Play is a fundamental part of a Montessori baby’s development. It is through play that a baby learns to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them. The Montessori approach to play emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and engaging environment that allows the baby to freely explore and discover on their own.
In a Montessori-inspired play area, the baby has access to a variety of toys and materials that are carefully selected to support their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. The toys and materials are often made of natural materials like wood, cotton, and wool, and are designed to be simple and open-ended, allowing the baby to use their creativity and imagination.
Here are some examples of Montessori-inspired toys and activities that can support a baby’s development
Sensory baskets
Fill a basket with different materials of various textures, such as a feather, a piece of cloth, a pine cone, and a small wooden block. Allow your baby to explore and touch the materials.
Grasping toys
Choose simple wooden toys that are easy for your baby to grasp and manipulate, such as a wooden ring or a wooden ball.
Montessori mobiles
Mobiles are designed to encourage visual tracking and depth perception in babies. Choose mobiles with simple shapes and contrasting colors that will capture your baby’s attention.
Treasure baskets
Fill a basket with household items that are safe for your baby to explore, such as a wooden spoon, a hairbrush, or a fabric swatch.
Object permanence box
This toy helps babies understand that objects exist even when they are out of sight. Place a small ball or toy inside the box and encourage your baby to reach in and find it.
Remember, the most important thing is to follow your baby’s lead and let them explore at their own pace. Resist the urge to overstimulate or entertain your baby constantly, and allow them to have quiet time to rest and reflect on their experiences. Through play, your baby will develop their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, setting the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.