Montessori is inherently simple, which is part of the it’s so great, however there are some tools that are nice to have. Let’s go over some basics to get you started.
Sensory bin tools
Scooping, pouring, pinching – these are all fundamental motor oils your child will learn by using these items. They are basic and affordable but so impactful. I tried to use what I had on hand for these exercises initially, but soon realized I needed smaller tools specifically sized for toddlers.
Open cup
This one’s easy, and you probably don’t need to even buy anything. Montessori suggested children start with a glass or ceramic open cup so they can learn the concept of being careful with breakable objects, along with drinking from an open cup, which is important for myofacial development. I’m somewhere in the middle with it, I don’t want my child breaking glass cups but I do want her to drink from a small open cup on her own – so this metal one was perfect!
Toy shelf/rotation
This really had kept the toy clutter overwhelm at bay. If seeing 30 toys at once is overwhelming for us as adults just imagine what it’s like for a small child or baby. I keep one toy (occasionally two) in each cubby of this shelf and if my daughter loses interest on one I will sal it out for a different toy. They always feel like they have me and exciting toys, without you having to buy a bunch! The absence of the toy is magic.
Forward facing bookshelf
Pretty straightforward but important nonetheless! Having books laid out in a way your child can easily see and access is crucial for raising an independent book lover. Try to keep the books on the shelf to a manageable level too so they can easily be grabbed out and aren’t wedged in covering one another. This shelf has built in shelves in the back for effortless book rotation which just makes it so convenient to swap books out/keep the shelves minimal.
Floor bed or toddler bed
I wish I knew about floor beds while I was pregnant because I would have gone that route for sure. We have a crib which luckily converts to a toddler bed so at least my daughter can get in and out by herself now. Floor beds are even better because they can have autonomy over their sleep from a young age, and you can lay with them at nap/bedtime (and sneak away easier once they are asleep too) if you live in a dry climate you may be able to get away with a mattress on the floor, however to be safe I would recommend getting a base to avoid mold/mildew growth between the mattress and floor. Get one that’s a larger size if you have the room and then you don’t have to buy a whole other bed for them down the line! Really you’re saving money. This one is so beautiful, plus they have twin, full, queen and bedside options! These are safe for even newborn babies if you use a firm mattress and have nothing else in there with them. A lot of babies actually prefer having more room and sleep better this way too.
Lovevery play gym/kits
Not a necessity at all but I had to add because we love them so much. You’ve probably heard of Loveevery if you’re around kids at all, the make Montessori so easy and I wish I had gotten this play gym for my daughter when she was a newborn because I just had no clue what to do with her and, like many babies, she hated tummy time. This would have made it so much more interesting for her I think. Their play kits are amazing too because they really do take the guess work out of Montessori for you.
Toddler tower
This tower is awesome because it’s 3 in one, so there’s never really any need to put it away! This one is also a weaning table and a chalkboard. It’s great to get your kiddo up to counter height in the kitchen so they can practice crucial motor skills like pouring, stirring, cutting and more.
Toddler knife
These are great to have when you’re cooking with your kiddo at the toddler tower. The wooden one is perfect for younger toddlers while the metal one is more appropriate for older toddlers. They love to imitate what you do and these allow them to do so while staying safe.
Stools
We have a stool by the front door as well as in the bathroom. The stool by the front door is to allow my child to sit down easier and put on her shoes, it also serves as a marker for where she can store her shoes when she takes them off- they go on or under the stool. Next to the stool by the front door is a low mirror and a coat hook so she can get her own coat and see herself as she puts a hat on. The stool in the bathroom is for your average tooth brushing and hand washing.
Dressing station
Putting out a few weather appropriate outfits at your child’s height is such a big step in fostering independence and small scale decision making. This system keeps everything organized and easy, but you could also fashion something yourself!
The toddler cabinet
This one’s free! Pick a low cabinet in your kitchen and let that be specifically for your child. Teach them that’s where they can access and put away their plates and utensils. You can even keep daily snacks in there for them to grab themselves! It can totally save you a meltdown- children crave autonomy. You can also have them help take their dishes out of the dishwasher and put them away in their cabinet.
I hope these tips help your toddler feel like they have more of a voice in your home, which truly does help reduce fussiness!
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