My Top 5 Quality Montessori Toys on a Budget for Babies
If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what the heck is Montessori?
Last year I would have said, I have no idea. Forgive my ignorance, but I was not a mother and was not in the know about Montessori, Waldorf, or any other educational methods outside of what I knew growing up.
In a nutshell, the Montessori approach focuses on independence, hands-on learning and a thoughtfully prepared environment that allows a child to grow in all the main developmental areas. The toys and activities for young learners are very minimalist, open-ended, rooted in reality, and made of natural materials. As a matter of fact, when I was a child, our neighbor made my brother and I handmade wooden toys and they were by far our favorite. There is something very satisfying to a child when they play with nature-derived toys.
I have a 5-month-old baby and have dabbled in the world of Montessori toys and am here to share my top 5 toys if you’re on a budget.
Spinning Drum - This tops the list as my daughter’s favorite toy. She got this around 3 months of age and it made her tummy time sessions very enjoyable. She likes to spin the drum and look at herself in the mirror portion.
Object Permanence Box - Even though this is geared towards 6-month-olds, my daughter still enjoys watching the balls drop in the hole and roll down. She can also practice grasping and sensory with the different textured balls.
Wooden Rings - These are a teething baby’s dream come true. At a certain age, your baby will want to put every toy in their mouth. Especially if they are teething. These are custom-made on Etsy using quality wood and well finished, so no chance of wood pieces or splinters entering your child’s mouth.
Coin Box - Another older baby toy, but still very enjoyable. The colorful wood chips make it fun for her to look at, and of course when they disappear and reappear.
Tin Music Box - Does anyone remember these? While my baby can’t turn the dial and make it play, she is fascinated with the sound and colorful tin container.
My daughter enjoying tummy time with the spinning drum
I hope your baby enjoys these toys as much as mine has. And of course, if you are a woodworker or know one, these toys would be great to make.
Here’s to holistic,
Megan
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