How to Build a Montessori Bed

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

A Montessori bed, or floor bed, embraces the Montessori educational philosophy of independence and accountability for children.^{[1]
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Research source} This type of bed can be an excellent addition to your young child’s bedroom, and offers them a lot of freedom to explore their surroundings. If you’re ready to make the switch, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading as we answer all your questions about your little one’s new sleeping arrangements.

Question 1 of 13:

What is a Montessori bed?

It’s a floor bed designed for toddlers. The Montessori bed is actually named after Maria Montessori, an Italian physician who believed that children best learn and grow when given a lot of independence.^{[2]
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Research source} The Montessori bed follows this free-spirited philosophy, and gives little ones the chance to safely explore and interact with their surroundings.^{[3]
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Question 2 of 13:

Why are Montessori beds on the floor?

They’re designed to give your child more independence. A floor-style bed makes it easy for your child to leave their bed and explore their surroundings without getting hurt. Montessori beds also provide a sense of coziness and security for your little one without caging them in like a crib or bassinet would.^{[4]
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Question 3 of 13:

How do you make a Montessori bed?

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Create a basic framework first. Get four 2 in (5.08 cm) by 3 in (7.62 cm) posts that are 36 in (91.44 cm) long and cut one end of each post to a 45-degree angle. Lay the posts on the floor with the angle ends facing away from each other, and put two 2 in (5.08 cm) by 4 in (10.16 cm) planks that are 52 in (132.08 cm) long between them. Secure the planks and posts together with wood screws and wood glue.^{[5]
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Build the base frame next. Separate the 2 frameworks that you just made so they’re 27 in (69 cm) apart. Then, grab two 2 (5.08 cm) by 4 in (10.16 cm) planks that are 27 in (68.58 cm) long. Secure the two 27 in (68.58 cm) planks between the framework with wood glue and wood screws, which creates a large, rectangular frame.^{[6]
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Finish the frame with extra planks and wood slats. Get three 2 in (5.08 cm) by 3 in (7.62 cm) planks that are 49 (124.46 cm) long. Place these planks vertically along the inner bed frame, with 2 planks flush with the left and right sides of the outer frame. Attach these planks with wood screws and wood glue. Then, nail fourteen 1 in (2.54 cm) by 4 in (10.16 cm) planks that are 27 in (68.58 cm) long on top of the wooden frame.^{[7]
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Question 4 of 13:

How do I give my Montessori bed a roof?

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Create a roof with 4 pieces of angled wood. Set aside two 2 in (5.08 cm) by 3 in (7.62 cm) planks that are 22 ¾ in (55.79 cm) long, as well as two 2 in (5.08 cm) by 3 in (7.62 cm) planks that are 21 ¼ in (53.98 cm) long. Then, cut 1 end of every plank at a 45-degree angle. Place 1 short and 1 long plank on top of the back posts, layering them in an inverted V shape. Secure the planks in place with wood screws and glue, and then repeat the same process with the front 2 posts.^{[8]
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Install rails along the roof for extra support. Set aside two 47 in (119.38 cm) planks and secure them along both sides of the roof with wood glue and wood screws, directly beneath the inverted V-shape roof pieces. Then, secure a 2 in (5.08 cm) by 2 in (5.08 cm) plank that is 47 in (119.38 cm) long 2 by 2 in (5.1 by 5.1 cm) plank across the very top of the roof, connecting the pointed roof sections together.^{[9]
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Question 5 of 13:

At what age can kids start sleeping on a Montessori bed?

Older babies and toddlers can sleep on a Montessori bed. There isn’t a hard and fast recommendation—it ultimately depends on your child’s sleeping habits, as well as your own personal preferences. Some parents prefer to put their babies to bed in a bassinet or crib until they’re 9 months old.^{[10]
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Research source} Other parents recommend waiting until your child is at least 2 before letting your little one sleep on a floor bed.^{[11]
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Research source} If you’re feeling a bit undecided, ask your child’s pediatrician for a recommendation.
- For instance, if your baby wakes up a lot in the middle of the night, iron out their sleeping schedule before transitioning to a floor bed.

Question 6 of 13:

Do Montessori beds come in different sizes?

Yes, they do. Many Montessori beds come in a twin size. However, you can order custom bed frames for other sizes as well. Check custom online shops, like Etsy, to see what your options are.
- If you’re making your own Montessori bed, you can build it whichever size you’d like!

