First and foremost, you must understand that Montessori toys for babies encourage independence and development from their tender age. We will be bringing to you a round-up of the best Montessori toys for toddlers out there.
While raising kids can be a tough job, there are ways to make your job and life easier as a parent. In our modern world, there are fantastic parenting products that can help.
The aim of these Montessori infant toys is that asides from encouraging development, they tend to have a magical touch. They can help to keep your baby engaged in a way that other toys cannot possibly do.
Before we delve into the best Montessori toys for babies out there, you must have a brief understanding of where the term Montessori started.
Bear in mind that Maria Montessori created her popular educational philosophy first in Rome, Italy, in the early 1900s.
Due to her observations of young kids, Dr. Montessori created a set of ideal materials for their unique developmental needs.
Since this creation, Montessori schools have been established worldwide, and the Montessori technique can be used at home for your baby.
What Are Montessori Toys?
You must note that it is pretty easy to introduce young kids to the Montessori method via play.
When searching for toys that will perfectly work within the Montessori-style classroom space or play space, every parent must know what to search for.
Bear in mind that the Montessori toys are made from natural materials such as cotton, metal, wood, and rocks. These toys are safer for kids who may be more inclined to taste their toys.
However, these toys do not move or make sounds on their own. They need to be physically manipulated first by the baby. An example is a musical instrument or a jack in the box.
Montessori toys for toddlers are toys that are deeply rooted in reality. This means that Montessori will most likely suggest picking an animal toy that your baby will encounter at the zoo or farm over a unicorn or dragon toy.
You are to select toys that teach your kids some skills. The Montessori method insists that these kinds of toys help children learn how to perform tasks correctly.
The Montessori toys are to be sized appropriately for kids and serve a given purpose. An example is that choosing a small wooden broom will help your child learn a vital skill that is sweeping.
Why Are Montessori Toys Unique?
Even if you have seen wooden blocks or other toys created from natural materials, you must note that wooden toys are not automatically in line with the Montessori technique.
Montessori toys are unique because they feature specific characteristics. Some of the elements that make them fall in line with the Montessori philosophy include:
They are simple
Visually, these toys are simple and not flashy. They tend to concentrate on one skill at a given time.
They are task-oriented
The Montessori toys for babies tend to invite the kids to finish up a specific job, like fitting a set of differently sized pens into their ideal holes.
They are developmental
Your kids will be enraptured when playing with the Montessori toys because they focus on the child’s exact skills naturally.
It does not matter if they are learning how to walk, coordinate their hand to eye, or learn fine motor skills.
The toys are accessible
The children can work with Montessori materials without any assistance from adults. They will be capable of fixing their own mistakes.
While you may be wondering what makes your kid’s toy a Montessori toy, the simple answer is that the Montessori toys are regarded as activities. Since toys are taken to be things you play with, an activity is viewed as something you do.
However, this does not in a byway mean that Montessori toys are not fun for kids. The Montessori toys are capable of keeping babies engaged and having fun for an extended period.
Understand that the Montessori-styled toys range from fine motor skill activities such as threading toys and stackers to artwork and musical instruments. It also moves to practical life activities such as button and zipper boards or washing the baby dolls.
Best Montessori Toys For Babies
First and foremost, you must understand that #Montessoritoysforbabies encourage independence and #development from their tender age. We will be bringing ...
You need to know about the Montessori toys for babies because they concentrate on one skill or idea at a time. It is worthy to note that Montessori toys are not always wooden toys.
Nevertheless, Maria Montessori suggested that toys are made from attractive natural materials. This is why wood is frequently the material of choice for toys in the Montessori playroom.
The vital feature of Montessori toys is not what they are made from but more on the characteristics that define the toys.
While the wooden toys are great as they are timeless, beautiful, and great to handle, they tend to carry some weight, but their value holds well.
The downside to these wooden toys is that they are costlier than the majority of the other materials.
Best Montessori Toys For Babies
Finally, we will be taking a look at the best Montessori toys for babies.
Understand that even though babies and infants will not be making use of many toys like toddlers, it is essential that they play with these toys for proper development.
Some of the Montessori toys for newborns and Montessori infant toys are:
Black and white pictured books
Do you know that reading to your baby at any particular age will be of great benefit to their development? Well, it is, and you can read to newborns too.
The black and white pictured books are ideal for infants as they can easily see grey, black and white when they are ebon.
This is because the high contrast of black and white images is easier for them to see and has been said to assist in increasing their attention span and concentration skills.
