Living in a one-bedroom apartment doesn’t mean you can’t follow Montessori principles. You just have to get a little creative (and intentional) with your space.
When it came time to transition our toddler from her crib, we knew we wanted to support her growing independence. A Montessori-style floor bed felt like the right next step, but we also needed something that would work in a small, shared space.
We kept things simple, safe, and cozy, and the results have been better than we expected. Here’s how we did it, why it matters, and what we’ve learned along the way.
Why We Chose a Montessori Floor Bed
We chose a Montessori floor bed because we wanted to give our daughter the freedom to move and explore, even in her sleep space. With no bars or crib walls, she can get in and out of bed by herself, which makes her feel capable and trusted.
It’s such a small shift, but it makes a big difference in how she sees her role in the home. Instead of being placed somewhere, she participates in her own routine. This lines up with one of the core ideas in Montessori: that children should be active, respected members of their environment, not confined or limited by it.
For us, this setup has been an easy but powerful way to encourage independence, self-regulation, and confidence, starting with something as simple as going to bed.
How We Set It Up in a Small Apartment
We currently don’t have a nursery or a separate room to work with, just our one-bedroom apartment. So we kept things simple, functional, and cozy.
For the bed itself, we bought a foldable single mattress so we could move it around easily and still have room to play during the day. We paired it with a twin-size waterproof mattress protector (a lifesaver for accidents), and then bought a few sets of soft 100% cotton sheets and small toddler pillows. Nothing fancy, just enough to make her little sleep space feel inviting and hers.
We also made sure everything around her bed supported independence. We placed a book basket right next to the mattress so she could choose a book on her own, and her Lovevery Really Real Flashlight stays within reach so she can explore quietly or feel safe in the dark.
Since we’re in a small space, we focused on quality over quantity and made intentional choices, buying only what she really needs to feel comfortable, confident, and in control.
How We Got Her to Sleep on It
We eased into the transition slowly and intentionally. At first, I co-slept with her on the floor bed, just to make sure she felt safe and comfortable in this new setup. I’d lie down beside her, play the same bedtime songs she used to hear in her crib, and wait until she drifted off.
Once she got used to the space, I started slipping away after she fell asleep. It became part of our rhythm: me quietly getting up, her staying asleep. And when she’d wake up, we made sure everything around her felt familiar: her favorite books in the basket, her bedtime stuffies within reach, and the same night light (an Alexa-synced smart bulb on the lowest red light setting).
Some mornings she gets up and walks straight to our bed to wake us up. Other times, she stays in her space, flipping through a board book or quietly talking to herself. It’s been such a joy to watch her find comfort, pride, and independence in her little bed.
From what I’ve observed, she truly loves her floor bed, especially right after we’ve changed the sheets. She gets so excited by the fresh patterns, diving in with giggles and rolling around like she’s showing it off. It’s clear she knows this space is hers, and she takes real joy in that.
Let’s Talk About Safety
Now, one of the biggest questions parents have about Montessori floor beds is: Is it safe? I had the same concern at first, especially since we live in a one-bedroom apartment and the bed sits right on the floor.
The key here is that with a floor bed, the whole room becomes the “crib.” That means you have to make the environment just as safe as you would inside a crib.
We fully babyproofed the room before starting. We covered all electrical outlets, anchored bookshelves to the walls, and ensured there were no loose cords, sharp corners, or small objects she could access. Everything within reach is safe for her to explore.
Another bonus: since the bed is low to the ground, there’s no risk of falling. Even if she rolls off in her sleep, she just ends up on the carpeted floor.
As long as the space is thoughtfully prepared, a Montessori floor bed is just as safe as a crib; maybe even safer, since your child isn’t climbing or getting their limbs stuck in bars.
Airing Out the Floor Bed: Why It’s Important
During my research on floor bed safety, one of the things I learned is that we should regularly air out a floor bed. Because the mattress sits directly on the ground, it doesn’t get much airflow underneath, which can lead to trapped moisture, a musty smell, and even mold over time.
To keep things fresh, we make it a habit to remove the mattress from where it is usually set up and place it upright by the window on sunny days. It’s a simple routine, but it makes a big difference.
Overall, airing out the floor bed regularly keeps the bed hygienic, reduces the risk of mold or dust mites, and helps it last longer. Plus, it quietly models one of the key Montessori values: taking care of your environment and the things you use every day.
Wrapping it up
You don’t need to overcomplicate the Montessori floor bed. What matters is it becomes a space that feels safe, comfortable, and familiar for your child.
Start with the basics: a firm mattress on the floor, a babyproofed room, soft sheets, and a few well-loved books or stuffies within reach. Add warmth, routine, and trust. That’s really all it takes.
What matters most is that your toddler feels empowered. That they can get into bed when they’re tired, wake up on their own terms, and know that their space belongs to them. Over time, you’ll naturally adjust things as they grow, because Montessori isn’t static. It’s a living, responsive way of parenting.
Most of all, aim to make bedtime something they look forward to. Keep the lighting soft, play familiar music, and a wind-down bedtime story.
Please Note: I am a proud Lovevery subscriber and fan, and many of the play plans shared here feature Lovevery playthings. However, this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lovevery. All ideas and recommendations are my own, based on my experiences as a mom who values meaningful, play-based learning.