Question 7 of 13:

Can a Montessori bed simply be a mattress on the floor?

Yes, it can. You don’t need a bed frame to make a Montessori bed. What matters most is that the mattress is close to the floor, so your child can climb in and out of it safely.^{[12]
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Question 8 of 13:

Where should I place my Montessori bed?

You can place it along a wall or in the center of your child’s bedroom. There are no hard and fast rules, as long as your little one has easy access to the bed. If you choose to place the bed against the wall, keep it flush so your child won’t slip and get stuck between the wall and the mattress.^{[13]
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Question 9 of 13:

Can you put blankets and toys on a Montessori bed?

Yes, if your child is more than 6 months old.^{[14]
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Research source} If your child is younger than that, only put a fitted sheet over the mattress, so they can sleep safely and comfortably.^{[15]
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Question 10 of 13:

What type of mattress should I use?

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Choose a crib mattress if your baby is using the bed. Crib mattresses are super firm, and can protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If your child is 1 year old or younger, definitely pick out a crib mattress instead of a standard one.^{[16]
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- For toddlers and older babies, shop for any mattress that has a “firm” label or rating.
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Pick a firm, twin or full mattress if your toddler uses the bed. Shop for any mattresses with a “firm” label, so your little one can sleep safely and comfortably. You can pick out a twin or full mattress, as long as there’s enough space in your room.^{[17]
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- You can share a Montessori bed with your child; however, wait until your child is out of the infant phase before you do this.

Question 11 of 13:

How do I know if my bed is set up safely?

Check if your child can get out of bed without hurting themselves. The Montessori bed should be very close to the ground, so your child won’t get hurt if they accidentally roll out of bed during the night. Also, the bed should be easy for your child to climb into on their own.^{[18]
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Question 12 of 13:

What other safety considerations should I keep in mind?

Take plenty of time to child-proof the bedroom. The Montessori philosophy is all about giving your child the freedom to explore and move around their living space. With this in mind, go through your little one’s bedroom with a fine-tooth comb before letting them sleep in their new bed. Hide or get rid of any electrical cords, cover any electrical outlets, and secure any furniture to the walls—this way, your child won’t be in danger if they choose to wander around the room.^{[19]
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- Additionally, look for any small toys or objects that could be a choking hazard.

Question 13 of 13:

How can I make a Montessori bedroom for my child?

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Install accessible furniture. Add a 1-2 layer shelf along the floor of your child’s room. Arrange your little one’s favorite toys on these shelves, so your child can grab them easily. Be sure to secure these shelves to the wall, so they won’t tip over.^{[20]
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- If your child is still crawling, hang up a mirror with a pull-up bar that they can easily reach. This can help them practice standing on their own, and eventually help them learn to walk.
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Display low-hanging art on the walls. Measure your child’s height, and figure out what qualifies as “eye-level” for them. Use these measurements to securely attach different pieces of art along the wall, so your child can admire them comfortably.^{[21]
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- Check that the wall art pieces don’t have any sharp edges or pointy corners before hanging them up.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is a Montessori bed a good idea?

Bianca Solorzano, M.Ed.
Infant Development & Montessori Consultant
Bianca Solorzano is an Infant Development Specialist, Montessori Consultant, and the Founder of Baby Tour Guide Inc. Through her company, she helps parents, educators, and caregivers optimize baby and toddler development using a Montessori Lens. She does so by providing one-on-one consulting, running her blog, and hosting the Montessori Babies Podcast. With more than 11 years of experience in child development, she specializes in supporting parents in approaches such as purposeful language, environment setup, toys/activities that aid in development, positive redirection and behavior, and directed choice. Bianca holds a BS in Child and Adolescent Development with a focus in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Fullerton, a Masters in Montessori Education from Loyola University Maryland, and the AMI International Montessori Certification from The Montessori Institute of San Diego for children Birth-3 Years. Bianca is also a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Bianca Solorzano, M.Ed.

Infant Development & Montessori Consultant

Expert Answer

Sure it is, but don't stop there! A fundamental to Montessori in the home is following the child’s interest and inner will to learn. Do your best to set up their home environment to allow for independent learning — this can begin with offering simple, self-correcting toys, and involving them in developmentally appropriate ways in their day-to-day processes, including food preparation and cleaning, as much as possible.

Warnings

Check that there’s enough open space surrounding the bed, so air can flow freely around the mattress, frame and bedding. This way, mold isn’t as likely to form.^{[22]
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