When it's time to upgrade your little one's cot into a toddler bed, why not consider getting them a toddler floor bed?Also known as a Montessori bed, toddler floor beds help to give your child freedom from a cot or crib, while keeping them safe and not having to worry about them falling onto the floor.
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.
Best toddler floor beds at a glance:
• Best overall toddler floor beds: Montessori Floor Bed with Legs and Slats - buy here on Etsy.
• Best teepee style toddler floor beds: Flair Apache Teepee Bedframe - buy here on John Lewis.
• Best Montessori toddler floor beds: Montessori House Bed Frame with Legs and Slats - buy here on Etsy.
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.
Best overall toddler floor beds
www.etsy.com
This beautiful Montessori Floor Bed with Legs and Slats 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 salty 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
Best teepee style toddler floor beds
www.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 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
Best personalised toddler floor beds
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
Best house frame canopy toddler floor beds
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
Best single bed toddler floor beds
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
Best toddler floor beds tree design
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
Best toddler floor beds for value
www.cuckooland.com
Available in a large size too, the Jackson Toddler Solid Wood House Floor Bed is the perfect size for toddlers. It's low to the ground promoting independence, and the top-of-the-house design is high enough to style with fun accessories, and still be safe for your toddler to sleep in the bed.
Pros
- Can be accessorised with night lights
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- Might catch heads on the low frame
Best Montessori toddler floor beds
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
Are floor beds safe for toddlers?
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.
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 safer alternative 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.
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 Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.