Embracing the Freedom of a Floor Bed for Our Toddler: Life-Changing
As parents committed to a holistic and healthy lifestyle, my husband and I embarked on a journey to create the perfect sleep environment for our toddler, Gordie. One of the most transformative decisions we made was to transition from a crib to a floor bed around his first birthday. The results have been nothing short of life-changing. Today, I want to share our experience with the floor bed setup, the products we chose, and the incredible benefits we've witnessed.
Gordie and his beloved floor bed (and for fun - here’s the link to the cutest clip-on star light)
The Floor Bed: A World of Independence and Comfort
We opted for a floor bed with removable sides to ensure Gordie's safety as he moved around in his sleep. The ability to remove the sides when he's older adds to the bed's longevity, making it a worthwhile investment. The padded rails have been a lifesaver, preventing those inevitable bumps and bruises when our spirited toddler decides to turn his bed into a trampoline. The exact frame we have isn’t available anymore, but you can find plenty on Etsy.
One of the things we love most about the floor bed is how it empowers Gordie with a sense of freedom and independence. Gone are the days of feeling trapped in a crib. Upon waking, he can explore his room, reach for a book, or play quietly. This newfound sense of autonomy has not only made his mornings more pleasant but has also helped reduce his anxiety upon waking. Instead of wailing in his crib, he wakes up peacefully and content. (Yes, his bedroom is completely child-proofed).
The Mattress: A Nontoxic Haven for Sweet Dreams
When it came to choosing a mattress for Gordie, I delved into extensive research on nontoxic organic latex options. While my husband and I adore our CozyPure mattress, we recognized the need for a more affordable choice for Gordie. Our selection was the Avocado ECO ORGANIC KIDS MATTRESS. Here's a glimpse of what sets it apart:
660 6” encased coils and GOLS-certified organic latex from sustainable farms in India and Guatemala for soft, contouring support
GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool deliver breathable, luxurious comfort
No chemical flame retardants, fiberglass, or polyurethane foams
A GOTS-certified organic product (CU863637) -MADE SAFE® certified
Low profile design
The Avocado mattress, complete with its sheets and toddler pillow, turned out to be an absolute dream. The firmness is just right, providing comfort and support for a good night's sleep. My husband and I often find ourselves dozing off in Gordie's room, a testament to the mattress's comfort.
The Benefits Unveiled
The advantages of the floor bed and nontoxic bedding have been crystal clear:
Gordie's improved morning demeanor, marked by a sense of independence and contentment.
A peaceful co-sleeping experience, with the ability to nurse and cuddle Gordie without the acrobatics required to lower him into a crib.
The priceless moments of both my husband and me cuddling our little one to sleep, nurturing a sense of togetherness and warmth.
It's worth mentioning that the concept of a floor bed is more common in many other cultures. We've embraced this approach not only for its practical benefits but also for its alignment with our holistic lifestyle.
A Lesson for the Future
Reflecting on our experience, I can't help but think about how I would approach parenting differently with our next child. The crib won't even be a consideration. Gone are the days of attempting daring acrobatics to lower Gordie into his crib, a task fraught with anxiety as I teetered on the edge, often causing him to wake just as I precariously balanced. Eventually, I abandoned this risky routine and resorted to squeezing into the crib with him to nurse him to sleep, a decidedly uncomfortable experience that left me hoping the crib's structural integrity wouldn't be compromised by my presence. My hips and back were certainly compromised!
Next time, we'll start with a floor bed, enabling us to nurse and co-sleep with the new baby as needed. This decision will not only ease our anxiety but also make nighttime parenting a more comfortable and nurturing experience for both baby and parents.
In our pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, it's crucial to remember that even the sleep environment matters. Choosing nontoxic bedding and products free from harmful chemicals is a significant step toward ensuring our children's well-being. The peace, comfort, and independence offered by the floor bed and nontoxic mattress are gifts that will last a lifetime.
Disclosure: Please note that this blog post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. However, I want to assure you that I only share products and experiences that I absolutely love and believe in. My reviews are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for supporting my efforts to provide valuable information and insights on creating a healthy and holistic lifestyle for your family.