Interestingly, it aids in the growth of their optic nerve.
Montessori baby play gym
One thing to know about babies is that they are easily attracted to bold and contrasting colors. This is why the baby play gym is fantastic for the development of their visuals.
While there are some mixed opinions on the baby play gym above their crib, professionals have agreed that the baby play gyms with mobiles that are not set up in or around the crib are ideal for babies.
When you have your baby reaching, turning, kicking, and grasping for hanging items, it will assist them with hand-to-eye coordination. It will also help them with gross and fine motor skills.
little dove Wooden Baby Gym with 6 Toys Foldable Play Gym Frame Activity Gym Hanging Bar Baby Toy White
- Baby gym frame is made of unfinished pine wood, sanded to be smooth. Free of any chemicals.
- Comes with wooden beaded toys and 3 soft toys with sound. This Montessori toy encourages early motor skills while giving infants something to hold and manipulate.
Wooden rattle
If you never knew, rattles are more than just a means of entertainment for your baby. This is because they can teach the babies how to visually track and assist with fine motor skills and grasping reflexes.
The infant rattles are made of diverse materials hut the wooden rattles are the ideal choice. The wooden rattle’s extra wright is beneficial for babies.
Baby Wooden Toy Rattle Natural Untreated 3 Ring Wooden Teether Toy Montessori Small Wooden Classic Baby MarcusRattle
- NATURAL - WOODEN - ECO FRIENDLY - Phthalate free , Latex Free, Lead Free, BPA Free, hand sanded to perfection.
- CLASSIC AND GENDER NEUTRAL BABY SHOWER GIFT! Gift this teething set and it will be well appreciated by both parents and baby.
Softballs
The softballs are a great sensory item for infants as they can quickly grasp and squeeze them in their tiny hands.
It will also help develop their hand-to-eye coordination, tracking and transferring the ball from one hand to the next.
For those unaware, balls are a fantastic way to boost movement in tummy time because the baby will roll and push the ball and try desperately to reach out for it.
Franklin Sports Official Size Softballs - 12" Softballs - Slowpitch + Fastpitch Softballs - Great for Practice + Training -...
- Official size and weight: These 12" practice softballs are official size and weight so you can practice exactly how you play
- Flat seams: The lay-flat seams on the balls minimize air-friction so you can throw for maximum distance
Sawyer XL Teething Rattle
This teething rattle is handmade in Utah, and it is rated among the Montessori toys for three months old and above. It is a modern crafted teether that will provide a safe relief to the teething baby.
Its rings are designed to specifically help the little hands grasp it. It comes with soft silicone and natural Beachwood beads. Its rings aid in massaging the sore gums.
O Ball Bright Starts Oball Shaker Rattle Toy, Ages Newborn Plus
- 2 mini flexible, teethable Oballs are easy to hold
- Colorful rattle beads create fun sounds to entertain and delight baby
- Textured rattle is clear so baby can see the colorful beads. BPA Free
- Wipe clean with damp cloth and mild soap. Do not immerse in water
Six Month Montessori Toys
In the six-month stage, babies will become alert and curious about the world they have found themselves in. Some of the best Montessori toys for six months old are:
Textured balls
As a parent, you can pick up a package of textured balls for your child when they get to the six months mark.
Note that that diverse textures on the ball are unique for sensory play at a tender age, and later on, the balls can be used for games like playing catch, hockey, and even soccer.
Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set - Textured Ball Set Toy for Sensory Exploration and Engagement for Ages 6 Months and...
- Design: Easy-to-grab, bright and textured design for babies to develop tactile senses while having fun
- Developmental benefits: Soft and textured material featuring 6 varied sizes and shapes which encourages baby to reach, bat, grab and enjoy sensory play
The object permanence box
It is worthy to note that the object permanence box is regarded as a staple baby toy in the Montessori community. It is highly possible to see one of these boxes if you have been looking for Montessori toys.
Interestingly, you can create your permanence box using a diaper box.
Elite Montessori Object Permanence Box with Tray and Ball
- A child has to drop the little ball into the hole in the box. The ball will roll out of the box and into the attached tray thus allowing the child to experience object permanence by seeing that the ball did not just disappear.
Baby-safe mirror
The baby-safe mirror can be introduced to the baby earlier than the six months mark. However, it is a great toy to have in their playroom. As one of the six-month Montessori toys, it will make the tummy time last for long.
They see their reflection, and it catches the baby’s attention and keeps him or her busy. This can also be used for some gross motor development. It will assist in getting the baby to sit up, stand and even crawl.
