Yayy! We completed three months. Like my munchkin, yours would have probably got used to a routine by now for eating, sleeping, pooping, etc. Don’t worry if you still haven’t got there, some babies can take up to six months.
We saw in month 3 how the neck muscles have become stronger and she has discovered and begun using her hands too. This opens up a lot of things for us in terms of development. There is a lot more we can now offer to our babies, some recommended ones are highlighted in this article.
Bell on a ribbon
This is simply tying a bell (ghunghroo) to a ribbon with a bit of elastic on the top. This is tied above the babies play areas within her reach so as to be able to grasp and pull it. The purpose of this is to encourage the baby to reach out and touch / grasp the object. It also helps with visual development along with auditory development due to the soft sound the bell makes.
Ring on a Ribbon
This can be introduced a little later. Similar to Bell on a Ribbon, a ring/bangle (preferable wood or metal) is tied to a ribbon with elastic attached on the top. The ring/bangle should be big enough for the baby’s hand to fit and to be able to grasp it. The benefits are same as the previous one except for the auditory development.
Grasping beads
This is basically five wooden beads threaded and knotted together. The child is able to hold this in their hand and the smooth surface of the wood is attracting to them. They will of course put it into their mouth and it actually makes a good teether as well. This basically encourages grasping and hence development of the hand.
Rattle with Bells
No, not the regular noisy plastic rattles. This rattle is simply made to be able to fit into the hand of the baby with a soft musical sound to it when shaken. It is a smooth rounded piece of wood with a bell (ghunghroo) attached at either end. Make sure it is rounded properly so as to not cut the baby. This helps in tactile (touch) and auditory development for the baby.
Infant Mobiles
You must wonder how many are there? There are about 8 to 10 in total, introduced at different stages. It is not really necessary for you to use all of them. See what interests your child and pick accordingly.
“The children’s eyes are like two stars, fixed, looking intently at something. The logical conclusion is that in order to grow, the child in this first period of life must see many things. He must look at the external world in order to be prepared for the future, a future where he will be capable of movement.” - Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures
After the Gobbi, you can introduce the Dancers and then the Butterfly Mobile. Again, you can choose to do all of just choose which ones work for your baby and you.
The Dancers Mobile is made of metallic coloured paper. They are normally in shapes of human figures and because they move with the wind they come across to be as ‘dancing’. The light reflects off the paper used and it is this along with the movement that helps with visual development.
You can make your own Dancer’s Mobile with the help of this link.
The Butterfly Mobile is made up of 4 to 5 real looking butterflies (coloured both sides). Like the others, it is hung out of reach above where the baby lays during playtime. They are quite large and hence the colours and movement are clearly visible to the baby. Helps in visual development, concentration.
You can make your own Butterfly Mobile with the help of this link.
Which Montessori mobiles do you use for your baby?
**Images used are for representation purposes.**