first factor to consider is the child's age. A bed that is too big for a newborn can seem uncomfortable, while a teenager needs a lot of space for healthy sleep and comfortable rest.
Which design to prefer?
Floor beds can have not only a frame for the mattress but also an exciting design that adds functionality to the bed, comfort to the room, and gives children additional options for entertainment. For newborns and children up to 1 year of age, models with side rails are optimal, which protect the baby from accidentally rolling out of bed during sleep. Playpen models are also suitable, where it is convenient for the child to sleep and play.
Slightly older explorers like wigwam beds and house beds. Meanwhile, little princesses can choose a bed from the “Angels” collection: these models have adjustable lengths to grow with the little princess from 1 year to 7-8 years.
Choosing the right size floor bed
The size should be chosen taking into account the age of the child, as well as the availability of free space in the children's room. Floor beds can be as small as a cradle, single, king-sized, and even bunk, where only the bottom berth is on the floor. Therefore, the main criterion for choosing the size will be the room's square footage: beds are suitable for both tiny and compact and spacious rooms, so you will definitely find the optimal solution.
Full-floor bed or low-to-the-floor option: which one is better?
Montessori beds can be divided into two main categories: designs that are fully placed on the floor and models with low legs.
Key advantages of floor beds
- Maximum safety. Even if you remove the side rails and your child rolls beyond the sleeping area, there will be no risk of injuries.
- Aesthetic appeal and comfort. Children love playing on cozy floor beds, jumping on mattresses, rocking, lying down, reading, and transforming them into magical worlds—there are virtually no limitations. Additionally, the bed adds a neat and cozy look to the room.
- Better mattress support. The mattress is placed evenly, providing proper spinal support during sleep. This is crucial for maintaining correct posture, especially if the child has certain musculoskeletal issues, such as early stages of scoliosis. From the very beginning, when the concept of such beds was introduced, this feature was one of the main requirements, along with the goal of fostering independence.
Advantages of low-to-the-floor beds
Another variation of Montessori beds is the low-to-the-floor model, which falls somewhere between a regular bed and a fully floor-based one. They are low enough for even a preschool-aged child to get into bed without assistance, and the presence of legs offers specific advantages, including:
- Excellent mattress ventilation. If you live in a humid climate, preventing the growth of mold in the room becomes important. Due to the good air circulation beneath the bed, mold does not develop, making it a safe option for children of all ages.
- Lattice base for added springiness and comfort: These beds have slatted bases that provide the mattress with elasticity and softness, ensuring maximum sleeping comfort.
- Easy maintenance. Dust does not accumulate under the bed, as it can be easily cleaned during daily room hygiene routines without waiting for deep cleaning sessions.
- Adjustable length. Beds with legs often have adjustable lengths, allowing the bed to “grow” with the child, accommodating their height and ensuring safety and comfort during sleep.
Both variations of Montessori beds have unique features and advantages. They cater to the specific needs of children and offer a wide range of color options, design variations, and additional features. These beds equally stimulate independence in children and provide toddlers and school-aged kids with their own space to establish sleep routines, decorate, and arrange their beds according to their preferences. Due to their low height, these beds allow children to move freely, and develop their motor skills and coordination. They are also an excellent option for a stress-free transition from a crib to a separate bed.
Safety measures when using a floor bed
Remember also the importance of creating a safe environment around the bed and in the room in general. Since the child can wake up and stand up without help, there should be no potential dangers within their reach. Lay a soft carpet around the bed, protect sockets and windows, and remove all objects with which the child can injure himself. In this way, you will create a safe space for healthy sleep and happy childhood, with no unnecessary restrictions but endless opportunities for learning, exploration, and kids’ development at their own pace.
