Cribs aren't the only option for your baby's sleep
The alternative: floor beds
Montessori parents (including us!) tend to be huge proponents of floor beds for infants.
But what is a floor bed? And what’s so great about it?
A floor bed is exactly what it sounds like: a mattress placed close to or directly on the floor. Because it's so low to the ground, babies and toddlers can climb into and out of bed on their own — which translates to more freedom of movement and self-regulation.
It might make us nervous, but it’s actually developmentally appropriate for babies to crawl out of bed and explore their environment. Learning to coordinate their limbs and exercise their autonomy is thrilling for them.
This is why we love floor beds — because they allow for and encourage independence. (Yes, infants need independence, too!)
The common alternatives — namely cribs and bassinets — restrict a child’s ability to move freely. Babies are confined to that space, which keeps them dependent on adults to help them when they’re ready to move, play, and engage.
Infancy and toddlerhood are times when physical movement is of utmost importance. Practicing their gross motor movements and exploring their surroundings is what helps little ones gain an integrated understanding of the world and develop their senses of trust and confidence. When they know where to find things and what will happen if they make certain movements, they grow to have an unshakeable sense of capability and independence.
Now, we know you’re probably thinking, That’s nice, but… are floor beds even safe?!
The short answer is yes. Let us explain:
Are floor beds safe?
As long as your child’s bedroom is fully babyproofed, floor beds aren’t dangerous.
While it can be scary to think of leaving your child alone and unconfined during sleep time, floor beds have many benefits that don’t compromise safety. There are just a few extra precautions to consider before giving them the gift of independence.
Babyproofing might look like:
Covering outlets and cords
Securing furniture to the walls
Securing cabinets and drawers
Installing corner guards on any sharp edges
Removing choking hazards
Installing window locks
Once the child’s bedroom becomes a safe space for them to explore, making the switch to a floor bed offers immediate benefits. Without the restrictions of a crib or bassinet, babies are free to observe more of their environment, make larger movements, and get in and out of bed on their own.
All of these help satisfy the young child’s craving for independence, which boosts their confidence and — to parents’ mutual benefit — minimizes power struggles.
Of course, the big question is: What if my baby rolls off the bed?
While there’s a good chance this will happen, the likelihood of your child being injured is minimal because floor beds are so close to the ground. Plus, this acts as a learning experience for your little one. They’ll realize what happens if they get too close to the edge of the bed and will be far less likely to repeat it. They’ll also begin to learn how to navigate heights safely.
Keep in mind that floor beds can actually be safer than cribs in an important sense:
As babies become more mobile and want to explore their environment, their cribs become obstacles that they want to overcome. It’s far more dangerous for a mobile and exploratory baby to climb out of a tall crib than it is for them to crawl out of a bed that rests a few inches from the floor.
So, yes, you’ll need to babyproof their room — but you were likely going to do that anyway. With a floor bed, the benefits are tenfold.
When can you introduce a floor bed?
The developmental benefits of floor beds begin when children can crawl in and out of bed by themselves. This is the perfect time to introduce them to their new sleeping arrangements.
In fact, many Montessori guides encourage parents to move children as young as two months old from a Moses basket or bassinet to a floor bed.
This is because one of the first lessons of independence for children is waking up and exploring their space on their own. Their bedrooms should be places where they can:
Pick out clothes and get dressed in weather-appropriate options
Choose toys and books from low shelves
Brush their hair at a low-hanging mirror
They won’t do these things right away, of course. But over time, they’ll be drawn to care for themselves and choose activities that interest them.
How to transition from a crib to a floor bed
Ready to make the switch? Here’s what we suggest:
Be consistent: When transitioning to a floor bed, our #1 tip is to be 100% consistent with your nap and bedtime routines. Whatever the protocol, keep it as consistent as possible. This adds a sense of order to your child’s day. They know that when x, y, and z happen, sleep time is coming soon.
Minimize distractions: Try to keep the toys in your child’s room to a minimum (maybe two to start). This way, the space isn’t overstimulating or encouraging your little one to stay awake and play when it’s time for bed. Still, it’s okay if they crawl around and explore for a bit. It’s even okay if they fall asleep somewhere else in the room. When they get older, they’ll learn to crawl back to bed.
Gently redirect: You can gently redirect your child to reinforce that it’s time to rest their body. Whether they’re fussing at the door or they’ve left their room, a reminder that “It’s time to sleep” is totally okay.
The most important thing is to make space for your baby to have freedom of movement — and that’s exactly what floor beds enable.
☀️ This week’s bright spots:
If you have one minute… Watch this video on why we love floor beds.
If you have five minutes… Read our guide on how to choose a Montessori floor bed.
If you have ten minutes… Watch this parent’s video for tips on getting your child to (actually!) sleep in their floor bed.