Reasons to use a Montessori floor bed. I never realized how many benefits there are! This is a great post to help understand the reasons you should try it out.

Have you ever wondered why people use a floor bed? What are the benefits? I admit when I first read about the Montessori floor bed I was skeptical, but I got used to the idea and now it just makes sense! So, why do we use a floor bed?

1) Freedom of movement. Children are not confined, they are free to move and to get in and out of bed. I have found my children are much more active when using a floor bed and crawl around much more; since their whole room is baby proofed, there is a greater area they are free to move about in. This is of benefit especially in modern times when children are often confined in a crib, a high chair, or rocker and then to a baby car seat or stroller. Yes, some of these are necessary, however, children need every opportunity possible for freedom of movement.

2) Promote independence. Children can get up and read a book or get dressed, and they do not need a parent’s permission or help to do so. Over time, and especially with a toddler, they can decide themselves when they are tired and lie down. For daytime naps, my children would often put themselves to bed and go lie down when they needed to rest.

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3) Empower the child. The child can make their own decisions. This is especially applicable for a toddler who is able to get out of bed and play rather than cry at the crib waiting for someone to get them out. Although the child may still be confined to their room, they have much more power and control over themselves.

4) Respect. I find a floor bed respects a child’s natural needs and their capabilities. The child is not going to sleep because they have no other choice or because they are confined and can’t get out; rather, the child is making their own decision to go to bed and lie down (and hopefully fall asleep). While there were times my children would wake during the night, have difficulty falling asleep, there were no battles to get into bed. There was definitely no screaming or crying to get out.

5) Comfort. This is much less of an issue, however for the child and the parent I find a floor bed much more comfortable. Often, I would lie next to my child, breastfeed them, and sometimes sleep next to them. This was much easier in a floor bed and could not happen in a crib.

I completely understand that a crib is preferred by most parents. I am not trying to convince you to use a floor bed but rather present an alternative view. Please feel free to ask questions about floor beds and I will do my best to answer!