Why floorbeds deserve a seat at the table

When we picture “safe” or “ideal” baby sleep, the cot is almost always front and centre. It’s everywhere, in baby store catalogues, antenatal classes, Instagram nursery tours. We’re led to believe it’s the gold standard, the must-have, the only option. But here’s a gentle truth: cots are not mandatory. And they are certainly not the only “safe” or “successful” way for a baby or toddler to sleep.

As a sleep and wellbeing consultant who works closely with families day in and day out, I want to remind you, with absolutely zero judgement, that you’re allowed to question what’s not working. If getting your child into the cot is a daily battle, if it’s causing tears (yours and theirs), or if your baby sleeps better in your arms, on your chest, or nestled up close to you… maybe it’s time to explore something different.

One option? A floor bed.

Let’s talk about it:

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What Is a Floor Bed?

A floor bed is exactly what it sounds like, a mattress close to the floor, either directly on a clean, firm surface or within a low bed frame. Inspired by the Montessori philosophy, floor beds promote independence and unrestricted movement. But beyond that, they also offer a sleep space that can feel more aligned with your baby’s biological need for closeness and comfort and less restrictive and uninviting.

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Why the Cot Isn’t Always a Good Fit

Cots can absolutely work for some babies. Many settle and sleep well in them, and if that’s your child- amazing, no need to change a thing.

But some babies resist the cot, especially when they are used to contact, proximity, or the sensory input of being close to a caregiver. And trying to lower a deeply asleep baby into a cot without waking them? Let’s be real. It often ends in frustration, crying, and starting the process all over again.

Sometimes, families tell me they feel like they’re failing because their baby “hates the cot.” But what if the problem isn’t you or your baby… what if it’s just that the cot doesn’t suit the unique needs of your little one? This is more common than you think!

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Floor Beds: The Pros

Let’s walk through the benefits:

1. Easier to Support Baby to Sleep

You can lie beside your baby on a floor bed to settle them through whichever means that fits your family situation – e.g feeding, touch, singing, or just your presence and then quietly slip away once they’re asleep. No bending over rails, no awkward transfers, they remain where they fell asleep.

2. Supports Contact-Based Settling

Many babies need physical reassurance, cuddles, a hand on their back, a familiar smell, especially during separation-heavy stages (hello, 8-10 month sleep progression) and technically through at least the first year of life where babies attach through the senses (touch, taste, smell etc). A floor bed allows you to respond without disruption.

3. Fosters Independence Over Time

Toddlers can learn to climb into bed themselves and come to you in the night without crying or calling out. It’s a gentle step toward independence that still honours their need for connection.

4. More Freedom of Movement

For active babies who love to roll, crawl, or sprawl, a floor bed can feel less restrictive and more natural. Many babies startle themselves by crashing into the bars of the cot or unable to stretch out comfortably. 

5. No More Risky Transfers

No more waking the second they hit the cot mattress. You’re already beside them. You’re meeting them where they are –> literally.

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The Cons – Because I’ll Always Keep It Real

Floor beds aren’t perfect or suitable for every family. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. You’ll Need a Baby-Safe Room

Because your baby has access to the floor and room around them, you’ll need to ensure it’s childproofed.. think: no cords, sharp corners, climbable furniture, or small objects. This is non-negotiable for safety. Furniture must be secured to the walls. Heaters out of reach, up on the wall or wall shelf. A baby gate at the door may also be necessary so your baby/toddler can’t roam through other areas of the house without your supervision. Think of the entire room as a large cot

2. May be harder to Contain During Settling (Initially)

Some little ones take advantage of the freedom and want to play instead of sleep. This can be frustrating if you’re used to the physical containment of a cot. Gentle boundaries and consistency help here, but also remember that this is part of exploring their new found autonomy. Within the space it is best to have “exciting” or stimulating toys put into another room or out of reach. Some books are fine to be out and toys that aren’t overly stimulating. The space is to remain cozy and inviting for sleep. 

The best hack for this one is to spend time in the space getting to know the familiarity BEFORE trying sleep. We don’t expect little ones to fall asleep right away in a new environment/set up.  

3. Not Ideal for Newborns

A floor bed setup can work best from around 6-8 months and beyond, when babies are rolling, crawling, or at least consistently mobile. Newborns are best to have a side car crib, cot or bassinet that is set up in the parents room. Whilst you could set up a floor bed for you and your newborn from the beginning you would need to ensure the mattress is extra-firm, that baby is not left alone in the space and that you are following the safe sleep seven for safe bed-sharing *you can find this in another one of my cosleeping blogs*.

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Who Might Thrive with a Floor Bed?

• Babies who resist cot transfers or seem hyper-alert to separation

• Families who practice responsive settling, contact napping, or bedsharing part-time

• Toddlers with strong independence streaks who like to climb or have a non restrictive space

• Children who sleep better when you’re physically close, and you’re willing to lie with them until they’re asleep (which is very normal)

• Parents who are physically struggling with lifting baby into and out of a cot multiple times a night

Also ideal for bedsharing babies that have become mobile – this minimises the risk of falls!

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Safety First

If you’re considering a floor bed, please make sure:

• The mattress is firm and fits flush within a low frame – avoiding gaps/risk of entrapment 

• The sleep space meets SIDS safe sleep guidelines — particularly important for babies under 12 months. No loose pillows, items or blankets

• The room is 100% baby-proofed (secured furniture, plug covers, no dangling cords, etc.) Essentially the room itself is mimicking a large cot. 

It is also best practice to have a frame for the bed. The slats underneath the bed are preventative to mould forming. If a mattress is placed directly on the floor it must be lifted up daily to allow airflow. 

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Final Thoughts: The Cot Is a Tool, Not a Requirement

Using a cot isn’t wrong. Ditching the cot isn’t wrong either. It’s about what works for your family, your baby, and your lifestyle. 

If you’re constantly fighting to settle your baby into a cot and it’s exhausting everyone- it’s okay to stop pushing. Floor beds aren’t a magic fix, but for many families, they’re a game-changer. A realistic, developmentally aligned, and gentle change that makes sleep feel more peaceful, not more pressured.

Your baby isn’t broken.

You’re not doing it wrong.

And you don’t have to follow the “one size fits all” script.

If this resonates with you I’d love your thoughts! Questions are also welcome