When I was first learning about Montessori, one of the first concepts I discovered was the "floor bed." At the time, I had my one year old sleeping in a crib and I didn't dare make the switch and mess up his sleep habits. (Silly me!) It took me awhile to get enough information about the floor bed, why it is important, and why it was worth it. By the time, I did, I had a two year old. I think many people end up in a similar situation, and wonder at this point if they should move their toddler into a floor bed.
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Gus uses the Sprout Kids Floor bed which can be raised as a child ages.
I think the answer is, maybe. First, let's be clear that Montessori advocated for a floor bed for little babies. This is clear. Floor beds are meant for infants. If you have a baby, a floor bed is wonderful. (Read more about why I love floor beds for babies here.) Let's see what Montessori, and some of the Montessorians that have continued her work have said on the subject of floor beds:
"One of the most fortunate little children I know is my godson Felicino. Before he could walk, when he was only ten months old, he was given his own room, where he was free to engage in his own activities. Perhaps you will be surprised when I tell you what the room contained: in the center of the floor was a carpet, in one corner was Felicino's bed -- not a cot with high railings to keep him shut in a cage, but a low bed..." Maria Montessori, Maria Montessori Speaks to Parents
"We must give the child an environment that he can utilize by himself...a small bed in which he can sleep at night under an attractive blanket he can fold and spread by himself. We must give him an environment in which he can live and play." Maria Montessori, The Child in the Family
"A child-bed prepares the baby to move about in her room just at the time that her brain is ready for more information to be absorbed through her senses. Thus she can provide for her own needs ad continue her learning. She is happy because her opportunities for learning match her abilities." Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, Montessori from the Start
"To assist in voluntary movement from birth, it is sufficient to provide a bed larger than the crib commonly used, and some interesting objects, that serve as a stimulus for movement...If the child is placed in a barred crib (or other forms of cribs that are even more restrictive), There is not much point in having the capacity for observation, since it cannot be used or improved." Silvana Quattrocchi Montanaro, Understanding the Human Being
"A mat on the floor, in a room that has been completely prepared for safety, allows a child to come and go, exercising all his developing abilities." Susan Mayclin Stephenson, The Joyful Child
Reading all of these quotes, a couple of things keep jumping out at me: freedom of movement, and the ability for the child work to his/her current potential (independence). These are two very important Montessori concepts that do not just fade away as a child reaches toddlerhood. In fact, I would argue those needs stay just as strong, if not stronger as a child ages. So looking at the ultimate purpose of a floor bed and applying it to toddlers -- toddler's, like infants, need a sleeping space that gives them freedom of movement and independence.
So, does this mean a floor bed? Well, my answer is still maybe. For tiny toddlers, a floor bed allows them to get in and out of bed independently, and to have freedom of movement when they need it. If your toddler, is more adept at climbing or is taller, a regular bed might be just fine. Or maybe somewhere in between with a small toddler bed.
The bottom line is that a bed for toddlers should promote independence and movement. How that looks and feels may be different in every home but these principles remain the same!
Does your toddler use a floor bed?
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