From Crib To Floor Bed: How To Create A Safe Space For A Montessori Bed
The crib to floor bed transition can be intimidating. It was for me, so I understand the hesitations that come with this big step. Once we took the leap, though, it was the best thing that could've happened for my family's sleep. And I wish we would've done it sooner!
What is a Montessori bed?
The Montessori method fosters independence for our children. It emphasizes self-motivated growth in all areas of their development - cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. A Montessori bed, aka floor bed, perfectly aligns with this concept. Unlike a crib, a Montessori bed sits on the floor without confining your baby to a tiny space. This gives your child the freedom to get in and out of bed on their own.
How To Transition: Crib To Floor Bed
Now, onto the exciting part: transitioning your little one to their new floor bed. Trust me, I understand if you're nervous about this. I was SO nervous. We bought everything and stored it for over a month before making the transition. Let me assure you, it's worth it! And way easier than you might think.
Talk to them about it. This will help prepare your baby for the transition. Hang out together by the floor bed and explain that this is where they'll be sleeping. Make it exciting!
Make sure they can get on and off the bed safely. Before they're left alone on the floor bed, see if they are able to get in and out bed safely. First, just watch and see how they do it. If you notice they need help, show them.
Childproof the room. Cover outlets, secure furniture and remove any potential hazards. This might be an ongoing effort. Your child will learn, climb and explore new things around the room as they grow. Fun, fun, fun.
Try naps first. This is an option if you want to ease into it. Before having them sleep the night on the floor bed, you can start with daytime naps. This can help familiarize your child with the new sleeping environment.
How To Set Up A Safe Floor Bed
There are many ways to approach the Montessori bed set up. The only thing you need to make sure is that the room is a completely safe space for your child. That way, if they wake up and roam the room without you, there are no potential dangers.
Here's what we chose for our set up:
Full Size Mattress: We opted out of a special toddler mattress and chose this full size mattress. It's sturdy, comfortable and and can continue to be used for years, unlike a toddler mattress.
Base: A mattress needs a base underneath it for air flow, to avoid mold. We chose this one that kept the bed as low as possible on the floor. It was very easy to build!
Under Sheet Bumpers: My daughter moves around a lot throughout the night. These keep her from rolling off the bed. The bumpers go underneath the mattress liner and fitted sheet. I love these because they have a grippy part on the top and bottom that help the bumpers stay in place. Each order comes with 2, so I ordered 2 to have all 4 sides of the bed covered.
Waterproof Mattress Liner: Spills happen. Protect the mattress.
Organic Fitted Sheet: This fitted sheet does not come with a top sheet or pillow cases. Those are not necessary and getting only a fitted sheet is cheaper. Organic sheets are great because they are free of toxic synthetic chemicals. And if you add up the time our babies have skin contact with their sheets, it's a whole lot of hours. So if organic is an option for you, organic is the way to go.
When Should You Make The Crib To Floor Bed Transition?
This is totally up to you. Every child's needs are different. And every family's options are different.
Most families that choose to use a floor bed make the transition as soon as baby can sit steadily and crawl around. Usually between 5 and 10 months.
Montessori Floor Bed Benefits for the Kiddos
Confidence & Independence. A Montessori bed will help them flex their independence muscles. The floor bed empowers them to navigate their space with confidence.
...And For The Parents
More sleep! The ultimate benefit.
We did the crib to floor bed transition at around 15 months. Like I said, I wish we would've done it sooner. But we were nervous about it!
Her sleep wasn't super consistent and we were sleep deprived. We were afraid it would make things worse.
We took the leap and it was a game-changer.
We started sleeping more. We used to pace the room with her if she woke up, or comfort her on the rocking chair. Or bring her to bed with us. With the floor bed, we can lay beside her, comfort her and cuddle until she drifts back to sleep. The Montessori bed created a sense of security and closeness without depriving us of sleep.
As for our little girl, she loves getting in and out of bed on her own. I can tell this has helped make her a more confident little girl!
*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.