Is your child ready to transition to a big boy or big girl bed?

 

If so, then these Montessori beds are the perfect way to make it a smooth transition, and promote your child’s independence!

 

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Promoting independence is a key Montessori principle that can be easy to incorporate at home, even at a young age!

 

Children are as independent as you expect them to be

-Maria Montessori

 

Montessori at home

Incorporating Montessori at home can start as early as you feel is right for your child. One of the easiest places to first implement Montessori is in your child’s bedroom. By choosing simple, minimal items and decor, you can create a Montessori space for your child that promotes learning and independence.

When searching for items to include in your child’s bedroom consider the following Montessori principles:

• chose things that are child centered
• items should allow for natural development and learning
• items should foster independence
• chose things that are child focused

 

Related post: 5 key tips on implementing Montessori at home

 

What is a Montessori bed?

How does it promote independence?

Technically speaking, there is no such thing as a “Montessori bed”. Let me explain…Since The Montessori Method was first introduced as a school educational model, there were no beds as part of the original philosophy. The popularity of incorporating Montessori principles and practices at home has grown throughout the years, and so did the increase in “Montessori beds”.

 

 

Essentially a Montessori bed can be described as a bed or a mattress with none to little restrictive railings around it, and close enough to the floor so that a child can get in and out of it by themselves; therefore promoting independence. With following the Montessori principle of independence, Montessori floor beds allow for more freedom than say cribs or bassinets.

 

The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence

-Maria Montessori

 

With a crib or bassinet, an infant or toddler is confined to their sleep space, which keeps them dependent on an adult to help them out when they are ready to move, play, engage, or practice self-care skills; therefore removing their ability to practice independence.

 

Related post: 5 must have IKEA products for your Montessori environment

 

How do Montessori beds work?

Montessori beds promote independence and allow children to develop appropriate boundaries of freedom. In order for them to work successfully, it is important to set clear, consistent expectations around bedtime and sleeping. Not only will this teach children about responsibility, but also allows them to feel secure, capable of putting themselves to sleep, trusted, and respected.

This is in no way saying that you have to put your child in their room and not return until morning. Set a bedtime routine that works for you and your child, so that they know what to expect.

A few bedtime routine ideas could include:

1. bedtime stories
2. cuddling
3. having a favorite bedtime buddy
4. bath time
5. prepping bed with blankies

Whatever you choose, try to be as consistent as possible with your routine every night.

 

The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self

-Maria Montessori

 

A good age to introduce a Montessori bed

There is not perfect age to introduce the Montessori bed to your child; every child is different. This is a personal family decision that must be made. I have had parents introduce and use a Montessori bed to their child as young as six months old, while other parents have introduced it to their toddlers or preschool aged children. It is a decision that should be talked about and a plan figured out, so that you can make the best decision for your child. Also remember that every child is different, and not every child will adjust to using a Montessori bed at the same age.

 

 

Montessori floor beds to promote independence

1. Lucy Twin House Bed

Features:

-Twin size

-Slightly raised legs (6 in.)

-Natural wood

 

 

2. Mateo Teepee Bed 

Features:

-Twin bed

-Natural wood teepee

-Floor bed

 

 

3. South Shore Sweedi Bed

Features:

-Twin bed

-Comes in natural and other colors

-Floor bed

 

 

4. Meritline House Bed

Features:

Twin bed

-Comes in various colors

-House and picket fence accents

 

 

 

Related post: 5 basic Montessori principles that can compliment your parenting style

 

 

5. Delta Children Poppy House Bed

Features:

-Twin bed

-Footboard book storage

-Slightly raised legs

 

6. Olela House Bed

Features:

-Twin bed

-Floor bed

-Comes in grey and white

 

 

7. Walcut Children’s Bed

Features:

-Natural wood

-Unique house/teepee design

-Comes in small and large

 

 

8. Bestmart Children’s Bed

Features:

-Unique house/teepee design

-Twin bed with floor bed

-Natural wood

 

 

 

Related post: 5 tips to raise an independent child

 

 

In conclusion

In the end, look into which Montessori bed would be the best fit for your child. Consider their bedroom space and overall sleeping patterns of your child. Some children may be ready to make the transition to a Montessori bed earlier than others, while others may need a little more time.

Remember that it is important to follow your child and their comfort levels in relation to sleep. You can always give a Montessori bed a try, and if your child is unsure, gradually work your way up to them using it.

 

 

Do you use a Montessori bed? How does your child like it?

 

Also let me know in the comments if you’re considering transitioning your child to a Montessori bed and which one of the beds I recommended is your fave!

 

Little children, from the moment they are weaned, are making their way toward independence

-Maria Montessori

 

Until next time,

Anitra J.