From Crib to Floor Bed – Making the Transition to Your Toddler’s First Bed

Moving your little one from a crib (cot) to their very first “big kid” bed is a milestone that can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Many parents wonder how to make this transition smooth and stress-free for their toddler (and themselves!). One increasingly popular solution is switching straight to a toddler floor bed, inspired by Montessori principles, rather than a traditional high toddler bed with rails. A floor bed is low to the ground and easy for a child to access independently, a fantastic feature for a first bed. In this guide, we’ll cover when and how to transition from crib to floor bed, and share tips to help your toddler embrace their new sleeping setup with confidence.

When is the Right Time to Transition?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; the right time to move your child to a new bed depends on their development and your family’s needs. However, a few common signs suggest your toddler may be ready to say goodbye to the crib:

• Climbing out of the crib: If your little one has turned into an escape artist, deftly swinging a leg over the crib rail, it’s a clear safety hazard. This is often the biggest indicator that it’s time for a bed without high sides. A floor bed eliminates the danger of falls from height, since it’s at floor level.

• Outgrowing the crib: Many cribs convert to toddler beds, but if yours doesn’t or if your child has simply grown too tall or uncomfortable in it, you might look for a more spacious sleeping arrangement. Toddler floor beds can be as small or large as you choose – Roomix, for example, offers sizes from a compact toddler dimension up to a full UK Single bed (190 x 90cm). Transitioning early to a larger bed means you won’t have to change beds again for a long time.

• Interest in independence: If your toddler shows signs of wanting to do things on their own (“Me do it!” is a favourite toddler phrase), they might respond well to having a bed they can get in and out of by themselves. It gives them a sense of ownership and control over their sleep routine.

• Approaching potty training: Some parents move their child out of the crib when beginning night-time potty training, so the child can get up to use a potty if needed. A floor bed works well in this scenario because a child can easily get up and back without needing an adult to lift them over a rail.

Most children transition sometime between 18 months and 3 years old. Montessori philosophy often leans toward earlier transitions (around 18 months to 2 years) to capitalise on the child’s drive for independence. Keep in mind, every child is unique – some may adjust quickly to a floor bed at 18 months, while others might do better closer to 2.5 or 3 years. You know your child best, so trust your instincts on timing.

Setting Up the New Bed: Involve Your Toddler

Once you’ve decided to make the switch, setting up the toddler bed can be a fun and inclusive process. Toddlers love to “help,” and involving them in creating their new sleep space can build excitement and reduce anxiety about the change. Here are a few ways to engage your little one:

• Let them help assemble the bed (safely). If you’re using a product like the Roomix Toddler Floor Bed (Custom Made, Easy-Assemble), the pieces will arrive flat-packed with the tools and instructions included. Many parents have found that letting their toddler hand them screws or wooden dowels, or even do some safe hammer taps, makes the child proud and happy about the new bed. As seen in the image above, even very young children can participate in small ways under supervision. When your child later sleeps in the bed they “helped” build, it can foster a sense of ownership. (Of course, keep sharp tools and small parts out of reach – involve them only in the non-hazardous steps!)

• Choose bedding together. Take your toddler shopping (or browse online) for their new bedding. You might let them pick out sheets or a duvet cover with a favourite colour or pattern (within reason, maybe steer towards soft, calming designs rather than super loud cartoons for better sleep). If they have a say in what their bed looks like, they’ll be more eager to sleep in it. Roomix beds in natural pine look great with any colour, but you can also get the bed frame painted white or even a custom colour to match your nursery theme, if that helps your child feel at home.

• Place the bed in a familiar spot. Ideally, put the floor bed roughly where the crib used to be. This keeps the overall “bedtime location” the same, which can be comforting. Also maintain other elements of the sleep environment – for instance, if you always had a lullaby playing or a night light in the crib, do the same with the bed initially. Continuity helps the transition.

• Baby-proof the room completely. This is crucial when moving to a floor bed. Remember that once out of a crib, your toddler has free rein of the room after lights out (or early in the morning). Do a thorough safety check: secure furniture to walls, cover outlets, remove choking hazards from floor level, use a baby gate at the bedroom door if needed or ensure the door can be safely closed. Essentially, the whole room becomes the “crib,” so it needs to be as safe as one. This might sound daunting, but it’s mostly one-time prep. The payoff is peace of mind when you’re not right there watching.

The First Nights in a Floor Bed

As you make the transition, keep your expectations flexible. Some children adapt immediately, climbing into their new kids’ bed happily and sleeping through the night. Others might test boundaries, like getting out of bed frequently or wandering around the room. Here are some tips for those early nights:

• Maintain a calming bedtime routine. Consistency is your friend. Follow the same routine you did with the crib – whether that’s bath, then pyjamas, then two stories, and a goodnight song. The routine signals that it’s time to sleep, regardless of the bed. You may find it easier to do stories and cuddles now that you can snugly fit on the floor next to them or even in the bed (one of the perks of a floor bed is you can lie down together for a few minutes). Enjoy those cuddles, but also make it clear when it’s sleep time.

