Using Floor Beds for Kids
I know I’m not the only one that’s spent hours upon hours looking up products online to find the best options for all the things, especially when it comes to picking stuff out for our kids!! Whether we’re searching for the longest-lasting sleep sack or the safest and cutest crib or toddler bed - we just want to choose the best option. If you are in the process of deciding on a bed for your toddler, preschooler, older child, or even yourself, floor beds might be on your list to consider.
What is a floor bed?
Floor beds are exactly what they sound like - a bed on the floor! This can be either a mattress directly on the floor or with a bed frame that’s not raised off the ground.
Some people associate floor beds with a Montessori approach. There are also cultures that commonly sleep on floor beds, or even directly on the floor. It’s also common for kids at daycare/school to sleep on the ground, typically on a nap mat, blanket, or low cot.
Are floor beds safe?
Yes! There are no extraordinary tips to using a floor bed safely - you will just want to apply the same concepts to keeping your child’s room safe regardless of what type of bed they are in. Your child’s room and bed area should be set up for safety - our safe sleep 101 blog and crib to bed transition blog have info that applies to safety measures!
On the note of safety: If you’ve chosen to bedshare, floor beds are an option to help make that safER - our bedsharing blog has more information on that.
Benefits of using a floor bed
You may be wondering why you should use a floor bed versus a “regular” bed that is higher off the floor. I’m not here to say that you should use one over the other. You absolutely can decide which is a better fit for your family! But, it’s always helpful to know your options, so here are some benefits to floor beds:
Floor beds can help you avoid the need for “extras” that are often added to a bed to assist with safety - like a safety barrier to help your child not fall out of a higher bed. Since a floor bed is, well, on the floor, those products are likely not necessary. Higher beds can absolutely be safe for your child, you just may need those “extras” to help with safety!
Floor beds give your child independence. This concept is aligned with the Montessori approach where your child can more freely explore their environment. More independence can work out well for some kids or can be more difficult to navigate for others. Think - a toddler getting out of bed to play when they are expected to be sleeping. On the other hand, think - a toddler getting out of bed to go use the bathroom on their own. It’s always best to consider YOUR child.
To piggy-back off of the note above, floor beds can help with morning time because you can feel at ease knowing your child can easily and safely get out of bed to play quietly before it is time to officially start the day together. Of course, you will have to establish expectations and boundaries with your little one when it comes to mornings. You can incorporate an okay-to-wake clock to assist!
Affordability! Floor bed can be a more affordable option, especially if you plan to put the mattress directly on the floor. Even if you are looking to go with a bedframe on the ground, there are simple and inexpensive options. There are simple designs that are popular and easy to find, such as a simple wooden frame. You can also find more decorative floor beds, like a car bed or princess castle bed.
When choosing a floor bed, you’ll also want to consider the material of the mattress to make sure it will do well being placed on the floor versus slats or a boxspring.
Why you might not choose a floor bed
Again, this mostly comes down to preference. Things you may consider:
Storage space or a trundle bed to go under your child’s bed
Maybe you just really like the look of a certain bed that’s not a floor bed.
It may be easier to clean under a bed that is off the ground versus a floor bed.
You may feel like your child will do better with less independence and flexibility to roam the room.
When to use a floor bed
Floor beds are commonly considered for children that are transitioning to a bed. (We have a blog on the crib to bed transition!) There is really no “right” time to use a floor bed. Remember, you don’t have to use one at all! Just an option that is available
Some families may choose to follow a Montessori approach to using a floor bed with younger babies. Again, this is absolutely your decision to make for your child.
If/When you choose to use a floor bed, it is always recommended that you safety-proof the room!
Floor beds and sleep disturbances
If you're considering a floor bed or your child is already sleeping in a floor bed, you may have some concerns about your child’s sleep being affected. When transitioning out of a crib, you’ll want to take into account some potential sleep hiccups regardless of bed-type. Once your child is in a bed, they will be able to get out of bed. Not to be a broken record, but you always want to start with making sure the room is safe. Then, you’ll want to decide how (and if) you plan to respond when your child gets out of bed. If you are okay with your child playing with available toys in their room after you’ve said “goodnight” then you might not intervene at all. If you want your child to stay on their bed after lights out, then you may have a strategy for returning them to bed. (Tips for keeping your little one in bed all night in this blog!)
Regardless of what type of bed you choose for your little one, the goal is to set your child up to be well-rested! If you’re looking for sleep support, work with Sarah to get your child set up for overall sleep success!
