Four Examples of When to Transition
This is one I never experienced but I have to put it first simply for safety! If a child is crawling out it is time to switch for safety reasons.
1. Your Child Climbs Out of the Crib
This is usually my main reason for switching out of a crib to a floor bed. You can learn ALL about Montessori Floor Beds in a few previous posts of mine, as I am very passionate about the topic:
2. You Want A Montessori Inspired Bedroom
This was a huge sign for our twins! They would wake up and play with each other through the cribs quietly. They would only fuss when they dropped something and couldn’t get it back. This was a huge sign that they could handle some independence!
3. Waking up and playing quietly
If your toddler is on a sleep schedule that they do really well with, they are likely to transition easier after the age of 2. Make sure you create a baby proof environment and the switch will come naturally!
4. Sleeping Routinely
I suggest montessori floor beds!
but why?
Lets start with the ‘Floor Bed’ itself. Most Montessori Bedrooms you will find just a mattress on the floor (which works great!) but I am blessed with a slightly germaphobic husband who immediately informed me that without raising the mattress in some way it could fester mould underneath it. So our solution: We bought the *Kendall Trundle from Pottery Barn Kids* and their trundle mattress.
What is a Floor Bed Anyway?
Okay, but WHY Floor Beds?
1. The first benefit of a floor bed for toddlers is probably the most obvious of reasons. One of the first worries you have as a parent is his or her child rolling out of bed after transitioning them out of a crib. This is something you don’t have to stress about with a floor bed because even if they do roll of, it’s not much of fall at all!
2. Another concern I hear, “They’ll never fall asleep!” They will. It may take a week but they will figure it out and the longer effects of what they’ve learned in the process is even more beneficial to their development.
3. This option can be a much cheaper option than buying a whole new bed. You can make things super cheap and simply put a mattress on the floor and just like that, you have a floor bed. Or you can get creative and make one which is still a money saving idea.
How to Make Your Own DIY Jeep Bed