Montessori Bed – A More Affordable Set Up

As the first step toward independence, we wanted our daughter to have more access to things in her bedroom. This includes being able to get in and out of bed by herself, but also doing it safely. While the Montessori Method encouraged the use of accessible bed from birth, our previous compact apartment did not allow for this type of set up. However, once we moved to a more spacious home, we were determine to make it happen. When our daughter was 18-months old, we moved her from her crib to a floor bed. The Montessori beds we saw online are really cute but they are very expensive! We also did not have the resource to build one ourselves. So we looked high and low and eventually found some alternative pieces that serve our purpose and budget.

Set the mood

It is very important to provide a space of suitable scale to the child. Without the confine of the crib walls, children might find the bedroom too vast and uncomfortable. For example, imagining yourself sleeping in the middle of a cavernous space, like a cathedral or a concert hall. It does not usually conjure up the sense of coziness and security that are conducive to relaxation and sleep. For that purpose, we purchased a Bed Canopy to put over the crib during the transition period. This provided her a substitute boundary to her crib walls. Once the little one was accustomed to the canopy, we removed the crib and introduced the floor bed. Under the familiar canopy, she has had no problem with sleeping in her new bed.

Ventilation

A floor bed can really just be a mattress on the floor, as long as you flip the mattress frequently to prevent dampness and mold. Unfortunately, our existing Ikea HASVAG mattress is a single sided spring mattress so we cannot flip it and use the other side. Therefore, we used the Ikea LONSET bed base. It has a slightly raised base that elevates the mattress but maintains the low height of the bed. Alternatively, the NEIDEN bed with slats is also a good candidate for an affordable set up, although you will need to saw off the legs to obtain a suitable height. If two beds are required, the UTAKER beds is also a solid option. They are low in height and are stackable for great flexibility.

Protect the bed

It does not matter how old they are, kids make messes. We lined the mattress with a washable LUDDROS Mattress Protector, as well as a layer of Waterproof Protector to preserve the mattress and our sanity. 

Protect the kid

Even with the enclosed bed canopy, our daughter rolled off the bed twice on her first night on the floor bed. Since then, we have taken precautions and stuffed two pillows under her bed sheet along the outer edge. The super affordable Ikea LAPPTATEL pillows are perfect for this use. You may also stuff off-season rolled-up blankets under the sheet for the same effect. But do remember to keep them under the waterproof mattress protector.

How we are doing

Nine months on, our floor bed set up has been working wonderfully. Our daughter has been able to get in and out of bed to get books and toys when she is awake. We were initially worried that she would stay up to explore instead of sleeping. But she has shown to prefer staying in her cozy bed to read and play. She would put herself down when she is tired. Another bonus is that, once she is awake from nap or sleep, she is usually quite happy to entertain herself in her room until we go and get her. This has given us some valuable extra time for housework and sleeping in. 

What is your favourite Montessori bed set up? Share with us below