This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. View the disclaimer for more info. Thank you so much for the support!
Okay so your baby is transitioning into toddler years and you are STUCK on what to decide for bedding options. If you were interested in the idea of a floor bed for your toddler then look no further!! A toddler floor bed can be a great option for your little one as it has so many benefits.
Some of the benefits of a floor bed are that they can promote independence as it allows toddlers to get in and out of bed on their own. In addition, it can help promote those gross motor skills for climbing. In addition, because they are so close to the ground, it minimizes the risk of injury from falls making it a safer option for active toddlers and increases peace of mind for you, the parent!!
Another benefit is that a toddler floor bed can create a more natural and comforting sleep environment for toddlers transitioning from a crib. And also last but not least, they are generally a much cheaper option compared to a traditional toddler bed!
Now when is it time for your toddler to transition from a crib to a floor bed?
Look for signs that your child is ready, such as climbing out of the crib, showing interest in a big girl (or boy!) bed, or outgrowing the crib. Usually, this transition happens between 18 months and 3 years old. I’d also say, let your child be a part of the process. Allow them to pick out their new bed or bedding. This can make them more excited and less anxious about the change.
Another piece of advice is to place the toddler bed in the same spot where the crib was. Familiar surroundings can help ease the transition. And lastly, stick to your child’s usual bedtime routine. This consistency can provide a sense of security and help them adjust more quickly to the new bed.
If your child is hesitant, consider introducing the bed for nap times first. Once they are comfortable, you can transition to using the toddler bed for nighttime sleep as well.
Use your child’s favorite blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals from the crib to make the new bed feel cozy and familiar.
Change is not always an easy transition however when you feel like your toddler is ready, this article will discuss various toddler floor bed ideas that you can choose from, that best fits you and your toddler’s needs!
Toddler Floor Bed Ideas
1. Montessori Floor Bed
One of the most known toddler floor bed ideas! A Montessori floor bed is based on the principles of the Montessori Method coined by Dr. Montessori which really values a child’s independence and freedom of movement. The floor bed aligns with the broader Montessori philosophy of creating an environment tailored to the child’s needs and abilities. It reflects the Montessori principles of freedom, independence, and respect for the child.
They are typically positioned super close to the floor on the low side making it easy for toddlers to get in/out on their own. These types of floor beds do not have bars or high sides which allows children to move freely and fosters a sense of independence.
2. Canopy Bed
How cute is this floor bed with a canopy? This can be a good option for a floor bed for those who want to add a girly whimsical touch to your toddler’s room! Also can be a great way to instill privacy or to block out light if needed.
You want to ensure the canopy is securely attached and that there are no loose parts that could pose a choking hazard. Make sure the materials used are breathable to reduce any risk of suffocation to make it a safe place.
Some different ideas for canopy beds include:
Fairy Tale Theme: Use a soft, sheer canopy with twinkling fairy lights to create a magical fairy tale bed.
Nature-Inspired: Choose a canopy with natural colors, like greens and browns, to evoke the feeling of sleeping under the stars.
Simple and Elegant: A plain, white canopy with minimal decoration can create a serene and calming environment.
3. Under-Bed Storage
Especially for a room with small space, having creative options for storage is crucial!! Luckily, there are toddler floor beds that have built in storage for your extra clothes and blankets to decrease clutter in your toddler’s room!
These are typically a little more raised than the traditional toddler floor bed to make space for the drawers however rest assured that the guard rails will help keep your toddler nice and secured in the bed!
If you don’t want to go this route and prefer the low bed/ground bed, some other options for effective storage techniques include attaching a fabric caddy to the side of the bed to hold essentials like books, a water bottle, or toys. You can also install hanging pocket organizers on the wall next to the bed where you can store smaller items like toys, books, etc.
4. Themed Beds
This such a fun idea to incorporate into your toddler’s room for happy play! Get creative with the layout of your toddler’s bed by decorating the bed with a specific theme!
Some theme ideas that are absolutely adorable:
Forest Campout: Use a tent-style canopy or a bed that resembles a tent. Decorate with forest-themed bedding featuring animals and trees. Add some faux greenery and fairy lights!
