The Montessori bed, from A to Z
The Montessori bed — or « floor bed » — is a low bed, without rails, placed level with the floor. Its idea is simple and powerful: to give the child back the freedom to lie down and get up on their own, at their own pace. Here's everything you need to know before choosing yours — and how we make them, at Elysta, in our workshop in Andenne.
What is a Montessori bed?
A Montessori bed is a low bed, level with the floor, without rails. Unlike the classic cot with rails — which keeps the child « shut in » and dependent on the adult to get in and out — the floor bed leaves the child free to move: they climb into their bed when they feel sleepy, and get out when they wake up.
It's not just a matter of furniture. It's a parenting choice: we trust the child, we support them towards autonomy, and we respect their natural sleep rhythm.
At what age to move to the floor bed?
There's no single age. Many families make the transition at the moment the child gets around on their own and starts wanting to get out of their bed — often between 10 and 18 months. Others start the floor bed from birth, in a secured room.
At Elysta, our models cover the whole journey: the 60 × 120 Montessori Bed from 1 year for the transition, then larger beds (Single Bed, Tree Bed) that support the child as they grow.
Why a low bed, without rails
- Autonomy — the child manages falling asleep and waking up on their own, without calling the adult.
- Freedom of movement — a core principle of the Montessori approach: the body learns by moving freely.
- Safety from below — level with the floor, there's no fall from height, unlike a raised bed.
- Calmer sleep — the child listens to themselves, gets up to explore, then goes back to bed: they build their relationship with sleep.
Safety: how to set up the room
The floor bed shifts safety from the bed to the room. Since the child can get up on their own, we secure their environment :
- Fix the furniture to the wall (wardrobe, shelf) to prevent any tipping over.
- Protect the sockets and keep the cables out of reach.
- Provide a soft floor (rug) and clear the space around the bed.
- Choose a firm mattress, exactly the size of the bed, with no gap on the sides.
Our beds are designed for this use: low sleeping surface, sturdy wood, softened corners and water-based varnish.
The wood: why birch
Our beds are made of birch wood — a light, dense and stable wood, pleasant to the touch and sturdy over time. We finish it with a water-based varnish, designed for little hands. A healthy, bright bed, made to last and to see several children through.
The Elysta beds, compared
Three beds, three moments in the child's life — from the first floor bed to the real evolving den.
| Model | For whom | Age | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lit Montessori 60 × 120 | Low wooden bed, at child height | 1 an + | from 275 € | View the product → |
| Lit Simple — Animaux | Low wooden bed, at child height | 3 ans + | from 450 € | View the product → |
| Lit Arbre — cabane évolutive | Une cabane poétique qui grandit avec l’enfant. | 2 ans + | from 995 € | View the product → |
And the cabin bed?
The cabin bed is a Montessori bed that goes further: it adds a structure and a roof to create a real den. Our Tree Bed is the example — an evolving den in wood and fabric, that grows with the child. If it's this « den » world that appeals to you, discover our guide to the wooden cabin bed.
Made in Belgium, in our workshop
Our beds are not resold imports: they are designed and made in our workshop in Andenne (Coutisse), in Wallonia. Delivered as a kit, they assemble without nails or screws. Delivery in Belgium and France.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Montessori bed?
It's a low bed, level with the floor, without rails. The child climbs in and out on their own, in complete autonomy — the very principle of the Montessori approach: « help me to do it myself ».
From what age a Montessori bed?
Often at the moment of moving on from the cot with rails, when the child gets around on their own — many families take the step between 10 and 18 months. Our models cover everything from 1 year (60 × 120) up to the biggest ones.
Is a floor bed really safe?
Yes, and it's actually one of its strengths: because the sleeping surface is low, there's no fall from height. You simply secure the room around it (sockets, fixed furniture) to make it a space where the child can move about freely.
Why not a classic cot with rails?
The cot with rails « shuts the child in »: they depend on the adult to get in and out. The floor bed gives that freedom back and helps them listen to their own sleep rhythm.
Which size to choose?
The 60 × 120 Montessori Bed is perfect to start with (transition from the baby cot). The Single Bed and the Tree Bed, larger, support the child for longer.
Is the bed evolving?
The Tree Bed is designed as an evolving den that grows with the child. The other models are simple, sturdy low beds.
What wood is it made from?
From birch wood, finished with a water-based varnish that is safe for children. Everything is made in our workshop in Andenne, in Belgium.
How is it assembled?
Delivered as a kit, it assembles without nails or screws. Assembly is simple and the whole thing stays nice and sturdy.