Also, it will teach your baby a sense of self.
ECR4Kids Double-Sided Shatterproof Bi-Directional Birch Frame Full-Length Floor Mirror for Babies, Toddlers and Kids, Standing Floor Mirror for Preschool, Daycare...
- Kids Play Mirror — double-sided mirror provides distortion free images children in playrooms, bedrooms, classrooms, homes, daycares and preschool environments
- Kids Play Mirror: Double-sided kid-safe mirror provides distortion free images for children in playrooms, bedrooms, and classrooms; intended for use by all ages, adult supervision recommended
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Musical Instruments
Do you know that it is never too early to introduce your babies to musical instruments? If you never knew, babies love the noisemakers such as tambourines and maracas.
Aside from building gross and fine motor skills when they pick and shake the musical instruments, research has shown that the musical instruments make more pathways in their brain and speed up the brain’s development.
TAIMASI Kids Musical Instruments, 33Pcs 18 Types Wooden Percussion Instruments Tambourine Xylophone Toys for Kids Children, Preschool Education Early Learning...
- [A Complete Kids Musical Instrument Set] - Including 33pcs 18 types shaking, tapping, beating and blowing instruments. Better way to start music than with a percussion set for preschoolers. Great and creative birthday gift for kids, boys, girls and toddlers.
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The Fat Brain Toys InnyBin
This toy is among the best Montessori toys for six-month-old. Your growing baby will enjoy exploring the great textures of these six chunky blocks. Interestingly, they are sized appropriately for their tiny hands.
Your kids will be challenged to push the diverse shapes through the cube’s elastic bands, thus boosting fine motor skills and experimentation.
Most parents love its versatility as kids can place other toys inside the bin, and the bin is self-contained.
Some other Montessori toys for toddlers above the six months mark and upwards to the twelve months mark are:
Fat Brain Toys InnyBin Shape Sorting Baby Toy
- Shape-learning sensory toy
- Explore the textures of the 6 blocks; Push them through the elastic bands of the cube
- Great for ages 6 months and up; BPA-free
- Encourages fine motor skills, tactile exploration, experimentation
Vertical stackers
It is incredible to note that the vertical stackers are among the Montessori toys for nine-month-old. These vertical stackers come in diverse sizes and shapes and enable the baby to rotate different stackers.
It assists in keeping them engaged.
Playskool Elefun Busy Ball Popper
This is an interactive and highly vibrant toy. It is a cute elephant that keeps your babies moving irrespective of whether they are walking, scooting, or crawling.
It is among the amazing Montessori toy for nine-month-old and above. This elephant is capable of storing four colorful plastic balls within its body. The baby only needs to turn the toy on for the balls to begin flying out of the trunk.
It is pretty easy to spin the direction of its trunk to point towards where the balls fly.
Playskool Elefun Busy Ball Popper Active Toy for Toddlers and Babies 9 Months and Up with 4 Colorful Balls (Amazon...
- ADJUST FOR DIFFERENT AGES AND STAGES: Turn the toy elephant's trunk to change which direction the balls will pop! This lets babies and toddlers play whether they're sitting, crawling, or walking
- ADJUST FOR DIFFERENT AGES AND STAGES: Turn the toy elephant's trunk to change which direction the balls will pop This lets babies and toddlers play whether they're sitting, crawling, or walking
The pop-up toy
Pop-up toys are fun toys that can stay on your shelf for a long time. For starters, the baby can easily place the little wooden people in their holes.
With time, your baby can learn that if they push them downwards and let go, they will pop out of their hole.
Finally, your baby will learn that he or she can sort the wooden guys by their color as well. It is an amazing toy for the development of fine motor skills. This toy can be rated among the Montessori toys for ten-month-old.
Battat – Pop-Up Pals – Color Sorting Animal Push & Pop Up Toy for Kids 18 Months +, Multi
- Pop-Up Toy: Watch a friendly animal pop up when you press a button!
- Fun Buttons: Each of the buttons are different—turn, press, flip, and slide them to see which animal pops out!
- Educational Benefits: Learn about the concept of cause-and-effect, discover different animals, and explore colors and shapes!
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Wooden puzzles
One thing to note about puzzles is that they are a terrific budget-friendly activity that is ideal for toddlers. The simple wooden puzzles are ideal for language development as they can be used to name each animal your baby picks up.
It is also notable for developing motor skills and your baby’s hand-to-eye coordination. It can help with problem-solving skills as the baby will have to rotate the puzzle pieces.
