Also, When to Transition from a Floor Bed to a Bigger Bed
Floor beds, once reserved for Montessori-aligned families, are growing in popularity. Typically, children transition from a crib into a toddler bed. So, how does it work if you use a floor bed instead? How do you know if it's right for you?
In addition to sharing practical advice, I'll also share my personal experience with floor beds with my three children. As a former Montessori teacher, choosing to use floor beds was a natural choice for our family. Learn everything you need ot know about choosing between a floor bed vs. a toddler bed below.
The Best Bed for a Toddler: Options to Consider
When your little one is ready to leave the crib, you have a few options, such as:
- A floor bed
- A toddler bed
- A twin-size bed
- A bunk bed with an older sibling
Some families may even set their child up in a double, queen, or king-sized bed.
Get tips from pediatricians on when to transition from a crib to a bed here.
Floor Bed vs. Toddler Bed: Understanding the Differences
For most families, the most practical choice for their toddler's sleeping space is a floor bed or a toddler bed. How are they different?
What Is a Floor bed?
A floor bed, also known as a Montessori bed, is a bed with a very low profile. This type of bed promotes independence in toddlers, allowing them to get into and out of the bed without assistance. One advantage of floor beds is that they come in various sizes, ranging from toddler beds to twin-size beds, and even full-size beds.
For my children, using a Montessori floor bed made bedtime easier. At just one year old, they could crawl into bed alone. Plus, they could get out of bed in the morning instead of crying for help.
My oldest son was an especially wild sleeper, so the low profile provided me peace of mind. He even rolled onto the floor a few times. Fortunately, the low profile meant he never got hurt, and sometimes barely woke up.
Another unique advantage of a floor bed is that it's easier for a parent to lie down with their child. Whether your little one is sick or just needs a snuggle, floor beds can typically withstand more weight, making it easier to comfort your child.
What Is a Toddler Bed?
A toddler bed is typically a smaller version of a twin bed. In size, a toddler bed has the same measurements as a full crib, 53 1/2 inches long by 30 3/8 inches wide. It also uses a crib-sized mattress.
Toddler beds come in many different styles and may or may not come with a safety rail.
Some toddler beds are also floor beds. For example, our bedBED™, a 2-in-1 floor bed that flips to a raised bed, comes in both full crib and twin sizes.
Comparing Floor Bed and Toddler Bed
Floor beds and toddler beds are both appropriate options for young children. In my experience, a floor bed makes for an easier transition from the crib. The low profile makes it safe and accessible even for the youngest toddlers.
That said, a toddler bed may be the best choice for some families. For example, if your child is still in a crib at 2 years old, it may be appropriate to transition directly to a raised toddler bed.
To break down the differences, take a look at this helpful chart.
| Toddler Bed |
Floor Bed |
|
|
Size |
53 1/2 inches long by 30 3/8 inches wide |
Comes in various sizes, including full crib size, twin bed, and more |
| Age Range | 15 months to about 5 years (or 50 pounds) |
15 months and up |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
What Age Is Recommended for a Floor Bed?
Most floor beds are appropriate for toddlers 15 months and older. The age recommendations depend on the manufacturer's guidelines and your family's needs and preferences.
My children started using a floor bed when they were about one year old. At this point, they had started walking. The floor bed boosted their confidence and autonomy.
Do keep in mind that using a floor bed means you'll need to babyproof your child's room. This can also influence the age at which you decide to introduce a floor bed.
Get pediatrician tips on babyproofing your child's room here.
The Montessori Perspective
Dr. Montessori herself recommended that children start using a floor bed at 2 years of age. At this point, she believed children benefited from freedom of movement. In her own words, she said, "If the child has a bed that he can get in and out of by himself, he will go to bed happily when the light is turned off."
However, many Montessori families start using a floor bed after their baby grows out of a bassinet around 6 months of age. Keep in mind that the AAP safe sleep guidelines state that infants should sleep alone in an empty crib until they are at least 12 months old.
What Age is Best for a Toddler Bed?
Typically, a toddler bed is designed for children ages 15 months and up. Children usually outgrow their toddler bed by the time they're about 5 years old. But when is the right time to transition your child into a toddler bed?
A toddler bed is a big change from the crib. Instead of a crib, your child will sleep in a raised bed with full access to their bedroom. Many toddler beds also come with a side rail for extra safety, keeping your little one from rolling off the bed.
Most families wait until their child can climb out of their crib to introduce a big kid bed. Pediatrician, Dr. Wiersma, says this usually happens between the ages of 2 and 3 years old.
When Do Kids Outgrow a Floor Bed?
Depending on the size of the bed, kids may never outgrow a floor bed. If you have a toddler floor bed, your child will likely outgrow it by the time they're 5 years old. However, if you have a full-size twin floor bed, your child can continue using a floor bed as they grow.
Be sure to read the safety standards, including any weight and height limits, of your bed frame to guide your decision. Using a floor bed is normal in many cultures, so there may be no need to transition to a standard bed unless that's your child's preference.
Personally, I forget exactly when we moved each of our kids to a raised bed. I do remember it was between 2 and 3 years old. By that point, they had stopped rolling all over (and off!) the bed. Also, it felt like the practicality of cleaning and organization of a raised bed outweighed the benefits of a floor bed.
Flipping Piccalio's bedBED™: When Is the Right Time?
Piccalio's toddler bed offers two configurations, as a floor bed and a raised bed. Growing with your child, you can start your child on the floor bed and flip it when your child is ready for a big kid bed.
So, when is the right moment to flip bedBED™?
In my experience, following your child's lead is the best approach. Your child may even ask for a change in their sleeping environment, saying they want a "big kid bed."
What other signs should you look for to see if your child's ready to graduate from a floor bed?
- Your child doesn't roll out of bed
- Your child could crawl easily into a raised bed
Most children can manage a raised bed between the ages of 2 and 3, especially if you use the Safety Rail. However, you can take your time and make the flip whenever your child is ready.
The Bottom Line on Floor Bed vs. Toddler Bed
Both a floor bed and a toddler bed offer a wonderful transition away from the crib, helping your toddler step into autonomy. At Piccalio, we offer the best of both worlds, with a 2-in-1 floor bed that transforms into a raised bed when the time is right.
Which type of bed will your child use? Let us know your preference in the comments below.
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