• Set gentle ground rules. It’s okay to explain to your toddler that once it’s night-night, they should stay in bed. That said, expect they will likely get up at least a few times at first because they can. If (or when) they toddle out of bed, calmly and quietly lead them back to bed. You might need to do this repeatedly the first few nights. Try not to turn it into a game (keep voices low, lights off or dim). Many parents find that after the novelty wears off, the child learns to fall asleep and stay in bed. Patience is key those first nights.

• Use positive reinforcement. Praise your child in the morning if they did a good job sleeping in their bed. You can even use a sticker chart or small reward if that motivates them – e.g., a sticker for staying in bed until morning, and after a few stickers they get a special outing or treat. Make the idea of sleeping like a “big kid” a celebrated achievement.

• Consider a bed rail or bumper if needed. If your child moves a lot in sleep and you worry about them rolling off, you could use a soft foam bumper under the sheet or a low toddler rail on the bed opening for a while. Roomix’s floor bed allows optional higher barrier sides; for example, you could choose the High Sided Toddler Floor Bed model which has taller rails around the mattress  for extra security. Even with higher sides, there’s an opening for the child to get out, but the taller sides can help more active sleepers feel contained. Alternatively, some parents place a pool noodle or foam wedge under the fitted sheet as a gentle bumper at the edge of the mattress.

• Stay consistent, but be compassionate. Moving out of the crib is a big change. Your toddler may feel proud one moment and a bit uneasy the next because it is a new freedom. If they call out or get upset, comfort them. Sometimes sitting beside the bed until they drift off in the initial transition period can ease the shift. The wonderful thing about a floor bed is you can do this comfortably – even lay down next to them if needed – and then slip away once they’re asleep. Over time, as they adjust, try to gradually reduce your presence so they learn to fall asleep independently in their new bed.
  
  
  

Floor Bed vs. Toddler Bed on Legs

You might be weighing the option of a floor bed against a more traditional toddler bed with legs (the kind that is basically a smaller bed frame, low to the ground but off the floor, often with guard rails). Both have the same goal: getting rid of the crib. The main differences lie in height and accessibility. A toddler bed on legs is still slightly raised, and usually you’d still lift the child in and out initially until they learn to climb in themselves. With a true floor bed, the mattress is directly on the floor or on a low platform, eliminating even that small barrier.

Montessori floor beds take the concept of child accessibility to its fullest – it’s completely open freedom. Traditional toddler beds, including some convertible cribs, can feel like an intermediate step (they often have partial rails and a defined “in/out” spot). If you suspect your child might roam too much or if you feel uncomfortable with them potentially having full access to their room at night, you could opt for a toddler bed with a small rail. Roomix actually offers a Toddler Bed (on legs) option which is a bit higher off the ground. However, most families find that with proper room-proofing, a floor bed is very safe and offers the most autonomy.

Another factor is longevity: a floor bed can be any size, meaning you could start your 2-year-old on a full single mattress on the floor. They won’t outgrow that bed for many years. In contrast, many toddler beds are the same size as a crib mattress (140 x 70 cm), which might only last until age 4 or so before you need to upgrade to a bigger bed. Roomix floor beds can be ordered in larger sizes (like the “Toddler Bed Size 160 x 90 cm” or even “UK Single 190 x 90 cm”), giving you the option to invest in the first bed and keep it long-term.

From a transition perspective, both floor beds and low toddler beds free the child from the crib’s confines. The floor bed just gives even more freedom. If you embrace the Montessori philosophy, that freedom is viewed as a positive, enabling self-regulation. If you’re a bit nervous, it’s fine – you can take a gradual approach (for example, some parents place a baby gate at the doorway initially so the child won’t wander out at night, effectively turning the room into a contained space until they’re used to it).

Making It Cosy and Special

Finally, help your toddler fall in love with their “big kid” bed by making it a cozy, inviting spot:

• Place some familiar crib items on the new bed – their favourite blanket or stuffed animal – so it has comforting smells and associations.

• Perhaps hang a lovely canopy or some bunting above the bed (especially fun with a house frame bed) to create a magical nook. As long as these decorations are securely attached and out of the child’s reach while they’re in bed (to avoid entanglement), they add charm.

• Use a toddler-specific mattress that’s comfortable and supportive. For instance, Roomix offers a custom Stompa toddler mattress that fits their floor beds perfectly, providing medium-firm support for growing bodies. A good mattress ensures the new bed is as comfy (if not more so) than the crib was.
  
  
  

• Keep the overall room conducive to sleep at night – dim lighting, blackout curtains if needed, and a consistent temperature. The familiarity of the room’s ambiance will reassure your child even though the sleeping arrangement has changed.

Transitioning from a crib to a floor bed is a significant step towards your toddler’s independence. There may be a learning curve over a few nights or weeks, but with patience, consistency, and a bit of creativity, your child will likely come to adore their new sleeping setup. Many parents report that once the transition is complete, bedtimes actually become easier – toddlers love not feeling “trapped” and often settle better when they have some control.

Remember to celebrate this milestone. Take a photo of that crib before you dismantle it, and of your toddler grinning on their new bed. You’ll marvel at how quickly they’re growing. With your guidance and the help of a child-friendly Montessori bed, this growth can come with confidence and joy. Here’s to restful nights and happy mornings in your toddler’s first bed!