3 Tips for Safely Transitioning Toddlers to a Montessori Low Bed I Hill Country Homestead
Toddlers explore the environment through their senses, but mostly through movement. A Montessori bed or low bed is an exposed crib with a low set mattress or simply a mattress on the floor. When the child has the opportunity to experience the low bed some safety questions come into play for sure, however with a few simple safety tips the beauty of a child transitioning into a Montessori bed becomes a reality. This unrestricted exposure to the child’s environment this way will aid the child in their development of independence, concentration, movement, self-esteem, and decision-making, leading to a healthy, well-adjusted child later on in life.
1. Set up the low bed in the child’s room but also set up the room itself for success. Keep toys and activities minimal in the room so that when the child gets up (and they will, that’s OK) they wont be able to pull out a ton of toys and make a huge mess. Control the mess and the exploration with a few simple activities on a small shelf.
2. A baby gate at the door is a great idea for an extra layer of security. Most children reach doorknobs fairly early so a baby gate during the 1-3 year age ensures the child does not go roaming the whole house.
3. A room camera is also useful to watch and see what kind of behavior the child engages in if they do get out of bed. The idea is for the child to engage in concentrated and useful play if they decide to not be tired and play quietly during the resting time. This also allows the adult to work in the household while the child respects quiet time during the day!
Using a low, open bed for very young children originated from Maria Montessori’s many years of scientific observation. She observed that all individuals develop in a similar manner, regardless of time, place or culture. She realized that every child was born with specific characteristics, which she called the “Human Tendencies”. These tendencies help the child to understand the environment in which he lives. All of the Human Tendencies; exploration, orientation, order, movement, communication, repetition, and mathematical mind, operate naturally but if a Human Tendency is not able to function properly, the individual will not be able to develop to his full potential. Do you feel like a crib is too restrictive for children? Do you use a crib or low bed at home?
