SearchToddler Floor Beds: Pros And Cons And Tips For Parents
Babies grow so fast! Before you know it, your little one will be ready for a big kid bed. At that point, you get to decide which type of bed you want them to sleep on. One option is a toddler floor bed.
To help you determine if this type of bed is the right choice, let's look at its specs and explore some of its pros and cons.
Table Of Contents
- What Is A Toddler Floor Bed?
- Pros Of A Toddler Floor Bed
- Cons Of A Toddler Floor Bed
- When To Move Your Child To A Floor Bed
- What To Look For In A Toddler Floor Bed
- Safe Sleep In A Toddler Floor Bed
What Is A Toddler Floor Bed?
A toddler floor bed is a bed that rests on the floor or has only a small base. This bed type is historically popular with families following the Montessori philosophy of early childhood development. However, it’s becoming more mainstream as more people choose this option.
Floor beds come in a variety of styles. Some are nothing more than a crib-size mattress set on the floor. Others are frames similar to a toddler bed, except lower to the ground. You can also find house-style beds with a frame, creating a simple roof area you can decorate.
Pros Of A Toddler Floor Bed
Some children do well in a bed on the floor. Here are some specific things that parents love about this type of bed.
Promotes Independence
When your child is in a crib, they depend on you to get them into and out of bed. It’s simply too high for them to maneuver on their own.
However, with a toddler floor bed, your little one can independently climb in and out of bed. This helps boost their sense of self-esteem and confidence.
It also gives them more control over their body and their environment. They can easily access toys and books in their room and climb into bed when ready.
Minimizes Fall Risk
One sign that your toddler is ready to stop sleeping in a crib is being able to climb out over the side. Unfortunately, this places your child in a dangerous situation where they could easily fall and get hurt.
And while a traditional toddler bed isn’t as high as a crib, it is still elevated. A floor bed eliminates the risk of falling since it’s so close to the ground.
Allows You To Join Them
If your little one wakes up scared from a bad dream, you won’t have to contort your body over high rails to get in bed next to them for a bit.
Plus, you can also use this benefit to your advantage during the day. You can play with your toddler in their bed and make fun memories together.
Makes Mornings Smoother
Instead of your little one screaming for you to come and get them out of bed in the morning, they can simply get off their bed and start playing in their room (make sure it’s baby-proofed first.)
If your mornings are hectic and stressful, this can bring much-needed calm to that portion of the day.
Cons Of A Toddler Floor Bed
Of course, this type of bed isn’t for everyone. Here are some things to consider before choosing a floor bed.
Lack Of Storage Space
With a regular toddler bed, there’s a bit of room underneath for storage. If your child is in a small nursery, this can make a big difference. You may need to get creative to find space for everything.
Safety Concerns
If your little one rolls out of a floor bed, they won’t get hurt as much as if they fell from a regular one. But since this bed promotes independence and gives them more freedom, they may get up at night and wander.
This can be a big concern if you don’t have their bedroom baby proofed. In addition, if you don’t shut their door at night or put a gate on it, they’ll have access to the whole house.
Exposure To Allergens
Carpet hangs onto dust and debris. If your little one sleeps closer to the floor, they could inhale potential allergens. That can exacerbate asthma and allergies.
The best way to protect your child from this risk is to buy a hypoallergenic mattress that won’t trap allergens. Look for one that’s GREENGUARD Gold certified so you know it’s made to the highest quality standards and isn’t toxic.
You’ll also want one that’s completely washable, like the Newton Baby Essential Crib Mattress. That way, you can regularly put it in the washer and ensure your little one sleeps in a clean, fresh space.
When To Move Your Child To A Floor Bed
If you think a floor bed would suit your toddler well, let’s discuss when to move them into one.
Some parents recommend using a floor bed as soon as a baby can sit steadily and crawl around. This is typically between five and 10 months of age. However, there’s a big safety concern with that plan.
Until your child is a year old, they shouldn’t sleep with blankets or pillows. Though many parents use a sleep sack in a crib, this isn’t a safe option for a child sleeping on a floor bed.
If they rolled off the mattress, the sack would restrict their movement too much so they couldn’t get back into bed. Therefore, it’s best to wait until your child’s first birthday to transition them to a floor bed.
You’ll also want to make sure they have the motor skills necessary to get in and out of the bed on their own. This way, they can practice independence and don’t have to wait for you to come and get them out every morning.
What To Look For In A Toddler Floor Bed
The Style You Want
Are you planning on just putting your child’s mattress on the floor, or do you want a frame for it? Do you want a house-style bed or a plain one?
You can find a toddler bed to fit your style, whatever it may be.
How Much Space You Have
Though most floor beds are toddler sized, some accommodate a twin-sized mattress. Think about your available space and pick one that’ll fit well.
While a larger bed might be intimidating for a young child, they will get more use out of it since they won’t outgrow it as quickly. However, the decision about what size is best is personal, so pick the one you think will work best for your child.
Safety Features
Look for a bed with rounded edges and guard rails to keep your little one safe. If you’re worried about your kid rolling around too much, opt for a bed with low sides to keep them in place.
Also, check that the mattress fits snugly. You want to avoid any gaps into which your child could stick their head (or another body part). Entrapment is not something you want to risk.
Mattress Comfort
Your toddler won’t sleep well if their bed is lumpy. They need a comfortable mattress, like the Newton Baby Mattress.
Our mattresses are made with Wovenaire technology that’s 90% air and 10% the same material as yogurt cups. This mixture is breathable, which helps reduce suffocation risk.
It’s firm but comfortable, giving your baby a great place to sleep.
Safe Sleep In A Toddler Floor Bed
No matter what type of bed your toddler uses, you must prioritize their safety. Always follow the safe sleep guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
These include:
- Keeping your baby’s bed free from blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals until age one
- Using a flat, firm mattress
- Keeping their bed in a safe location
However, when you have your child in a floor bed, a few additional safety precautions are required. Let’s take a look.
Babyproof Your Child’s Room
When they’re sleeping at floor level, your child is no longer contained by the four sides of a crib. Instead, they’ll have access to anything in the room.
To keep them safe, take time to:
- Anchor dressers and other pieces of furniture to avoid tipping
- Cover outlets and keep all cords out of reach
- Put a child-proof lock on the door to keep your child from wandering out of the room unsupervised
- Remove any small toys or other choking hazards
You want this entire space to be a safe haven for them.
Good Night, Sleep Tight
A toddler floor bed can keep your child cozy at night while promoting independence and self-sufficiency. Use the tips above to select the right bed and ensure your little one is ready to move.
Then, pick up a breathable, washable Newton Baby Crib Mattress and see the joy in your child's eyes as they realize they can get out of bed on their own. A whole new world awaits!
