Play is the primary activity of a child, as emphasized in the works and lectures of Maria Montessori. From almost the moment of birth, play becomes the tool that helps a child explore the world around them. Montessori newborn toys are designed not only to align with developmental milestones and help children acquire new skills, but they are also high-quality and practical.
One mom on Reddit once shared: "My mother gave us a developmental playmat. When you press on the cow, it moos; when you press on the cat, it meows. Everything was fine, but if you don't touch the mat for a while, it plays a loud melody. My little one played with it, and after an hour of rocking him to sleep, as soon as he fell asleep, the mat 'came to life' and played a melody. Another hour of rocking ensued. Aren't you also frustrated by some toys?"
This story is one example of toys that are NOT Montessori—and not even quality traditional toys (if you follow Montessori, that doesn't mean there's no room for other types of toys in a child's room). So, what should excellent Montessori infant toys be like?
Features of Montessori Toys and Their Differences from Traditional Ones
Montessori infant toys are items that meet specific criteria:
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They are made from safe, natural materials such as wood, cotton, and more. These items do not have sharp edges or very small parts that a child might detach and swallow. Montessori infant toys are appealing to children; they spark a child’s curiosity and have a clear purpose—to develop sensory skills, and language, encourage movement, etc.
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All Montessori infant toys lean toward simplicity. They do not include loud sound effects, bright colors, or intricate patterns. Typically, they come in pleasant pastel tones and feature a calm yet attractive design.
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These toys are adapted to different stages of development, allowing a child to handle challenges and difficulties that are appropriate for them, without being too complex.
Another important point: in the Montessori approach, quality is prioritized over quantity. Instead of having an unlimited number of options, children interact with only a few toys. This helps them play more mindfully with each toy they have, makes it easier for them to choose what they like, and prevents overstimulation.
How to Choose the Best Montessori Infant Toys?
Every Montessori newborn toy deserves attention, and you can find countless options in this category. However, your child doesn't need too many toys. Infants grow very quickly, and if they have one or two rattles instead of ten, that's completely enough. In just a month or two, your little one will require different toys, and the rattles will become uninteresting. So, the first rule is: don't try to buy everything on the shelves of toy stores. Choose only what is truly necessary and useful.
Here are a few more guidelines:
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Choose 1-2 toys of each type to ensure comprehensive development.
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Opt for options that match your child’s current developmental stage.
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Later, after 6 months, consider their interests. If you have a girl who loves looking at and playing with cars and shows little interest in dolls, don't follow stereotypes—offer the so-called "boyish" toys. And vice versa.
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Make sure the toy is safe: it should be made of high-quality materials, have no sharp edges or small parts that could be swallowed, and be free of toxic coatings or any unusual chemical smells.
With this approach, you'll select the best Montessori infant toys, ensuring your child not only develops but grows up healthy and happy.
Types of Toys for Infants Under One Year
Let's explore the types of Montessori infant toys available:
Toys for Developing Motor Skills
Little hands are just beginning to master simple movements, so toys that stimulate finger movements help strengthen fine motor skills. These may include various soft blocks, fabric books, colorful balls, or grasping toys.
Toys for Sensory Development
Infants are susceptible to textures, sounds, and colors. Toys made from different materials that can be squeezed or shaken help little ones discover new sensations. These might be toys with bells or soft, textured balls.
Toys for Hearing Development
Babies start paying attention to sounds from their earliest days. Toys that produce sounds help develop auditory attention and an understanding of cause and effect. These can be rattles, teething rings, maracas, or musical toys (just not the ones that play sounds randomly and uncontrollably).
Toys for Visual Development
Bright colors and simple shapes attract a newborn's attention. Toys with contrasting colors or simple images that are easy to focus on stimulate visual perception.
Entertainment Toys
For playtime, it’s important to combine interest with simplicity. These can be soft plush toys, floor toys for infants, interactive toys with movements, or sounds that captivate the child and help them concentrate on the game. A great example is the Bear Musical Toy.
