Choosing to raise children the Montessori way is one of the wisest decisions parents can make. And it is best to begin from the very start. Here is why:
Montessori environment evolves and changes together with the child. As the child grows and develops, so does his or her environment. It slowly adapts to meet a child’s needs for independence and to provide sensory stimulation. Montessori environment setup has a distinct difference – it is very orderly and structured. It is easier to progress from one stage of a child’s development to the next if the child’s space is organized and set up in such a manner.
The Montessori method offers support and advice for every stage of a child’s development in the first year of life – month by month. It lays the perfect foundation for the first early years of a child’s life, and we all know how crucial these are for a child’s future mental and physical health.
Creating a Montessori home for your baby is a wonderful way to foster independence, creativity, and a love of learning in your child from a young age. Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that is carefully planned and organized to meet the developmental needs of the child. By following some simple guidelines, you can create a beautiful and inviting Montessori home that will stimulate your baby’s senses and encourage exploration and discovery.
The first step in creating a Montessori home for your baby is to carefully consider the layout and design of the space. Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating a prepared environment that is carefully organized and tailored to meet the needs of the child. This means setting up the space in a way that is safe, accessible, and inviting for your baby to explore.
Montessori materials are typically made of natural materials such as wood, metal, and fabric. When designing your baby’s Montessori space, opt for items that are made from natural materials and free from harmful chemicals or toxins. Natural materials are not only safer for your baby, but they also provide a sensory experience that is enriching and stimulating for young children.
Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of simplicity and order in the environment. Avoid clutter and unnecessary distractions in your baby’s space, and focus on creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere that will allow your baby to focus and concentrate on their exploration and learning.
Montessori materials are designed to be open-ended and versatile, allowing children to use them in a variety of ways. When choosing toys and materials for your baby’s Montessori space, opt for items that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. Simple wooden blocks, puzzles, and stacking toys are great options for young children.
Reading is an important part of a Montessori education, and creating a cozy reading nook in your baby’s Montessori space can help foster a love of books and learning. Create a comfortable space with soft cushions, a cozy blanket, and a collection of age-appropriate books for your baby to explore.
Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of fostering independence in children from a young age. Create a Montessori home that is designed to allow your baby to explore and discover on their own, with easy access to their toys, books, and other materials. Encourage your baby to practice self-care skills such as dressing themselves and feeding themselves, and provide opportunities for them to learn and grow independently.
Montessori philosophy places a strong emphasis on connecting children with the natural world. Incorporate elements of nature into your baby’s Montessori space, such as plants, natural light, and natural textures. Create opportunities for your baby to explore and discover the natural world around them, both indoors and outdoors.
Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of order and routine in the environment. Create a sense of order in your baby’s Montessori space by providing clear and consistent routines, organizing their toys and materials in a logical and accessible way, and creating designated spaces for different activities. A sense of order and routine can help your baby feel secure and confident in their environment.
Montessori education emphasizes the importance of engaging all of the child’s senses in the learning process. Create a Montessori home for your baby that provides opportunities for them to explore and discover using all of their senses. Incorporate a variety of textures, colors, and sounds into the environment, and create opportunities for your baby to touch, taste, smell, and listen to the world around them.
Above all, remember that Montessori philosophy is child-centered and emphasizes following the child’s lead in their learning and development. Observe your baby carefully and pay attention to their cues and interests, and create a Montessori home that is tailored to meet their individual needs and preferences. By following your baby’s lead and creating a space that is designed to support their growth and development, you can create a beautiful and inspiring Montessori home that will nurture your baby’s natural curiosity and love of learning.
Creating a gorgeous Montessori home for your baby is a wonderful way to foster independence, creativity, and a love of learning from a young age. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a beautiful and inviting Montessori space for your baby that will stimulate their senses and encourage exploration and discovery.
I want to offer you practical suggestions on how to arrange and set up your baby’s space to support their natural desire for freedom of movement, sensory stimulation, order, independence, and beauty. All recommendations are handmade. You can find out more by visiting the webpage of each product.
