When Henry was a baby, I had no idea what Montessori was or really how it could be applied in a home. So, we set up a very traditional nursery for Henry which included a crib for Henry to sleep in. But, this time, I'm not sure I want to have a crib.
In a Montessori infant environment a floor bed is typically used. A floor bed is essentially a small mattress or mat on the floor. The point if for the bed to be very low to the ground so that as the baby grows, he or she has freedom of movement within the environment. Obviously, a floor bed requires that the rest of the room be completely safe and well thought out so that the infant is safe while alone.
{Wonderful floor bed example from Vibrant Wanderings}
{Wonderful floor bed example from Vibrant Wanderings}
You can see some really beautiful examples of an infant floor beds on my Montessori Home Pinterest Board.
We use a floor bed in Henry's room and it has worked wonderfully for him. However, there's been one little problem...Henry complains that he is cold. Henry's room is slightly colder than the nursery, but I think a big part of it is, that his bed is on the floor. And, Henry has blankets, a heater, and fleece pjs!
So, I'm a little worried about trying to use a floor bed with a baby who can't use more than a sleep sack to keep warm. Wiggles is due in June, so it will be warm then, but for the first couple months the baby will stay in my room in a bassinet. But, that means just as its getting cooler in the early winter we will be transitioning the baby to his/her own room.
{Another great example of a floor bed thanks to Confessions of a Montessori Mom}
{Another great example of a floor bed thanks to Confessions of a Montessori Mom}
I wondering how well an idea from warm, amazing Italy {Maria Montessori's homeland} actually translates to bitterly cold, snowy, windy Minnesota? Maybe it doesn't, and a crib is a better option?
I'm really torn. Maybe we should use a crib for the first winter, then switch? Stick with a crib and have a floor mat for playing? Try out the floor bed?
So, what do you think? Anyone have any experience with an infant floor bed in a cold environment?
