Montessori Baby Toys Every Montessori Parent Should Have

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I like updating my Montessori toy and materials posts every year or so. It has been a while since I focused on Montessori infants! So, here we are…the latest and the most tremendous Montessori Toys for infants.

A beautiful aspect of Montessori is the life application and not simply to education in the classroom alone. Babies are ripe to begin learning and living, as Dr. Montessori emphasized in her work.

To help you get started (because I know there are many new to Montessori parenting), I researched and vetted Montessori toys for infants. These materials are perfect for your home or even a daycare setting.

Montessori Infant Learning Philosophy

Dr. Montessori believed in the child’s ability to reach his potential on his own if given the freedom and the environment in which to develop naturally. She placed first priority on the child and his natural development at birth.

By believing in the child, she encourages and motivates teachers and parents to develop the whole self.

Children not only develop academic intelligences but emotional, social, and practical intelligences, too. While developing these skills, children will inevitably develop less tangible skills, such as self-esteem, security, and confidence, required for a successful life.

It is necessary to begin the education of the senses in the formative period if we wish to perfect this sense development with the education which is to follow.

The education of the senses should be begun methodically in infancy, and should continue during the entire period of instruction which is to prepare the individual for life in society. – Dr. Montessori

A baby yawning — An infant yawning reading for educational toys!

She believed this process starts at the moment of birth. She discusses this idea within the context of math. Dr. Montessori emphasized the fact that human beings are born with a propensity to naturally be driven to calculate, reason, and create.

The key, however, is to have a guiding and nurturing adult within their environments, or the capacity to perform such thinking is eventually lost.

Therefore, in order to develop and function at the most significant capacity, a child’s experiences must lend to the innate mathematical mind.

So, exposing a child to these concepts early in his life is vital to the later development of more complex math concepts. Without this exposure, his brain won’t be ripe for advanced learning and critical thinking.

In a sense, the brain will reject this type of thinking because it is not prepared to accept more complex information.

The Ultimate Guide to Montessori Infant Toys

Are Montessori Toys Good for Babies?

Many parents agonize over what the best toys are for their babies. Do they need lots of brightly colored plastic things with buttons and noises?

Or should they go for simpler wooden or cloth toys?

What about Montessori materials?

Are they good for babies?

There are considerable benefits to Montessori toys that all parents should keep in mind. Montessori toys are typically made from natural materials, and there usually is a built-in control of error.

Auto education is key to Montessori and Montessori toys should lend to a child leading his own development and learning.

Montessori Toys for Babies

DIY Montessori Toys – Supplies

The cool part about Montessori toys for babies is that you can often create them on your own with your own materials already in your home. Educational toys for infants should not be complicated.

Below are a few examples of materials that could be used for a DIY Montessori toy.

Wooden Beads
Wooden Rings
Ribbon
Bells
Cardboard Box
Buttons
Pipe cleaners

Tugging Box and Other Simple DIY Montessori Toys for Babies

Tugging Box

A cardboard box is an excellent tool for making a tugging box for babies. Check out this example from Laughing Kids Learn.

By threading ribbon through holes in a box, you can make simple and endless fun for your little one!

DIY Montessori Toys for Babies - Simple Fine Motor Skills with Recycled Materials — *A 9-month-old using buttons during educational play.*

Button in the Slot

So simple. A recycled can and a bowl of buttons to work on fine motor skills, vocabulary (describing the colors and sounds), and color identification. You can even begin early math with counting and patterns.

Sensory Wall

This brilliant idea comes from Asia Citro at Fun at Home with Kids. Take a trip to Home Depot or your local hardware store and gather your materials.

You don’t even have to be handy to create this gem. Creating a sensory wall or sensory board will excitingly engage your child.

Tearing Paper

It doesn’t get much easier than using paper as a toy. This activity might sound silly, but there are tremendous benefits.

The sound of the paper tearing and the fine motor work makes this simple activity perfect for babies. Offer different types of textured paper to explore sound.

Music Basket

This one is so much fun! Our basket is filled with a mix of “toy” instruments (like Melissa & Doug’s Band in a Box, which we love!) and real music instruments I found at a local thrift store.

Don’t ever underestimate consignment shops for finding unique educational toys! Add a few books about music, and your baby will be engaged and happy!

Sensory basket for kids — *A baby playing with a treasure basket.*

Treasure Basket

Weekly treasure basket of things around the house that your baby can explore.

DIY Montessori Toys for Babies - Unique Sensory Bottle Ideas

Sensory Bottles

There are endless easy & inexpensive opportunities for sensory bottles around your home. So easy to make, to create themes, and to work with multiple senses all at once. Babies love this Montessori toy!

Montessori Toys for Infants

Rattles

There are many different types of rattles that you can get for your little one. Rattles are an opportunity for your baby to explore sounds, texture, and motion.

Wooden Ring Rattle

Wooden Bead Rattle

Knocking Rattle

Teethers

Babies and toddlers do a lot of exploring with their mouths. A variety of teething-friendly toys is the best way you can support this exploration.

You can buy sets of teethers that have different textures, or you can also buy a set of teethers like this one. Babies often enjoy playing with different textures on a teether.

A great way to add texture is to tie a cloth or baby rag to it. You can also wet the cloth and freeze it for a while. Babies like to suck on it, and the cool temperature soothes their gums.;

Wooden Teether

Tortoise Teether

Wooden Teething Toys

Play Gym Teether & Wooden Ring Toy

Activity Gym

Activity gyms promote essential motor skills and muscle development. Activity cubes or gyms give your baby an opportunity to practice reaching, which encourages full-body movement and therefore promotes learning to crawl.