Why Montessori Baby Toys Are an Investment in Your Child’s Future

During this stage of life, children are constantly learning. Around their first birthday, most children learn how to take their first steps, say their first words, and use their hands for more complex actions.

According to UNICEF, these are the biggest social and emotional milestones for 1-year-olds:

• Social: Your child will start forming emotional connections, becoming cautious around new things and people, and showcasing preferences for certain toys. 

• Talking: They’ll start learning simple words like “dada” and “mama.” Also, they’ll start responding to your requests and making requests of their own.

• Cognitive: The child will start mimicking your actions, learn how to use common items, and engage in basic problem-solving.

Montessori baby toys can be the perfect addition to your child’s growth journey. They align perfectly with the child’s natural progression, enhancing each crucial developmental stage. 

Maria Montessori, a pioneering figure in early childhood education during the 20th century, was a strong advocate for children's self-discovery. She recognized the inherent curiosity in children and believed they should explore the world on their own terms.

To cater to this philosophy, she introduced a unique range of child-focused tools, deciding to call them ‘materials’ rather than ‘toys.’ For Dr. Montessori, the word 'toys' seemed too limiting; she thought of them as tools that help children shape their perspective.

• Safe for kids
• Crafted with precision and care
• Designed to foster self-exploration
• Supportive of developmental growth from infancy
• And most importantly, they're fun

No, Montessori toys are more than educational toys. While they help your child develop new skills, they do it differently than other educational toys. They provide more freedom to motivate children to improve sensory skills through play.

Balancing entertainment with learning is a tricky thing. As pediatric psychologist Deirdre Brandner points out, toys should enable children to explore the world and absorb knowledge naturally. Many educational toys miss the mark, failing to captivate a child's interest and imagination.

Montessori toys are actually a great investment for parents. They promote natural, self-motivated learning in children. Prices of these toys vary based on the type and age range of the toy. You can find many Montessori toys for 1-year-olds at prices below $60. You just need to know where to look.

It’s easy to see why so many people are concerned about toy costs for their kids. In the United States, childcare can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $24,000 per year. Spending additional money on educational toys for the first time would make anyone nervous.

Montessori toys combine traditional and modern principles. These toys nurture creativity, help with problem-solving, and even teach social skills. More importantly, they teach children lessons they’ll use in the real world.

How do we know this? We have science to back us up. A study published in the NAMTA Journal found that Montessori toys help children be more creative and social. More specifically, they’ll:

• Provide your child with the “just right” challenge for brain development
• Help the child avoid overstimulation and learn at their own pace
• Allow your 1-year-old to concentrate on a single task at a time

When introducing Montessori toys to your 1-year-old, you need to introduce them slowly and let them adapt and start playing with them at their own pace.

As research done by the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health shows, nowadays, many children are raised in a “pressured style” that may limit their potential. In an effort to speed things up, many parents interfere with their children’s development, forcing toys and educational materials too early in their development.

Here's our advice: 

• Ease into It: Initially, stick to the simpler Montessori baby toys. This gives your child the space to become familiar and comfortable, reducing any potential overwhelm.

• Progressive learning: Once they're at ease with the basics, start integrating more intricate toys that challenge and build upon the foundational skills they've already acquired.

• Respect their pace: Every child is unique in how they learn. It's vital to remember that steady, consistent growth often outweighs rapid, inconsistent spurts.

• Tune into their signals: Part of the Montessori magic is its emphasis on child-led learning. Pay attention to their interests and inclinations, letting them naturally gravitate towards what captivates them.

• Foster independence: Encourage your child to recognize and rectify their errors. This not only boosts their problem-solving skills but also nurtures a sense of independence and confidence.

• Prioritize safety above all: It's essential to ensure that playtime is safe. Following the Montessori philosophy, remember: Safety is key.

• Embrace repetition: Reinforcing skills through repetition is crucial. Whether they're building, sorting, or matching, revisiting activities multiple times strengthens their understanding and memory.