The Montessori bed is making success! Super cute, beautiful and that generates questions about what is the time to have one of these in your child’s room. The concept of this piece has to do with the Montessori method and has the proposal to offer freedom and autonomy for the little ones. The idea is that he can move with freedom, ease, and safety, within the room and go to other environments of the house.
And that’s precisely why the Montessori bed needs the baby to be a little older. Until around 2 years old, they are very small and for this time, it is best to bet on a cot, because it is the furniture that offers greater security for them, keeping them in a “controlled environment”. Just imagine a baby who is crawling, sleeping in a bed on the floor, without the limitation of the cradle’s bars. It ends up making parents even more worried! In the cradle, safety is absolute!
For these reasons, we believe that the best time to put a Montessori bed in the bedroom is from two years. It is a phase in which they are more secure, active, want to know everything in the world, and, precisely for these reasons, the cradle is no longer ideal because the little ones begin to lose fear and play to get out of there.
What is and when to start using a Montessori bed?
The Montessori bed is suitable for children from 0 to 12 years of age, although it is most popular between 0 and 6 years. In addition, the resting space is adapted as the child grows. This is because it aims to meet the needs of the child, taking into account the infant stage. In the Montessori bedroom, the bed is at floor level. The simplest and most economical is just a mattress on the floor so that the baby can move freely and safely. It is not mandatory to have the mattress on the floor. If there is an option of a low bed, close to the floor, it is also adequate for the method. The important thing is to always encourage the child to get in and out of bed by themselves.
Why is a Montessori bed a good idea?
Among the benefits of offering a children a Montessori bed are:
- Autonomy. With the Montessori floor beds, the child can get in and out of it freely. Since the baby begins to crawl, he can make this decision.
- Safety. The low mattress prevents the baby from falling out of bed. So no to the Montessori bed kit. And, obviously, no to the bars. Both limit free movement.
- Postural Health. Because it is like a tatami, it favors the correct posture of the spine and circulation.
- Positive Stimulus. Leaving babies in a cot is to deprive them of knowing the world. They depend on an adult to go out. The bed on the floor gives them the freedom to explore their surroundings and can give a better sense of their existence in the world.
- Savings and Durability. A traditional nursery is expensive. It is adapted to the needs of the adult and not the baby. Moreover, its furniture becomes obsolete in a short time. A cradle does not last more than 2-3 years. Soon you have to move on to a toddler bed and a single bed for older children. With the Montessori bed, if the question is to save money, you can buy a mattress of 70 cm X 140 cm, for children from 0 to 5 years. And then change to a mattress 90 cm x 190 cm.
Types of Montessori beds
Floor Beds: This is the most basic form of the Montessori room. It is economical and provides autonomy and security for the baby. In fact, this is the suggestion of the method. Just a simple mattress on the floor so that the child can sleep comfortably, getting up and lie down when desired, being able to interact freely with the surroundings.
House Bed: We are in love with the Montessori House Beds. Its design is incredible and magical. Besides, it is a unique piece of decoration in itself. On the internet, there are endless images of Montessori rooms with the house bed. But make no mistake, not all house beds are in line with the Montessori method.
Montessori Cabin Bed: The cabin bed is another style that can fit perfectly with the Montessori method. In addition, it is an interesting suggestion for children’s room decoration and may be more economical than the cottage bed.
Montessori Cradle: Most cots have side rails, precisely so that it can be attached to the bed. This way, during the first months, they can share the bed.
Montessori Mini Bed: The Montessori mini bed is nothing more than a cradle without bars. In other words, they are beds with a 60 cm x 120 cm mattress, placed at floor level. They can be a small bed, a cabin bed, or even a small bed for children.
Montessori Bunk Bed: For those who need to adapt the room to accommodate more than one child. The Montessori bunk bed is nothing more than having one of the mattresses (the lowest) at floor level. The child who sleeps on top must have easy access to climb down and up the bunk bed comfortably.
Whenever you decide to transition your child to a floor bed, remember to incorporate the freedom of movement, respect, and the sense of choice from the Montessori method to your child’s sleeping environment. If they learn to regulate their body to sleep and play at this age, you will have done your child’s wonderful brain a great service they won’t ever forget.
