The Best Toddler Floor Beds to Promote Independence

Is your little sleepyhead ready to transition to a big-kid bed? If you’re a fan of Montessori-inspired designs, a toddler floor bed is the way to go. Unlike typical toddler beds, these options feature mattresses that are flush with the ground. The result? A sleeping spot that’s easy for little ones to get in and out of independently, which comes with a number of advantages. Below, read the benefits of Montessori floor beds and shop our top picks.

Toddler Floor Bed Benefits

In line with the spirit of Montessori-style learning, toddler floor beds inspire autonomy in children by allowing them to have free movement in their sleep space, says Rachel Mitchell, a certified sleep specialist and the founder of My Sweet Sleeper. By having a Montessori floor bed, children will be able to establish independence in their sleep routine, which in turn can boost their confidence and allow for parent bonding and closeness. Another advantage? Toddlers can easily get in and out of these designs by themselves, which can promote their growing sense of freedom, says Jillian Thistel, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting in Ontario, Canada. This can be helpful as tots become more curious about their surroundings; it allows them to explore at their own pace.

Toddler floor beds also provide several benefits when it comes to easing the transition between a crib and a big-kid bed. The low design offers a middle ground that can help little ones adjust to sleeping in a bed, before making the transition to a standard-sized option, says Thistel. Plus, if parents are concerned that their child may roll out of bed as they adjust to the new sleep space, these designs pose a much lower risk. They’re also great for tots who’ve started to climb out of their cribs, but aren’t quite ready for a full-size bed, adds Mitchell.

Toddler Floor Bed Safety Considerations

Sleep safety is just as important for tots as it is for babies. There isn’t a definitive age at which a child can start using a Montessori floor bed, but it typically is safe for a toddler to do so around the 18- to 24-month mark, says Mitchell. However, each child reaches milestones at a different pace, meaning developmental readiness needs to be considered first and foremost. If your child is under the age of 2, Thistel advises parents to continue using a crib mattress. For tots of any age, keep the following tips top of mind when introducing a toddler floor bed to your home:

• Consider placement. Ensure the bed is away from any potential hazards, such as walls, cords, outlets or hanging pictures on the walls, says Thistel.
• Childproof the bedroom. Since your child will have more freedom and mobility with a toddler floor bed, Thistel and Mitchell both recommend thoroughly childproofing the room beforehand. This may mean covering electrical outlets, anchoring furniture to the wall and removing any potential choking hazards.
• Create safe surroundings. Thistel also suggests that parents extend childproofing to the surroundings of their toddler’s bedroom, in case they get up and leave their room during the night. For instance, if your child’s room is near stairs, be sure to install a gate to prevent accidental falls.

What To Look For In a Toddler Floor Bed

From minimalist, Scandinavian-influenced frames to cozy, camp-like sleep spots, there’s a wide range of toddler floor beds available. To find the best fit for your family’s needs, consider the following as you shop.

• Safety. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure the toddler floor bed you choose is safe for your child. To do so, make sure it aligns with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines, and check that it hasn’t been recalled for any reason. During assembly, follow the instructions carefully to ensure that it’s sturdy and safe for slumber, adds Thistel.
• Rails. If your child tends to roll over when they sleep, or you’re worried about them falling out of their bed, consider a toddler bed with rails. While not all designs offer them, guardrails can add an extra layer of protection that some kids may require.
• Simple designs. When it comes to aesthetics, Michell recommends going as simple as possible. Some parents may even choose to forgo the bed frame and just place a mattress on the floor, she adds.

Best Toddler Floor Beds to Shop

Now that you know all the developmental benefits and safety tips, you’re well-equipped to pick out the best toddler floor bed for your little dreamer. Here, discover our favorite options on the market for every style and budget.

How We Chose the Best Toddler Floor Beds

We get it—parenting requires a lot of gear, and it can be hard to find the best fit for your family. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing products, including ease of use, quality and durability, value, style and, last but definitely not least, safety. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable product that will meet your family’s needs.

To decide which products are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.

To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we chatted with two pediatric sleep consultants to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping. We also follow the safety recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and look for certifications and seals of approval from key organizations like the CPSC.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

About the experts:

Jillian Thistel is a certified pediatric sleep consultant in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. She is a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting.

Rachel Mitchell, is a certified sleep specialist and former night nanny based out of Denver, Colorado. She is also the founder of My Sweet Sleeper, a business that provides pediatric and maternity sleep consulting services and coaching sessions.

Plus, more from The Bump:

When to Transition to a Toddler Bed

Best Toddler Bed Rails to Keep Your Kiddo Safe

Best Toddler Mattresses for That New Big-Kid Bed