Toilet training is one of those big milestones that every parent approaches a little differently – some kids ease into it with confidence, others push back with every fibre of their being. While there’s no magic formula to make the process flawless, there is one piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: your toddler’s bed.
Specifically, whether they can get in and out of it on their own.
Montessori-style floor beds are known for supporting independence and freedom of movement – and those exact same qualities make them an unexpectedly powerful support during toilet training. Here’s how your toddler’s sleep setup could make toilet training smoother, less stressful, and a little more “I did it myself.”
1. Access Is Everything
Picture this: your toddler wakes up and realises they need to go to the toilet. If they’re in a traditional cot, their only option is to call for help – and if you don’t get there in time, accidents happen. Not because they aren’t ready, but because they physically can’t get out on their own.
Now picture the same scenario with a Montessori floor bed: your toddler quietly gets up, walks to the toilet or potty, and handles it independently (or at least gives it a very proud try). The barrier is gone – literally and figuratively.
This kind of access:
- Builds confidence (“I can do this without help!”)
- Reduces urgency and accidents
- Encourages self-awareness around bodily cues
2. Supporting Night-Time Toilet Training
Even if you’re not pushing for night-time dryness just yet, a floor bed can help prepare your toddler for it.
Why? Because it allows them to:
- Wake and respond to the urge to go, rather than waiting until morning
- Begin recognising their own patterns (e.g. waking dry, or needing to go soon after getting up)
- Feel more in control of their body and environment
Many families start by placing a toddler potty in the room or nearby bathroom, with nightlights to guide the way – creating an easy, low-pressure path for overnight progress when the child is ready.
3. Toilet Training Is About More Than Toilets
Toilet training isn’t just about learning where to go – it’s about learning how to listen to your body, take initiative, and manage new routines.
A Montessori floor bed supports these ideas in everyday life:
- Self-led routines: Your child can choose when to rest, when to get up, when to try again after an accident – all within a room designed for independence.
- Responsibility: Helping strip their bed after a night-time accident, choosing dry clothes, or getting back in bed independently builds resilience and self-care habits.
- Calm, consistent space: The familiarity of their bed and sleep area offers emotional security during what can be a very up-and-down phase.
4. Setting Up for Success
If you’re entering or navigating the toilet training stage, here are a few simple ways to create a Montessori-aligned space that supports it:
- Low bed, clear path: Make sure your child can get in and out of their bed and reach the potty safely, without obstacles.
- Nightlights & soft rugs: Gentle lighting makes it easy for toddlers to find their way, and a soft rug adds comfort for middle-of-the-night trips.
- Keep things calm: Avoid clutter and overstimulation in the room. Calm surroundings support calm routines, especially when learning something new.
- Involve your child: Let them help choose sheets, pyjamas, or even a small basket with clean undies or a towel for morning changes. These little choices make a big difference in how capable they feel.
Final Thoughts: Independence Is the Real Goal
Toilet training isn’t just about dry nights – it’s about giving your child the tools to look after themselves with confidence. A Montessori bed does exactly that, not just at bedtime but across the whole day.
By allowing your toddler to move freely, follow their instincts, and take the lead, you’re not just ticking off another milestone – you’re helping raise a resilient, independent little human who knows they’ve got this.
Explore the Sleepy Monkey range today and see how a simple, beautifully designed floor bed can make toilet training just a little less messy, and a whole lot more empowering.