Floor bed
Floor beds are generally suitable for babies from 3 months and up. We used something similar with our babies. However, a safety rail was a must since our babies rolled from side to side at night a lot.
I love floor bed frames made by Sweet Home From Wood because they also allow me to hand up mobiles very comfortably for the baby during waking hours.
Mobiles
Mobiles help babies from week one exercise eye focus and concentration. Montessori mobiles change as a baby’s abilities develop. Bella’s Casa offers handmade mobiles for babies ages 0-12m.
The Munari Mobile 3-6 weeks
The Octahedron Mobile 5-8 weeks
The Gobbi Mobile 8-10 weeks
The Mobile Dancer 0-12 weeks
Wall Art
From birth, it is suggested to use black and white images. Images are attached to the wall at the baby’s eye level, on the side of the changing table, or above it if possible. For older babies – images with black/white/red patterns. From 4 months and up, as an example, you can use images of fine art and animals. This collection made by Hello Sprout is gorgeous.
Another beautiful Word Art from the ART of TYPE for children who are a bit older.
Baby Gym
Baby gym is an excellent alternative for hanging mobiles. The handmade wooden baby gym from Clover And Birch looks perfect. It is especially convenient since it can be easily folded and put away when not in use.
Low shelves. I think using cube floor shelves is genius for little ones. These can be later used for various purposes. This set made by Little wood tales grabbed my attention.
Floor cushions
Floor cushions are great for babies before their rolling stage. They become beautiful spots for day naps and also great for awake time when placed low above the ground, just like one made by Blue House Joys. We have one of those, and our baby used to love falling asleep there during the day. Now it’s a perfect addition to a book corner.
Play Mat
Who doesn’t like the feel of a soft cotton play mat for their baby to rest on? These can be an excellent addition to a spot next to the mirror or under a baby gym. This playmat by Nikko is lovely and looks very cozy!
Nursery Storage Baskets will always have great use in a child’s room. First, as a place to keep nappies, baby cream, and other baby items. Later these can hold books or serve as a place to display materials on shelves.
First Baby Toys
First baby toys should be made out of non-toxic, natural materials since babies learn by placing objects into their mouths. Here is something for you to choose from:
Baby Montessori Puzzle Clutch Ball by Endulzar
Sleepy Fox Teething Taggie by Luka Mish
First Montessori Baby Toys by Essential Montessori
Montessori Pincer Grasp Block by Montessori Wood Works
Wooden Tactile Set Textured balls by WoodenCaterpillar
Montessori Baby Toys by Pink House
Wooden Puzzle by Cover And Birch
Montessori Infant Gift Set by Natura Baby. This is a lovely set that will serve as a part of the Practical Life area of development.
Montessori Coin Drop Work by Natura Baby
Balance Board by Clover and Birch
Weaning Table and Chair
The weaning process starts typically around 6 months of age. This is the time when usually the baby is given his first food and can do his or her first simple activities while sitting at the table. Ettetete made a great set that serves a dual purpose: weaning table and chair AND can be transformed into a Learning tower for helping in the kitchen when the child is older.
Montessori Inspired Child’s Placemat is another must-have in a Montessori home. Here is a beautiful handmade example by Honey Bee Toy And Craf.
Pull-Up Bar
Once the baby starts attempting to pull themselves up, parents can attach an infant pull-up bar to assist the child in developing their muscles and arm strength. Montessori Wood Works has one to offer.
Baby Clothes ideally should be in plain and soft colors, made out of soft natural materials, and allow total freedom of movement. It is recommended that babies and children walk barefoot when possible or wear shoes with non-slippery leather soles.
Baby leather shoes by SWAG booties
Baby Onesie by Mindful Mobiles
Baby Essential Massage Oils. Babies enjoy daily massages, plus it creates valuable opportunities for bonding with your little treasure. Tash Monster Oils offers organic essential oil rollers for babies. Please, make sure that your child is not allergic to any of these before applying them to your baby’s skin.
I hope you got inspired by the example of these talented craftsmen who created handmade items for people to set up beautiful and mindful spaces for their little ones. Visit Etsy for more inspiration!
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