When it's time to upgrade your little one's cot to a toddler bed, why not consider getting them one of the best floor beds for toddlers? It's no secret that toddlers are incredibly wiggly, so if you've taken the sides off of their cot, or have considered buying them a bigger bed, you might be worried about them falling off a higher bed and potentially hurting themselves.
This is where floor beds for toddlers can help. Also known as a Montessori floor bed, a toddler floor bed is ideal for that in-between stage where your tot is too big for a cot or crib, but isn't quite ready for a big bed. As they're lower to the ground, you don't have to worry about them falling onto the floor, and they also provide a safe place for them to play during the day. Many of them have fun designs like houses or treehouses, so your toddler can have great fun playing make-believe in their very own space.
Best floor beds for toddlers at a glance
You could just use a bed guard to try and help them stay in their bed, but with a toddler floor bed they lie directly onto the floor, which also gives them the perfect chance to practise getting into bed on their own too. There's also a lot more opportunity to create a cosy sleeping space for your toddler with a floor bed, so you never know, it could just help them to sleep better too...
Best overall toddler floor bed
This beautiful Montessori Floor Bed looks like a standard bed, with a house-shaped headboard. The low bed design encourages a sense of autonomy as they learn to climb in and out of their bed on their own terms. There are also built-in safety rails to provide a gentle barrier.
One customer wrote: "Ordered these for our planned conversion of the nursery to a toddler room. Arrived super quickly! Very easy to assemble. Great quality parts." Another said: "Absolutely gorgeous furniture. The quality is perfect and the colour of the brown wood even more beautiful than on the pictures. I will order again, that's for sure."
Pros
- Built in safety rails
- Open concept framework
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Delivery takes a few weeks
| Suitable for ages: | Up to 89Kg |
| Dimensions: | 140.9 x 80 x 40.6cm |
| Number of people for assembly: | 1 to 2 |
- Natural wood construction
- Low profile design
- Built in safety rails
- Open concept framework
Best teepee style toddler floor bed
bedkingdomThe Flair Apache Teepee Bed Frame comes with a grey teepee-style framed top, with a canvas drape that goes down the back of one side. It's slated, and low to the ground making it easier for small children to get themselves in and out of the bed. With it being closed off at one side too, it helps the transition from cot to bed a little easier.
Pros
- Low to ground
- Canvas drape
Cons
- Might not want a grey bedframe
| Suitable for ages: | 3+ years |
| Dimensions: | 135 x 104 x 196cm |
| Number of people for assembly: | 1 to 2 |
- Canvas drape
- Bed slats
Best customisable toddler floor bed
Etsy www.etsy.com
With the option to completely customise a bed size to your preference as well as a wood finish, the Toddler Bed with Slats is a great choice for a toddler bed, as it caters to your needs. Its low-to-the-ground design makes it easier to climb in and out of, with the built-in safety rails providing security to your toddler.
One customer wrote: "I spent a lot of time comparing floor bed frames online. Very pleased we went with this one. The shipping is expensive. Worth it in my opinion. My 16-month-old loves her new floor bed, and I love how beautifully made it is."
Pros
- Personalise the bed size
- Baby-safe finishes
- Montessori inspired
Cons
- Returns not accepted
| Suitable for ages: | 2+ years |
| Dimensions: | 140 x 70cm up to 200 x 240cm |
| Number of people for assembly: | 1 to 2 |
- Customised bed size
- Customised wood finish
- Handcrafted
- Montessori inspired
- Baby-safe finishes
Best house frame toddler floor bed
Esty www.etsy.com
The Montessori House Bed Frame with Legs and Slats is beautifully designed. It looks like a house, with chimney feature and has safety rails around the bed. There's still access to the bed, which is also low to the ground, to make it easy for toddlers to climb in and out.
One customer said: "Amazing quality! We are really happy. It took approx. 20 days to arrive but no import taxes or anything. Super easy to build! Looks exactly like in the pictures." Another wrote: "Great quality, easy to put together, looks great in my son's room. Arrived on time and well packaged."
Pros
- Fits a full size crib mattress
- Built in safety rails
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Delivery takes awhile
| Suitable for ages: | Up to 89Kg |
| Dimensions: | 111.76 x 80 x 140cm |
| Number of people for assembly: | 1 to 2 |
- Low profile design
- Built in safety rails
Best canopy toddler floor bed
Dunelm www.dunelm.com
Designed in the shape of a house, the House Bed Single is ideal for toddlers and will even last them years as it's the size of a standard single bed. The adorable house frame creates a cosy feel, and is available in a pine and grey colour too. It also has a sprung, slatted base ensuring firmer support too.
