Crib? Never Bought One—Why We Skipped the Crib and Chose A Floor Bed Instead

One of our favorite parenting decisions so far.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I did what most first-time moms do: I made a long list of things we “needed,” and a crib was right at the top. But the closer we got to her arrival, the more I started questioning it. Cribs are expensive, bulky, and—let’s be honest—not very long-term. Most kids outgrow them in a couple of years, and then you’re left figuring out what to do with a big piece of furniture you no longer need.

That’s when I stumbled upon the Montessori-style floor bed concept, and something just clicked.

Why We Said No to the Crib

We ultimately decided not to buy a crib—and it’s been one of the best, most practical, and most empowering choices we’ve made as parents. The reasons were simple:

• Cost: We didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on something with such a short shelf life.

• Simplicity: We didn’t want to worry about storing or reselling a crib once she outgrew it.

• Philosophy: We were drawn to Montessori principles, especially the idea of giving children independence and freedom of movement from a young age.

Instead of investing in a crib, we opted for a floor bed—and we couldn’t be happier.

How We Transitioned to a Floor Bed

We started the transition gradually to give her time to adjust and feel secure in her new sleep space. Around 6–7 months, we began using her floor bed for afternoon naps only. This helped her get used to the bed itself, the room, and the idea of sleeping independently without making any drastic overnight changes.

During that same time, we continued bed sharing at night, especially because I was breastfeeding and nighttime feeds were still frequent. It was what worked best for all of us—especially for maximizing rest and keeping things calm.

By the time she was 8 months old, we started putting her to bed in her room on her floor bed at night. I would lay with her (since I was still breastfeeding), and once she fell asleep, I’d sneak out and join my husband. She’d usually wake for a feed a few hours later and come back to bed share with us—but honestly, those few hours of quality time with my husband (or just extra space to sleep) felt like a gift.

Gradually, those stretches of solo sleep became longer and longer. By 11 to 12 months, she was sleeping through the night consistently in her own bed.

It wasn’t a rigid sleep training schedule. It was a gentle, responsive, baby-led process—and it worked beautifully for our family.

Why the Floor Bed Has Worked So Well

There are so many reasons this setup has been a win for us:

• Independence: She can get in and out of bed by herself, which builds confidence.

• Comfort: It’s cozy and spacious—not restrictive like a crib.

• Flexibility: I can easily lay down with her when she needs extra comfort or during bedtime routines.

• Longevity: A good floor bed setup can last up to 10 years, meaning one purchase instead of multiple sleep transitions (and expenses).

Our Mattress of Choice: Helix Kids

For the mattress, we chose the Helix Kids Mattress — (Click the link to purchase for 27% off) — and it’s been everything we hoped for.

Here’s why we love it:

• 🛏️ Dual-sided firmness: One side is firmer for younger kids (ages 3–7), while the other side is softer for older kids (8–12). We love that we can flip it as she grows.

• 🌿 Hypoallergenic and water-repellent: Peace of mind for messy moments and sensitive skin.

• 🧼 GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Meaning it meets strict chemical emissions standards for better indoor air quality.

• 🌀 Hybrid design: Combines foam comfort with coil support to give it the durability and responsiveness of a grown-up mattress.

• 💪 Built to last: This isn’t a mattress we’ll have to replace anytime soon—we’re expecting it to carry her well into the preteen years.

Final Thoughts

Skipping the crib might not be for everyone—but for us, it was a mindful, cost-effective, and empowering choice. Our daughter sleeps comfortably, confidently, and independently. I get to meet her where she is developmentally, and our nights (and naps!) are smoother because of it.

If you’re exploring alternatives to the traditional nursery setup, I encourage you to consider a floor bed. With the right approach and the right mattress, it just might be the best decision you didn’t know you could make.

Lastly, I'm super excited to share my discount link with you! For a lovely 27% off the Helix Kids mattress click here.