Montessori with an infant involves creating a safe and nurturing environment that supports the baby's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. The Montessori approach is based in respect for the child and encourages parents and teachers to observe the baby's behavior and natural rhythms and to respond to their needs with warmth and sensitivity.
Here are some principles and activities that can be applied to Montessori with an infant:
Focus on the environment: In Montessori, the environment is seen as an important factor in the child's development. For babies, this means creating a calm, safe, and visually interesting environment that is conducive to exploration and discovery. In Montessori, it is generally preferred that items in the baby's environment are made of natural materials such as wood. An easy way to set up a Montessori environment for an infant is to provide a movement area: a mat or blanket on the floor where the baby can play and explore with a low shelf or basket of interesting, developmentally appropriate toys nearby (toy recommendations: 0-6 months, 6-12 months). A long, low mirror is another staple of a Montessori infant environment to encourage the baby to gain an awareness of their body in space. Montessori mobiles are another staple of a Montessori infant environment (see below). Once the baby is on the move, they should have a safe, baby-proofed "yes space" to explore, such as a room or a few rooms of the house (it should be larger than just a playpen).
Encourage independent play & concentration: Even very young infants are capable of independent play, a skill that builds concentration and independence. By providing simple, age-appropriate toys and materials (recommendations linked above), parents can encourage their baby to explore and engage with their environment on their own terms. This might involve providing toys that encourage grasping, shaking, and exploring with the senses, such as soft balls, rattles, and textured fabrics. Parents and caregivers should promote their infant's concentration through providing a peaceful environment and not interrupting their focus.
Observe & follow the baby's natural rhythms: In Montessori, the child's natural rhythms and interests are seen as important factors in their learning and development. This means following the baby's lead when it comes to feeding, sleeping, and play. By observing the baby's behavior closely and responding to their needs with warmth and sensitivity, parents can help the baby feel safe, secure, and loved.
Provide opportunities for movement: Montessori emphasizes the importance of movement and physical activity in the child's development. For an infant, this means providing opportunities for tummy time, rolling, crawling, and eventually standing and walking. Baby containers such as swings, exersaucers, seats that sit a baby up, and bouncers are generally used minimally or avoided by families who practice Montessori because excessive use of these can inhibit a baby's natural physical development. A safe and supportive environment that encourages movement and exploration helps the baby develop strong gross motor skills.
Foster language development: Even very young infants are capable of beginning to learn language. In Montessori, parents are encouraged to talk to their baby in a clear, simple, and respectful way, using real words and avoiding baby talk. Montessori families often speak to their baby throughout the day, narrating daily routines such as dressing and diaper changing. Reading books (recommended books here) and singing songs are also important for fostering language development. See Daisy Plays speech courses for in-depth information and assistance with infant language development.
Applying Montessori with an infant means creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that allows for freedom of movement and supports the baby's natural development. By observing the baby's behavior and responding to their needs with warmth and sensitivity, parents and teachers can help baby develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to thrive.
Montessori Topponcino
The Montessori topponcino is a traditional baby cushion that is often used in Montessori-inspired nurseries and homes. It is a thin, rectangular cushion that is usually filled with a soft and supportive material, such as cotton batting or buckwheat hulls. Find Topponcino options here or on Etsy.
The topponcino is designed to provide a comfortable and supportive surface for the baby to lie on, as well as a secure and cozy environment for the baby to be held in. It is often used as a transition aid for newborns, who may feel disoriented and insecure in their new environment. It is seen as a key tool for fostering a sense of security and independence in the baby. By providing a comfortable and familiar surface for the baby to rest on, parents and caregivers can help the baby feel at ease in their environment. It is used as a portable and flexible surface that can be easily moved from room to room with the baby or taken on outings. It is also designed to be easily washable and durable.
Montessori Mobiles
Montessori mobiles are a set of visual mobiles designed specifically for infants between the ages of 0 and 3 months. They are designed to stimulate infants' senses and support their development. While they are not necessary to practice Montessori at home, Montessori mobiles can be a great addition to your Montessori infant environment. Find Montessori mobile options here or on Etsy.
There are four main types of Montessori mobiles that are introduced in order:
Munari mobile: This is the first mobile introduced to infants and features black and white geometric shapes. It helps babies develop visual focus and tracking skills.
Octahedron mobile: This mobile features colored shapes in different shades, which help babies develop color discrimination and visual focus.
Gobbi mobile: This mobile has a series of graduated shades of the same color that move gently, which helps babies develop visual discrimination and depth perception.
Dancers mobile: This mobile has small human-like figures hanging from it, which move gently and help babies develop visual tracking skills and depth perception.
Montessori mobiles are typically hung above the infant's movement area or changing area. They are designed to be simple and visually appealing, with minimal distractions. As the baby grows and develops, parents can introduce more complex toys and activities that promote exploration and learning.
See the books The Montessori Baby and Babies Build Toddlers and the podcast Montessori Babies for more information on applying Montessori at home with infants.
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