Pros
- Available in three colours
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Wipe clean with soft cloth only
| Suitable for ages: | 2+ years |
| Dimensions: | 142.5 x 98.5 x 198cm |
| Number of people for assembly: | 1 to 2 |
- Sprung, slatted base
- House frame canopy
Best single bed toddler floor bed
Argos www.argos.co.uk
The Habitat House Single Bed Frame is easy to put together, great value for money and a really sturdy design. The white-painted design also gives a light, airy feel. The low base makes it easier for smaller children to climb in and out of the bed too.
One review said: "Great bed! Bought for our 10-month-old to support co-sleeping and is perfect. Great height for him to navigate, plenty of space and easy to construct. Also finish and overall look is great and looks more expensive that it was" Another customer wrote: "We bought this bed, for our four-year-old daughter. She absolutely loves it and calls it her house bed! It’s made really well and we attached some fake rose lights across the top and it looks stunning!"
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy design
Cons
- No safety rails
| Suitable for ages: | 4+ years |
| Dimensions: | 197.4 x 97.3 x 174.6cm |
| Number of people for assembly: | 2 |
- Self assembly
- Wooden slat base
Best toddler floor bed with treehouse design
The range www.therange.co.uk
With a unique treehouse design, the Scout Tree Single Bed is raised ever so slightly off the ground, but still allows toddler independence. It's inspired by traditional tents, creating an exciting place for toddlers to sleep and while it looks good, it's incredibly functional too. It's also enclosed with rails to help provide a safe and secure sleep environment.
Pros
- Safety rails along the side and back
- 12 months guarantee
Cons
- Mattress not included
| Suitable for ages: | Maximum 90Kg |
| Dimensions: | 187 x 98 x 162cm |
| Number of people for assembly: | 1 to 2 |
- Safety rails along the side and back
- Tree top design
- Low to the ground design
What is a toddler floor bed?
Toddler floor beds are lower to the ground than normal beds so little ones can get and out more easily and safely. It follows the Montessori educational method which focuses on fostering independence in children - being able to get out of bed independently helps with this. They're also a safer transition if your tot has discovered how to climb out of their cot but isn't quite ready for a normal bed which they could potentially fall out of.
The benefits of toddler floor beds
While they may seem an unconventional choice, many people are fully converted to toddler floor beds, using them from the early months for the following reasons:
• They may help your child to sleep.
• If you're still nursing, it makes it easier for you to feed, lie down with your little one and then roll away.
• Promotes independence. If your tot can get out of bed themselves, they may do this rather than calling for you to come and get them.
• Can avoid little ones falling out of bigger beds, or cribs they learn to climb out of.
• Some toddler floor beds can be converted into normal beds with higher legs so can save money.
What age is best for a toddler floor bed?
Between the ages of two and three years old, you'll probably start considering moving your toddler out of their cot and into a normal bed, or a toddler bed. Floor beds are a great transitional bed for children as they are a lot safer.
Are floor beds safe for 2 year olds?
When your child can figure out how to put their leg to the top of the cot, the chances of them trying to climb out increase which can result in your toddler hurting themselves. Similar to a standard bed too, your toddler might roll out when wriggling and fall onto the floor. Floor beds are a great alternative and a safe transition for a toddler from a cot or crib as they are closer to the ground, and they can also help to promote independence.
It's important to check the room for potential hazards too when your toddler moves into their new bed. Get on their level and look around the room. Make sure all furniture is secured to the wall and anything your toddler might need, such as books and toys, are within reach to discourage climbing. The Montessori toy rotation method could also come in useful, ensuring they don't get bored of their toys.
Do toddlers sleep better in floor beds?
No bed is guaranteed to make your toddler sleep better, however, a floor bed gives your toddler the space to engage more with bedtime, learn the bedtime routine and explore their room more independently. It allows them to climb in and out of their bed with ease, which can help encourage them to get into bed when it's time to sleep.
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two aged seven and three, and is currently expecting her third. She loves searching for the best and current trending products for little ones. She loves to bake, but spends most of her free time between football and ballet classes.