Have you ever wondered if your child's electronic toys teach them valuable life skills they can use throughout life?
The problem with electronic toys is that they don't stimulate learning by engaging children to experiment with the world around them. It's easy to put a tablet in front of your toddler and let them entertain themselves for hours. But, this may be hurting them more than you realize.
Toys that allow children to hold and touch will enable them to imagine, play and learn. This is the purpose of Montessori toys, allowing children to manipulate learning through play. These toys also help children develop soft skills such as independence, adaptability, and fairness.
But, many parents don't know anything about Montessori toys or the concept of Montessori education. So, where did these toys come from, and how are they beneficial to your child?
Keep reading to help you find more about these toys and everything you need to know about Montessori education. We'll also provide the ten best Montessori toys for babies and toddlers!
Related: Best Activities for 12-18 Month-Olds: Play Ideas to Help Build Their Developmental Skills
What is Montessori Education?
Montessori education is a teaching methodology that encourages students to take ownership of their learning. It was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator, and innovator in 1907.
In Montessori classrooms, children are allowed a lot of freedom to explore and create while interacting with specially designed materials. With learning activities tailored to the individual, kids can work at their own pace and pursue topics that interest them while the teacher acts more as a guide than a dictator.
Montessori education also emphasizes social skills and collaboration, so kids learn how to work together quickly & enjoyably. All-in-all, Montessori education is about helping children develop vital life skills like autonomy and exploration to become confident and successful adults.
Why Are Montessori Toys Essential to Babies’ and Toddlers’ Growth?
Babies and toddlers learn best through exploration, immersion, and repetitive activities, which is exactly what Montessori toys offer! They foster self-learning and allow children to practice creative thinking by pushing buttons, twisting dials, and sliding objects from one place to another.
This type of play encourages cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and concentration. In addition, these toys' sheer variety of textures also stimulates sensory development by introducing children to taste, sight, sound, movement, balance, and more. As such, it's easy to see why Montessori toys should be incorporated into everyday playtime for babies and toddlers alike - they can maximize their immersive learning.
Also, if you need help finding the right products matching your child’s age, consider a subscription with 123 Baby Box!
Related: Cognitive Development Theory: How Parents Can Support It
The 10 Best Montessori Toys for Babies and Toddlers
Now that you know more about the concept and need for Montessori toys, let's figure out which ones are perfect to buy for your little one. Below are the best Montessori toys for babies and toddlers.
1. Stacking Rings
It's an old-fashioned toy, but stacking rings are perfect for babies since they can chew on them, and it's safe for them to do so. Also, many rings are colorful, allowing babies to learn different colors.
Finally, as they become toddlers, they can learn different combinations, patterns, and shape recognition. Consider this one if you're looking for a stack ring set to buy your baby.
2. Wooden Puzzles
Through wooden puzzles, babies and toddlers can practice problem-solving skills and learn how to self-correct. In addition, the process of organizing, categorizing, and arranging the pieces in a puzzle improves your child's spatial awareness.
With practice, they will conduct fewer trials and errors and begin to plan ahead, thinking abstractly about how the pieces will fit together. This wooden hexagon puzzle will help your child learn shapes, colors, and problem-solving skills!
3. Activity Cube
An activity cube is perfect for keeping your child entertained for hours. But it'll also help your child develop essential skills they'll use for a lifetime. For example, your baby or toddler will develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Also, the activity cube will encourage them to recognize different shapes and colors while developing problem-solving skills. This activity cube is the perfect addition to your child's toy box.
4. Pop Up Fire truck
Every child loves to play with toys that can zoom across the room, and a fire truck is perfect for them. In addition, the pop-up fire truck encourages children to learn counting and color recognition. The pop-up fire truck by the original toy company is the perfect Montessori toy for your little one.
5. Stacking Peg Board
A stacking pegboard is a perfect toy to help children improve their memory skills. They can determine which toy goes in which spot through trial and error.
In addition, your child will strengthen their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Kid's Corner Stacking Peg Board will surely succeed in helping your child improve these essential skills.
6. Building Block Set
Blocks are an essential toy that helps children learn shapes and develop different skills. Some skills they can gain from playing with blocks include creativity, fine motor, and intellectual.
Children are also able to build long-lasting friendships when playing with blocks. In addition, your little one will become confident in themselves as they create the tallest building in the world. If you're looking for a building block for your baby or toddler, this one from Melissa & Doug is perfect for them.
7. Wooden Magnetic Fishing Game
Before taking your toddler to the lake to go fishing for real, let them play with a Montessori toy first. A magnetic fishing game is perfect for helping your child improve their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
In addition, they'll enjoy catching the little fish for hours while pretending to be a real fisherman. The Wooden Magnetic Fishing Game by Nashrio will help them learn colors, numbers, and letters.
8. Wooden Car Ramp
Another Montessori toy that your child will love is a wooden car ramp. The toy allows them to play as a race car driver and engage in imaginary play.
In addition, your child will develop fine motor skills while learning about physics actions and reactions. Wood City's car ramp is the perfect toy for a toddler who loves to be the driver!
9. Stacking Wood Blocks Number Toy
Babies benefit from stacking toys because they learn how to pick up objects, control their fingers, and develop grasp and release skills. As your child grows into a toddler, they can learn how to count numbers, different shapes, and the letters of the alphabet.
Some stacking toys may only include one subject, such as learning numbers. But, others may consist of different shapes, numbers, and letters.
This one by Qzmtoy is perfect if you're looking for a stacking toy with numbers and shapes. In addition, your child will be able to learn basic math skills such as adding and subtracting.
10. Busy Board
A busy board is an excellent tool for parents to be hands-on with their children in learning and playing. Your child will develop fine motor skills, counting skills, and develop hand-eye coordination. In addition, your baby or child can develop problem-solving skills when playing with a busy board.
The busy board by Smarttwo will teach your child different days of the week, seasons, and months. Also, the board allows your child to practice using a zipper, tying strings, and different gears.
Related: Games for Babies: Play Time that Encourage Development
Consider These Best Montessori Toys for Your Little One
If you are looking for toys stimulating your child's development, look no further than Montessori Toys. These 10 best Montessori toys for babies and toddlers are sure to engage and entertain your little one while promoting learning.
The ten sought-after toys are perfect for developing cognitive skills, fine motor skills, and more. So watch your little one's eyes light up when they open their new toy!
