At six months old, babies can already sit, grasp various objects, and examine them, reacting to some games offered by parents (peek-a-boo, for example). With each passing day, children become even more excited and curious, so the options for 6-month Montessori activities gradually increase. Some parents say that at this age, their child starts to show interest in their smartphone because something captivating is happening on the screen. In other words, the baby begins to wonder what is happening around them, what objects surround them, and what sounds they hear.
From a scientific perspective, six months is when a child's hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills begin to develop, as well as their sensory perception. Therefore, babies eagerly explore objects with different textures, attempting not only to understand how they feel but also how they taste: it's a period when practically everything the baby touches ends up in their mouth very quickly. That's why it's essential to choose Montessori toys for 6-month-olds responsibly.
Characteristics of Montessori Toys for 6-Month-Olds
Considering all these facts, we can briefly outline the main characteristics of toys for 6-month-old babies:
- Toys must be safe. They all must be secure, but options without detachable small parts that can be swallowed are essential for six-month-old babies. They should also be products that do not emit toxins.
- They should have different textures to touch to familiarize the child with various tactile sensations.
- Different cardboard books, rubber toys (look for such books in the bath toy section), etc., can be offered. The main goal is to show different animals, vehicles, etc., and to vocalize the sounds associated with these animals.
- Simple musical instruments: children's drums, xylophones, etc. The child is ready to explore different sounds so that specific experiments can be allowed.
Always consider that the baby will lick, bite, and shake all toys. Therefore, these items must be very sturdy and safe — make this the main focus.
What Should Not Be in Toys for a Six-Month-Old?
We have already explained why small or poorly attached details are taboo for baby toys. But there are a few more important points.
- Traditional toys are often loud, bright, and noisy, etc. This leads to hyperstimulation of the child's senses, which is unnecessary. If a toy makes very loud sounds, the baby will react to them, but this is not beneficial. If a toy is very bright, it will attract the baby's attention, but it overwhelms and tires rather than entertains.
- Soft toys with fluffy coverings can be given to play, but only under parental supervision. Such toys have small eyes and noses, so it is necessary to ensure that the child does not tear them off or swallow them. Again, the baby will try such a toy by taste, which also makes no sense for development.
- Unrecognizable shapes are also unnecessary for a child. A few years ago, there was a real boom in toys that were impossible to identify: is it an animal? Is it some figurine? How to explain to a child what this object is if even an adult cannot guess its purpose? Fortunately, this trend is disappearing from the market, and more simple, understandable, and useful options for children's development appear. Various cubes, triangles, pyramids, busy boards, and sensory panels allow you to explore different textures. Please choose such toys for babies — simple, understandable, safe, and beneficial.
It doesn't matter if you intend to follow the Montessori education method or not. The approaches to choosing toys for six-month-olds mentioned above are universal. Montessori toys for 6-month-olds are all those options that meet safety and development criteria.
Benefits of Montessori toys for 6-month-old
Montessori toys are carefully crafted to align with the principles of Maria Montessori's educational philosophy. For 6-month-old children, these toys have specific characteristics:
- Enhance cognitive development and sensory perception: Montessori toys for 6-month-olds prioritize sensory experiences, inviting children to touch, feel, hear, and see the world around them.
- Encourage fine motor skills: Engaging with Montessori toys at 6 months, shaking and manipulating them, strengthens infants' fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Montessori toys for babies often have a simple design, allowing children to focus on exploration and interaction without unnecessary distractions.
By selecting suitable Montessori activities and toys that best suit this stage of development, you help babies develop harmoniously and happily.
What to choose so that the child finds it exciting and beneficial? More high-quality and truly attention-worthy toys are on the market than ever, so this task will not be too difficult for parents and educators.
Here are a few excellent examples of Montessori toys for 6-month-olds:
- Soft fabric books with simple patterns
- Colorful rattles and shakers
- Wooden grasping toys
- Soft fabric balls
- Sensory board with different textures and materials
- Nesting cups or stacking blocks
- Mirror toys for self-discovery
Parents can help their babies thrive by providing a nurturing play environment and selecting appropriate toys. All these Montessori toys support babies' development and allow the little ones to explore the world surrounded by truly engaging and enjoyable items.