Jungle Safari: Opt for bedding with jungle animals like lions, elephants, and monkeys. Include plush animals, green canopies, and vine decorations.
Princess Castle: Create a castle bed with a canopy resembling castle towers. Use pastel colors, ruffled bedding, and princess crowns with fairy lights.
Knight’s Fortress: Design the bed to look like a medieval castle or fortress. Use bedding with knights and dragons, and add shields and banners as wall decor.
Ocean Adventure: Choose bedding with marine life such as fish, dolphins, and whales. Use blue and turquoise colors. Add sea-themed wall decals and a canopy that looks like a wave or a seaweed curtain.
Mermaid Lagoon: Opt for bedding with mermaid prints. Use a seashell-shaped canopy and decorate with starfish, shells, and underwater elements.
Outer Space: Use bedding featuring planets, stars, and rockets. Add glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling and a canopy resembling a spaceship or a night sky.
Dinosaur Dig: Choose dinosaur-themed bedding. Decorate with dino wall decals and a canopy that looks like a cave or jungle.
Race Car Bed: Create a bed that resembles a race car. Use checkered flag bedding and add car posters and traffic signs as decor.
Airplane Adventure: Opt for bedding with airplanes and clouds. Use a canopy designed like an airplane wing or hang model airplanes from the ceiling.
Favorite Book or Movie: Base the theme on your child’s favorite storybook or movie character, such as “Peter Pan,” “Winnie the Pooh,” or “Frozen.” Use corresponding bedding, wall decals, and themed decor.
Superhero Hideout: Choose bedding with superheroes. Use a canopy that resembles a superhero cape and add wall decals of comic book action words like “Pow!” and “Zap!”
Rainbow Dreams: Use bright, multicolored bedding and a canopy in rainbow colors. Add wall decals of rainbows, clouds, and sun.
Art Studio: Decorate with bedding featuring paint splashes or crayons. Use a canopy that looks like an artist’s easel and add wall decor with frames for your child’s artwork.
Farmyard Fun: Choose bedding with farm animals like cows, pigs, and chickens. Use a barn-style bed or canopy and add straw or hay decorations.
Pet Pals: Opt for bedding with dogs, cats, and other pets. Use plush toys and add wall decals of different pets.
Some smart tips for creating a theme that your toddler loves:
Bedding and Canopy: Start with themed bedding and a canopy to set the foundation of the theme.
Wall Decals and Murals: Use wall decals, murals, or paint to enhance the theme around the bed.
Themed Accessories: Incorporate themed accessories like rugs, lamps, and storage bins.
House frame toddler beds are cute because you can hang decor elements at the top or around the bed rails like the image below! Get creative with various themed pillows, soft rugs, and blankets too to bring the most out of the theme you picked out.
5. Bumper Edges
Essential for young children and one of the most important toddler floor bed ideas! Bumpers act as a barrier, preventing toddlers from rolling out of bed during sleep. This is particularly important as toddlers transition from a crib to a bed, where they are more likely to move around during the night.
They can also help soften the impact if your toddler accidentally bumps their head or leg on the side of the bed. It creates a nice sense of security and honestly makes the transition from the crib to the floor bed a lot easier!
Bumpers can also help keep blankets and pillows from falling off the bed, ensuring that the child remains covered and comfortable throughout the night.
It is CRUCIAL that you use breathable materials to reduce risk of suffocating. Safety is key here!
Here is one on Amazon that you can use for your toddler’s bed:
6. Convertible Bed
A convertible bed with adjustable sizing can be a nice addition to your toddler floor bed. At this age, they are growing rapidly so it can be a nice little added benefit for your child’s bed to have some adjustable sizing to accommodate growth!
Those are creative toddler floor bed ideas that you can incorporate into your own toddler’s room and a brief overview of benefits of toddler floor beds! The best takeaway from this is safety and making sure your toddler is comfortable with the transition so decide thoroughly on what the best option is for you. After all, their bedroom is their safe space. Good luck!
