What is a toddler floor bed? A floor bed is a mattress positioned directly on the floor or slightly elevated without high rails like a crib, allowing toddlers freedom of movement in and out of bed. They come in all sizes. Unlike a toddler bed, a toddler bed is 27”x 52”, smaller than a twin (single) size mattress. This mattress is elevated, like a traditional bed.
The debate over whether floor beds are the “best” option involves weighing the pros and cons compared to traditional toddler beds.
If you’re contemplating whether a toddler floor bed is suitable for your toddler and family, this blog post covers the key considerations along with my perspective on using floor beds for toddlers.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Floor Bed – Pros: This depends on the size you go with, but a larger mattress makes bonding time at bedtime easier, allowing space for you and your child on the bed together for reading and bedtime snuggles. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know this is one of the key elements to help with separation at bedtime.
They are affordable options; a floor bed can be as simple as placing your child’s crib mattress on the floor, purchasing just a larger mattress, or going all in and purchasing a floor bed frame and mattress.
Purchasing a large mattress gives your child more wiggle room in bed, especially important if you have a mover and groover while sleeping.
Going with a large mattress gives a longer lifespan to the bed. Typically, toddler beds last until 4-5 years of age before switching it out for a twin-size bed.
Floor bed frames can come with low rails, which can be helpful to keep your little one on the bed! If your toddler is having a hard time leaving the security of their crib, this can be a great way to transition to more independent sleep with the lower rails offering a sense of comfort.
Floor Bed – Cons: Because it’s on the floor, your little one (and co) are more likely to walk and bounce on the bed. This can shorten the lifespan of the floor bed.
Because it’s on the floor and depending on if shoes are worn in the home, a home that allows shoes can find the bed is harder to keep clean. Which can be an issue for some families.
Toddler Bed – Pros: Some cribs come with the ability to transform into a toddler bed; this may be the best option for some families.
Some parents may choose to skip the toddler bed and move straight to a twin (single) size bed. This gives a longer life to the bed.
Traditional beds tend to stay cleaner, as the height prevents walking and, to some extent, jumping on the bed.
Toddler Bed – Cons: The height and size of a toddler bed can be a safety issue for some families. There is an option for bed rails that keep the child in bed; these are an extra cost. Toddler beds tend to have a short life, lasting up until 4-5 years of age depending on the child. Harder/not as comfortable for parent and child connection and bonding at bedtime.
Toddler beds and floor beds offer more freedom and independence. This can be a good or challenging thing depending on your child. In my experience, there is a honeymoon phase when first making the switch. It can last as long as 2 weeks or 8 months before a child can start to explore their newfound freedom. For this reason, I recommend making the transition out of the crib when your child has outgrown the crib or it’s no longer safe. This is typically after 3 years of age.
Communicating with a 3-year-old is significantly easier. They possess some cognitive ability to comprehend the reasons behind staying in their room at night. Using positive reinforcement and praise can help toddlers stay in bed for incrementally longer periods without calling out for a parent.
Keep in mind whatever option you go with; you will need to safety-proof your child’s room! Secure the furniture to the walls, cover electrical outlets, and remove small choking hazards. Remove any choking or other potentially dangerous toys from the room. Consider safety outside the child’s bedroom, including installing safety gates if there are stairs.
Supporting them in staying in their room can be a challenge, and it’s crucial to plan this before transitioning from the crib.