Bath Toys
Once a baby can sit confidently without support, they play more actively. In the bathroom, they might enjoy rubber ducks, little boats, or rubber massage balls that can be caught in the water. The main feature of bath toys is that they must be waterproof. It’s preferable that water does not enter the toy, as trapped water can lead to mold and unpleasant odors. Therefore, squeaky toys—even if made of rubber—are not the best option. The toy should be solid so that it can be easily dried after bathing.
Teething Toys
Around the age of 6 months, a baby’s gums become very sensitive. The first teeth usually appear around 7-8 months, but even no,w the child needs objects that help reduce gum itch and soothe their gums. Teething toys typically have various textured surfaces and are usually made from non-toxic, food-grade silicone. These toys may contain water or gel inside, so they can be cooled and given to the baby, enhancing the effectiveness of the teether.
Best Montessori Baby Toys by Developmental Milestones
Now, let's explore which types of toys are suitable for each age group.
0–3 Months: First Discoveries
In the first few months, infants are just beginning to recognize colors and learn to differentiate the voices of their loved ones. At this stage, you can offer them Baby Gym Toys—mobiles attached to strings at a height so that the child can see and try to grasp them with their little hands. It is important that these mobiles feature high-contrast, simple patterns, as research shows that infants best recognize high-contrast images rather than overly colorful and bright toys. You can hang mobiles above the crib or cradle or simply lay your little one on a mat and attach picture cards to the bars of climbing frames, such as the Climbing Triangle or Montessori Arch.
You can even purchase a ready-made Baby Play Gym that includes both a climbing frame and mobiles. These floor toys for infants can be used together, and later, as your baby grows, you can turn the cards into a book with a string while using the triangle or arch separately. With such climbing frames, little ones can hold on to them as they learn to stand independently. Later, when their muscles are strong enough, they can take their first steps with support from the bars and eventually incorporate these elements into their active play. This is a practical toy that remains a valuable part of the child's room for a long time.
Another wonderful toy that you can use for an extended period—even when your child becomes a teenager—is the Sensory Pod Swing. When you are tired but need to soothe your child, simply take your baby into your arms, settle comfortably into the Pod Swing, and gently rock together—it will be a wonderfully pleasant experience! As your child grows, they can swing in this soft swing on their own. The swing is enclosed by a cocoon on three sides, which minimizes the risk of falling, unlike regular swings. Additionally, this equipment provides gentle sensory stimulation, making it both fun and beneficial—a true two-in-one solution.
3–6 Months: Exploring the World Through Touch
At this stage, your baby actively grabs objects to explore their texture, shape, and sound. The ideal toys for a 6-month-old (and slightly younger) are those that are easy for little hands to hold. The best options for this period include various soft blocks, sensory balls, and rattles.
6–8 Months: First Attempts to Sit and Crawl
Montessori toys for 6-month-olds become much more varied, as the child can already sit well, actively crawl, and show interest in everything within their field of vision. This is also the time when the first teeth begin to emerge, and your little one may try to put everything in their mouth to bite, chew, or soothe their gums. Considering this, at this stage you can offer teething toys, sorters, busy boards, blocks, and pyramids that they can assemble.
9–12 Months: Phase of Active Exploration
This milestone is marked by your baby attempting to stand and beginning to learn to walk. To help your little one in this phase, you can offer Montessori toys for 9-month-olds and older that have wheels so kids can pull them along or push ahead. Additionally, during this period, the child can explore Montessori climbing frames by crawling around them, standing while holding onto the bars, etc. Montessori toys for 1-year-old children may also include interactive books or toys with moving parts. This is also a great time to introduce your child to various sensory games—such as playing with sand, playdough, or sensory balance boards.
Recently, we also shared insights about creating a Stimulating Environment for Childhood Early Development. We are confident that by knowing how to create a harmonious space and choosing quality toys, you will create a truly inspiring environment for your little one to master new skills and develop actively.
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