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 their cot or are thinking of buying them a bigger bed, you might be worried about them falling out 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 imaginative designs like houses or treehouses, so your toddler can have great fun playing make-believe in their very own space. To get the lowdown on toddler floor beds, we've spoken to sleep coach, Emily McInnes from Sound Asleep Coaching to find out all you need to know about toddler floor beds, how to use them safely and the potential benefits.
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...
The best toddler floor bed
25% OFF
Best overall toddler floor bed
Etsy www.etsy.com
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
SAVE £50
Best teepee style toddler floor bed
bedkingdomwww.bedkingdom.co.uk
The 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 slanted and low to the ground making it easier for small children to get themselves in and out of the bed. As it's closed off at one side too, it could make the transition from cot to bed a little easier.
Parent buyers said: "Nice bed, our little one is really happy in her own bed and it looks great low to floor so no need for a edge protector", while another commented: "Lovely fun children’s bed. Good size, and handy the teepee cover comes off for washing too."
Pros
- Closed off on one side which may help the transition from cot to bed
- Canvas drape creates a cosy space for sleep
- Cover can be removed for washing
Cons
- The grey bedframe may not suit all decors
| Suitable for ages: | 3+ years |
| Dimensions: | 135 x 104 x 196cm |
| Number of people for assembly: | 1 to 2 |
- Canvas drape
- Bed slats
3.
Montessori Floor Bed with Slats for Kids
Best toddler floor bed with range of sizes
With a wide choice of sizes available, this toddler floor bed is a great choice if you need a bed of a specific size. 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: "Great communication for any pre purchase questions I had. Prompt delivery, arrived within a matter of days! Assembly of it is super straight forward & the quality of the wood is great. Our baby who hates their cot is very much enjoying sleeping in this :)"
Pros
- Wide range of bed sizes
- Baby-safe finishes
- Montessori inspired
Cons
- £39.90 delivery
| 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: "Love love love this bed it is beautiful and very sturdy. It is adorable in our son's room. I did remove 1 star because I believe the instructions were incredibly confusing. We ended up building it based on the picture." Another wrote: "The quality of our new bed frame is excellent. Looks good, seems durable. There was a mixup on the dimensions of the bed, and the seller was quick to fix the issue. The item met my expectations."
Pros
- Available in a range of sizes
- Built in safety rails
- Adorable house design with chimney feature
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the instructions were complicated
| 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 Children's House Bed from Dunelm is ideal for toddlers and as it's the size of a standard single bed, it should last them past the toddler years. 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 and good air circulation too.
Pros
- Available in three colours
- Cute house design
- Fits a single matttress so longer lasting than smaller sizes
Cons
- No online reviews
| 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. It's made from solid FSC wood for better sustainability and could also be painted if you were in the mood for some DIY! As it's suitable for a single mattress, it will last longer than some of the smaller floor beds for toddlers so offers great value for money.
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
- Only available in one colour
| 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 and has safety rails so your little one shouldn't roll out. It's inspired by traditional tents, creating an exciting place for toddlers to sleep and while it looks good, it's incredibly functional too.
Pros
- Safety rails along the side and back
- 12 months guarantee
- Distinctive tent design
Cons
- No onsite reviews
| 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 in 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. As our expert, Emily McInnes tells us, "the concept of a floor bed dates back to the 1900s when Dr Maria Montessori felt we should support children to have some independence with their sleep." The Montessori toy rotation method could also come in useful to help them play independently in their room.
Toddler floor beds can also be 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, creating a cosy, cocooning haven.
• 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. However, Emily notes that you can introduce a floor bed from any age. "Montessori experts suggest that 5-10 months is the ideal age to introduce a floor bed, but of course, it can work well at any age."
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. Equally, with a standard bed, your toddler might roll out when wriggling. 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.
It's worth considering that while they can also help to promote independence, it's important to check the room for potential hazards 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. Emily suggests the following to make sure your space is safe:
• Cover all electrical sockets
• Check the room for choking hazards
• Keep the door closed so they can't go downstairs (or use a stairgate on the door)
• Install a stairgate at the top of the stairs
• Make sure all loose furniture is attached to the wall
• Place the mattress in the middle of the room so they can't get trapped between the mattress and the wall
Can I just put a mattress on the floor?
While it might seem similar, putting a mattress on the floor isn't recommended because it doesn't allow any air flow underneath. While floor beds for toddlers are low to the ground, they still have space and slats to allow the air to circulate and stop your little one from overheating.
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. Emily notes that sleep coaches often recommend floor beds, "it's a great way to support your child with sleep as you can cuddle them, feed them, comfort them in their own sleep space without having to get them in and out of a cot."
About the expert
Emily McInnes is a Paediatric Nurse and Certified Holistic Sleep Coach. She has over ten years experience in the healthcare setting and has a passion for supporting parents with their child's sleep. She has a vast amount of knowledge in paediatric sleep which she is passionate about sharing with the wider community to educate and reassure parents about the biologically normal sleep behaviours of babies and toddlers. Follow her at Sound Asleep Coaching.
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.