Montessori is a school for children based on teaching them to direct their learning through observation and correspondence. The Montessori philosophy, created by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907, is a revolutionary approach to early childhood education. With groundbreaking methods and materials, the Montessori Method teaches young children lifelong skills for independence and self-esteem that will serve them well throughout life. The Montessori toys for toddlers that you will find on this blog are the perfect way to bring these ideas into your home, encouraging your little one’s explorations and experiments of the world around them.
What are Montessori Toys?
Montessori-inspired toys are typically made of natural materials, and they are not complex. The toys usually have a lot of movement and allow for exploration and discovery. Montessori-inspired toys may be too simple for older babies, but they are the perfect kind of toy for a baby’s first year or toddler years.
What are the benefits of Montessori toys for toddlers?
First, playing with these toys gives a baby an understanding of how things work, which is an early form of science education. Second, it allows the child to develop and unleash their potential as they grow, which they can use in school and life. The following lists are the other few benefits of Montessori Toys for Toddlers.
1) Montessori toys for Toddlers are made of natural materials
The best thing about Montessori-inspired toys is that they are usually made of natural materials. It allows babies to get in touch with the world around them in a safe way. There are no harmful chemicals or paints in these toys. Each piece of the toy is removed separately, and the child can put them back together again without needing adult assistance. It means that a baby can use a Montessori toy for different purposes at different times. For example, a toy can be used as a stacker, a rattle, or a teether, among many other things.
2) Encourages exploration and discovery
Montessori-inspired toys are made in a way that promotes exploration. They encourage the child to try and touch, shake, move, stack, and bite different parts of the toy to figure out what it is and how it works.
The perfect thing about these toys is that they usually have no distracting sounds or lights. It means that the baby will be left with only their imagination to keep them busy and focused on the fun things happening around them.
3) Toys are safe to use for younger babies
Montessori-inspired baby toys are usually very simple. Because of this, they are less likely to result in injuries compared to other toys. Even if the child does not have the hand or eye coordination to handle larger toys, these simple toys can be very tasking and stimulating for a young child.
4) Challenges a child’s developing brain and senses
The small puzzles that come with Montessori toys for toddlers sets make it easy for babies to pick up one piece at a time. In addition, they are usually designed with different textures that children can feel. It helps teach them about comparison and contrast. The use of multiple senses in the same toy is also beneficial for a child’s developing brain.
5. Develop Your Toddlers fine motor skills
The Montessori toys for toddlers encourage small motor skills. It is especially apparent when your child begins to grasp a toy or if they can use toys that are designed to be moved around. In addition, it allows your child to build their hand-eye coordination. This ability will be crucial for later life, such as when they begin to write or paint.
6. Encourages your child’s imagination
The Montessori-inspired toys usually have a set of essential components that help develop cause and effect. In addition, they are often made of materials that have multiple uses. For example, a toy may have more than one part that a child can combine to create different designs and shapes. It encourages babies and toddlers to experiment with new creations and helps them see the possibilities of what their toys can do for them.
Montessori Toys for Toddlers
As a parent, we only want the best for our child. Therefore, supporting our children by providing them the necessary materials like toys is essential for their overall development. To help you out, We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite toys for babies and toddlers that are Montessori-inspired! Check it out below!
1. Classic Rainbow Skwish
This toy is designed with six different sections that can be rearranged to suit the child’s taste. It is well-made and sturdy, unlike many other baby toys on the market. Children will become captivated by its “swishing” noise and bright colors. It helps babies and toddlers develop their fine motor skills and coordination and their senses of touch and sight.
2. Montessori Object Permanence Box
This toy can be used by a toddler who already understands the concept of object permanence. It consists of 12 colorful objects that rattle when moved around. They fit into a clear plastic container, allowing children to match the object to its sound. The child learns how to take turns and share and develop their senses of touch and sight.
With this toy, children can learn about cause and effect and the permanence of objects, and the relationships between objects. In addition, it allows them to perform experiments on their own by putting different objects into the box.
3. Shape Sorter
This wooden toy encourages children to experiment with shapes and use their senses of sight, smell, and touch to find the various shapes in the box. The set includes 24 wooden balls with different colored tops so children can learn about different color combinations. It also contains three wooden balls that have sound effects to help toddlers develop their listening ability.
4. Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon
This low-set toy is perfect for young toddlers to push around while still developing their balance and coordination. It can also be used by older children who are starting to learn how to walk or ride a bike. It is lightweight, but sturdy so it won’t tip over easily. The set includes stroller wheels and an attached handle so children can push it around the house. It’s also easy to fold up for storage if you want to take it with you on a trip or put it in a closet when not in use.
5. First Chunky Shape Puzzle
This puzzle is made of solid wood and will provide hours of entertainment for your toddler. It’s a well-made toy that has a “hand-crafted” look to it. The pieces are chunky, so small hands can grasp them easily. They are also smooth, without any rough edges that can injure children. With this puzzle, children can develop their hand-eye coordination and their senses of sight and touch.
6. Loulou Lollipop Bubble Silicone & Wood Teething Rattle
It is a teething toy that is designed to look like a lollipop. It has two silicone rattle balls inside that make a soft “crinkle” noise when shaken. It helps stimulate their sense of sight.
7. PlanToys Wooden Rainbow Baby Roller
Toddlers can use this toy as they begin to develop their motor skills. It is designed with colorful bumps and a smooth edge to help babies learn how to roll toys on the floor. The wooden toy is sturdy enough that it won’t get damaged but soft enough that it won’t hurt your child if they fall
while playing with it.
8. Plan Toys Punch and Drop
It supports the development of the toddler’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. When the toddler uses the wooden mallet to hammer the wooden wall, a better understanding of cause and effect is developed.
These listed Montessori-inspired toys are enjoyable for young children. They help develop a child’s sense of creativity and imagination. The toys are safe for babies and toddlers, as they are made with high-quality materials to withstand hours of playtime. In addition, they can help your toddlers with various skills such as balancing, coordination, and problem-solving skills to aid them in their overall development.
Click here to read about how the Montessori Visual Mobiles, the Montessori Tactile Mobiles, or the Sensory Baby Toys help your baby’s development.
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