Skip to main content

Purging the Baby Toys

When Henry was a baby, Morgan and I had no idea what Montessori -- or any other natural learning philosophy -- was. We just sort of went with a more commercialized and {this might not be the right word} "typical" American view of baby raising. This included a lot of plastic, noisy, light up baby toys. 

So, with baby Nora we are going to try a new direction, and purging the baby toys. Baby toys that light up, make noise or otherwise serve no purpose but to entertain are out. I don't think we will get rid of all plastic, because that's not in our budget, but some of it may go too.


Purging traditional baby toys can be a great way to start Montessori. Here are some Montessori friendly options to consider instead of traditional baby toys.

1. Minnesota Teether
2. Wooden Teething Rings
3. Bell Rattle
4. Wooden Baby Car
5. Knitted Nesting Bowls

Purging traditional baby toys can be a great way to start Montessori. Here are some Montessori friendly options to consider instead of traditional baby toys.
6. Rainbow Stacker
7. Clutching Toy
8. Ball Cylinder
9. Triangles
10. Wooden Keys

Anyone else use mostly natural toys or Montessori friendly toys with their baby? Are there products you would add to this list?\

 Don't Miss: A Montessori Approach to Purging Your Toys

Comments

The Maiden Metallurgist said…
You know we are super into a minimalist toy approach, and we love simple toys. Our kids too, they don't miss the plastic fischer price toys.
March 19, 2014 at 11:18 AM
Leslie said…
I can vouch for #5. One of the best toy purchases! They are versitale, soft, and colorful fun.
March 19, 2014 at 1:18 PM
Jen @ the mama years said…
We were just like you the first go-round, but I definitely want to make it more simple the next time around. Great ideas!
March 19, 2014 at 1:57 PM
yourmomdesigns said…
i so appreciate you listing my nesting bowls! i have three kiddos and had to learn how important and versatile simple toys are, and the nesting bowls were a part of that process.
March 19, 2014 at 3:52 PM
Audrey said…
I actually got some crocheted jungling balls from a market for my 2 year old to throw (it is apparently a long drawn out phase for us!) as he is a thrower when he gets cranky, but I keep thinking they will be perfect for the next bub to roll/feel/play with as they have a cool texture. I have gone through the same evolution in philosophy as you guys so this time round plastic noise is not on the agenda!
March 19, 2014 at 8:59 PM
Nicole @ The Kavanaugh Report said…
They are so beautiful! I was happy to feature your shop!
March 19, 2014 at 9:07 PM
kristin said…
Thanks so much for the ideas. Our little guy isn't interested in toys just yet, but he will be soon. I hate the thought of having lots of big, plastic things everywhere.
March 19, 2014 at 10:42 PM
Carrie said…
Thanks so much for including our Ball Cylinder! When we started our company it was so that I had better baby shower gifts. =) I hope either of these starter packs meets a price point for others: the smaller Newborn Pack http://www.beginningmontessori.com/newborn-pack/ or the larger Five Pack http://www.beginningmontessori.com/five-pack/ We stuck to natural materials as much as possible for our baby: cloth rattle, silver rattle, bell rattle, small wood grasping beads, silver interlocking rings, crochet interlocking rings, and Sophie the giraffe were early grasping materials. Lots of mobiles and accordion or board books.
April 2, 2014 at 3:27 PM
Mac Alvarez said…
Kids always love to play with some new things. Things that create sounds, things that move, things that sings; kids love them whatever it may be. There is no definition of a toy. You can surprise your kids by designing some stuffs in your own hand too. It's quite interesting to up-bring a child. New couples feel the excitement of having a children for the first time. However, these toys which you have mentioned seems so cool for the little toddlers.
Daily Baby Deals
July 12, 2016 at 4:42 AM

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

The Ultimate Montessori Toy List -- Birth to Five -- UPDATED 2019

When you are interested in Montessori, it can be difficult to know exactly what types of products you should get for your home. Or which types of "Montessori" materials are really worth the price. There are no rules about types of products can use the name Montessori which can add to the confusion. Not to mention, every toy manufacturer slaps the word "educational" on the package for good measure!

2019 UPDATE: This post has been updated to include a variety of brands and new product finds! Just a reminder that no one child will be interested in all of this or needs all of this. These toys are just here to spark ideas and give you a feeling for some Montessori-friendly options available! 


So, with this post, I'm going to try to help with this confusion! Here's a list of Montessori-friendly toys and materials for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 


First, let's clarify that there is no such thing as a "Montessori toy." Montessori never created to…
21 comments
Continue reading

Sensitive Periods from Birth to 6 - A Chart and Guide

Dr. Maria Montessori spent her life observing, studying, and writing about children. During her lifetime of work she discovered that young children move through a series of special times when they are particularly attracted to specific developmental needs and interests. She called these times, sensitive periods. During the sensitive period, children learn skills related to the sensitive period with ease. They don't tire of that work, but seek it, crave it and need it. When the sensitive period passes, this intense desire is gone, never to return. 

That doesn't mean the skill is lost forever once the sensitive period is over. Instead, it just means that it will take a more conscious effort to learn. As Dr. Montessori explains, 
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
"A child learns to adjust himself and make acquisitions in his sensitive periods. These are like a beam that lights interiorly a battery that furnishes energy. It is this sensibility which enables a…
2 comments
Continue reading

Working from Home with Kids - A Montessori Schedule

One part of my life that I haven't talked a ton about here on The Kavanaugh Report is how I'm a work-from-home parent. Eight years ago I started to work at home while parenting full time. For the first several years, I worked as a legal writer while maintaining this space on the side. When Gus was born, I moved into working on sharing our Montessori life full time. It has blossomed into a full time career sharing content here, teaching courses, and now the podcast! Through it all, my kids have been home with me. 
This all seems more relevant to so many of us now that Covid-19 has closed schools and forced parents to stay at home and work while caring for children. I'm not going to lie - it's tough. It's hard to balance work and kids, especially when children are used to a completely different routine. But, it's not impossible! And, it can even be enjoyable. 

As I talk about in my podcast Shelf Help, we block our days into 3 hours groups. It helps me remain fle…
2 comments
Continue reading