Between 6 and 12 months, babies are developing their senses, exploring everything through taste and touch. During this time, they also start to crawl and later stand and walk with support. Considering this, toys for this age group should be durable, safe, and beneficial for sensory development.
The most appropriate toys for infants
Typically, Montessori toys for babies 6-12 months are made of natural and hypoallergenic materials, with a simple and safe design, without overly annoying loud sounds or light effects, and decorated in pleasant, non-acidic colors.
Pulling and pushing toys
Montessori toys for 6-12 months, such as a wooden push toy or a doll stroller, allow your little one to learn to walk, relying on these wooden supports and pushing the toy in front of them. They get the opportunity to play and develop simultaneously.
Soft books
If you give a regular book to a child under 1-year-old, within a few minutes, the book will likely lose many pages. Be prepared that the first books will not only be read but also tested for durability (and taste), so choose books made of soft fabric, latex, or sturdy cardboard with simple illustrations.
Stacking Toys
Stacking toys are simple yet powerful tools for supporting a baby's development. These toys typically consist of colorful blocks or rings that can be stacked on top of each other. As babies grasp, manipulate, and stack the pieces, they develop essential fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Additionally, stacking toys introduces concepts like size, shape, and balance, laying the foundation for cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Sensory Table for Kids
A sensory table provides babies with a captivating sensory exploration and discovery environment. These tables are typically filled with various materials such as water and sand, or sensory bins filled with items like rice, beans, or textured objects. As babies reach, touch, and explore the materials, they engage their senses, stimulate cognitive development, and enhance sensory perception. Sensory tables offer endless opportunities for open-ended play, sparking curiosity and imagination in young children.
Toys for Pretend Play
Toys for pretend play, such as wooden toy kitchens and doll cribs, offer babies the chance to imitate adult activities and care for doll companions. These toys promote imaginative thinking, social skills, and emotional development. Babies learn about the world around them through role-playing, developing language skills, and fostering empathy and nurturing behaviors. Wooden toy kitchens allow babies to “cook” and “serve” imaginary meals, while doll cribs provide opportunities for caregiving and role-playing scenarios.
Climbers
Climbing toys, including the Pikler triangle, climbing dome, wooden climbing playhouse, and Montessori balance board, encourage babies to engage in active exploration and physical activity. These toys support the development of gross motor skills, strength, and coordination as babies climb, crawl, and explore their surroundings. Climbers stimulate vestibular and proprioceptive senses, promote spatial awareness, and satisfy the natural urge for movement and exploration in young children. Providing a safe environment for climbing activities allows babies to develop confidence and independence while having fun.
How to choose Montessori toys for babies?
As babies transition from infancy to early toddlerhood, their curiosity, and exploration of the world around them intensify. Engaging them with toys that stimulate their senses, encourage physical activity, and foster imaginative play becomes increasingly important. So, when choosing toys for babies up to 1-year-old, it's important to consider the following criteria:
- Infants' senses are actively developing, so they need to receive various sensory experiences without being overloaded. Toys with different textures, colors, and shapes are suitable, but it's best to avoid options with annoying sound and light effects that may frighten the child and overly stimulate them.
- Toys for babies should be both interesting and safe. The toy should be safe even if the child pulls it into their mouth (and they will, be sure of that).
- Choose sturdy options made of cardboard, wood, fabric, etc. This allows babies to touch, grasp, shake, and bite the toy without risking their health.
Hundreds of new neural connections are formed in a child's brain every day. The child quickly transitions from individual sounds and syllables to pronouncing their first words, from crawling to confident steps. By choosing the best Montessori toys, you help your baby experience a plethora of new sensations.