Interestingly, it helps with shape recognition and memory. You can begin with an easy three-shaped wooden Montessori puzzle and move on to something more advanced later.
Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll Girl, 22 inch Soft Weighted Body, Cute Lifelike Handmade Silicone Sleeping Doll
Free shippingThe lifelike baby dolls
The baby doll toy is ideal for toddlers that are developing social-emotional, self-help, and language skills.
It is an amazing way to prepare your baby for a sibling. Many practical life skills can be taught or even practiced using lifelike baby dolls.
They include taking off the clothing, feeding, bathing, and putting on the baby’s clothes.
Walk-A-Long Puppy Wooden Pull Toy by Hape | Award Winning Push Pull Toy Puppy For Toddlers Can Sit, Stand and...
- TEACH YOUR PUPPY NEW TRICKS: This push toy is almost as loving as a real pup, your toddler will be able to make it sit, stand, roll and take it for walks
- DEVELOP FINE MOTOR SKILLS: Wooden pull toy promotes dexterity, hand eye coordination and manipulation
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Pull toy
The pull toy is a fantastic activity for toddlers as they begin to walk. They will not only enjoy pulling the toy all across the floor, but it will also aid in improving their balance and coordination as they learn how to pull something while walking.
Carson-Dellosa Key Education Nouns, Verbs, and Adjectives Photographic Learning Cards—K-Grade 5 Flashcard Set for Building Vocabulary, Language, Grammar Fluency (275...
- Photographic Phonics Flash Cards: Key Education Nouns, Verbs, and Adjectives Flash Cards for Kids helps K-5 special learners identify parts of speech through educational games designed to improve language fluency, vocabulary, and grammar skills.
Vocabulary cards
For those unaware, the vocabulary card is a fantastic activity for babies, and its possibilities are endless. You can buy these cards from various Montessori Etsy shops as well as websites.
However, it is straightforward to build yourself, especially if you have a printer. There are different vocabulary cards that one can purchase or create that include seasonal items and animals.
Your baby can learn through these vocabulary cards.
Manhattan Toy Snuggle Pod Snuggle Bug First Baby Doll with Cozy Sleep Sack for Ages 6 Months and Up
- BABY'S FIRST BABY DOLL: A suitable soft baby toy for 6 months and up, Snuggle Pods Snuggle Bug measures 9" long with a 12" removable sleeping pod. This baby soothing toy is as cute as a bug and is just waiting for a little playmate to call it their own.
Manhattan Toy Snuggle Bug Doll
Babies enjoy snuggling and cuddling their first doll, although toddlers will prefer to tuck in, tot along, and nurture their own.
Nevertheless, these cute dolls are very soft and are made using ultra-plush fabric. Each of them comes with a satin-lined sleeping pod so that your baby can tuck it in before bedtime.
You can give this doll to an older sibling of about one year or more.
Melissa & Doug House Pets Jumbo Knob Puzzle, multi/none
- Extra-thick wooden puzzle features jumbo wooden knobs for easy grasping
- Bright colors and sweet illustrations of familiar objects
- Full-color, matching pictures appear underneath each piece
- A perfect activity to encourage hand-eye coordination and visual perception skills
Melissa and Doug House Pets Jumbo Knob Puzzle
This Jumbo Knob Puzzle is made using extra thick wood and designed for easy grasping. It is the ideal first puzzle as it comes with bright colors and has beautiful illustrations of familiar objects that will delight your baby.
It is for kids who are twelve months and above. Your baby will enjoy matching the pictures below each piece. This game helps with visual perception skills and offers a sense of accomplishment to babies.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Play Cradle
- White wooden rocking play cradle for dolls and stuffed animals up to 20 inches tall
- Features smooth rocking motion and wipe-clean surface; includes cozy removable mattress
- Coordinates perfectly with Mine to Love Play Bed, Play Bunk Bed, Play Armoire, Play Stroller, and Play High Chair
Melissa and Doug Natural PlayBook Tower
What better way to bring hands-on learning to life than with a great tower of books?. This book tower is outfitted with ten chunky books, and each of them features a favorite classic nursery rhyme.
Ideally, it is sized for the baby’s fingers, and your baby will enjoy reading the rhymes with you. It is among the best Montessori toys for eight-month-old.
Conclusion
On a general note, Montessori toys aim to teach your babies some fine motor skills and boost their development. We have provided you with some of the best Montessori toys for toddlers that you will not regret.
Interestingly, you can hang on to our site and gain more information, especially without the latest article on the best baby bibs.
