Floor Beds + What You Need To Know

17 Jun

In many parts of the world, floor beds are a completely normal, practical part of family sleep. But in places like the U.S. or New Zealand, where cribs are the go-to, the idea of placing a baby on a mattress on the floor can feel a little… unfamiliar.

At Whispers, we love supporting families as they explore what truly works for them, and floor beds can offer a beautiful, flexible alternative to more traditional sleep spaces. They’re not just a “trend”, but they can be a game-changer for sleep, connection, and independence.

What is a Floor Bed?

A floor bed is a mattress placed directly on the floor or on a very low frame. You might hear it called a “Montessori bed” because it aligns with the Montessori philosophy of allowing children autonomy in their environment, including sleep.

Floor beds give little ones the freedom to enter and exit their sleep space independently. Some families opt for a simple mattress on the floor, while others choose a low-frame bed with space underneath for airflow.

Why Might a Family Choose a Floor Bed?

There are so many reasons a floor bed might feel like the right fit. Here are some of the more common ones we hear from Whispers families:

Gentle transitions from co-sleeping: Babies used to sleeping close to a parent often find the crib too unfamiliar. A floor bed can offer a more familiar sleep surface and a smoother transition to independent sleep.

Temperament-sensitive options: Some babies just know when you try to transfer them into a crib, no matter how gently you do it. A floor bed lets you lie beside them, settle them, and slip away once they’re asleep—with less disruption.

Freedom of movement: Some little ones are active sleepers. Crib bars can wake them when they bump against them. A floor bed gives them the space to stretch and settle more naturally.

Mobility-friendly: For parents who are pregnant, recovering from birth, or have physical limitations, lifting a child in and out of a crib multiple times a day can be tough. A floor bed eliminates that strain.
Support for new sleep associations: If you're trying to move away from feeding, rocking, or bouncing to sleep, floor beds allow for a more gradual, presence-based settling approach—lying beside, patting, singing, and then gently stepping away.

When Is the Right Time to Use a Floor Bed?

There’s no perfect age—it’s more about your baby, your family dynamic, and your goals. Some parents begin using a floor bed from birth with the right safety measures in place. Others transition around the 9–12 month mark, especially if the crib has never been a great fit or your baby is now trying to climb out. Montessori educators often recommend starting once a baby outgrows their bassinet. You can absolutely room share with a floor bed—this isn’t an all-or-nothing approach.

**Is It Safe?**

Yes—but like all sleep environments, safety comes first. With a floor bed, you need to think of the whole room as the sleep space. Here’s a quick safety checklist to help you get started:

Secure all furniture to the wall.
Remove cords, wires, and choking hazards.
Cover all power outlets.
Keep heavy items off walls or shelves above the sleep space.
Consider a gate or alarm if your child can open doors.
Use a video monitor to keep an eye on things.
Bed Safety
Use a very firm mattress—ideally a crib mattress for babies under 2.
Ensure space around the mattress to prevent entrapment between wall and bed.
No pillows, bumpers, duvets, or loose blankets under age 2.
Use a fitted sheet only.
A footless sleep suit is ideal for warmth and mobility.

Supporting the Transition

Once your floor bed is set up safely, start creating positive connections with the space. Spend time there during the day—reading, cuddling, playing. The more familiar and safe it feels, the easier the transition will be. As with all sleep changes, give it time and consistency.

Some families notice an improvement in sleep almost immediately—others need more time. If it feels tricky at first, that’s okay. Every family’s rhythm is different. I would suggest giving it up to two weeks before you see consistent change.

What If They Keep Getting Up?

One of the most common worries is: "What if they keep getting out of bed?"

The truth? Most kids don’t roam the house at night. They may call out, come find you, or quietly settle back down. But if you are dealing with repeated get-ups, here’s what to consider:

Is your child going through separation anxiety?
Are they overtired or under-tired?
Are they seeking connection or reassurance?
Have they had enough practice in the new space?

Some Helpful Strategies:

Use blackout curtains to help regulate sleep cues.
Role play what to do when they wake—call for you, come to your room, or lie back down.
Keep a water bottle close by.
Introduce a comfort item i would only recommend that this be introduced to a wee one from 7 months old. There are many benefits to your wee one having a lovey, read more about it here.
Gate off unsafe areas or use a gentle door alarm if needed (never lock the door).
Want to talk it through? Our certified team are ready to talk and help guide you through this transition safely and with confidence. Simply contact us here and we will happily discuss plans and options to get you started on your journey to better sleep.