With each passing day, I see more movement with my munchkin. She manages to turn about 180 degrees when on her tummy and even rolls to her side. We give her ample of opportunities for movement during her waking hours. She has also become very responsive when we speak to her. Each step is a milestone in itself and I’m sue you are going through the same feelings of excitement with every new move your baby makes. I would love to hear about it.
Considering all the movement going on with the munchkin, there are some things that we can do to encourage them some more.
Feet Fun
I came across this on another blog and thought it was a great idea. What you can do is sew a bell, big button or something similar on to your baby’s socks and make them wear it. This engages them to quite an extent and they try to reach out to them. Apart from keeping them busy, it builds concentration, hand-eye coordination, develops muscles, and encourages exploration.
If you are not able to sew something on, you even get socks online that have some figure already on them. Do give it a try when you feel your baby has started noticing their legs and has developed certain level of movement.
Montessori Puzzle Ball
This is something I wish I had made (rather asked my aunt to make). It’s a great DIY for mommies good at sewing.
A great developmental toy that allows a lot of grasping opportunities. It is made in such a way that the baby can hold the ball from any angle and it does not even roll too far away from them. It is soft and so babies can even chew on it. The bell in it also attracts the baby with its soft pleasant sound.
Babies enjoy playing with the Puzzle Ball and use it for many months. If you would like to make one for your munchkin, this link has a great tutorial.
Interlocking Rings
Three or four rings, which interlock and are preferably made of metal or wood – different materials produce a different sound. Develops grasping and should be placed within baby’s reach. I had interlocking bangles and used those; you could also try something similar.
Commercial rattles
Again not the noisy plastic ones and preferably ones made of wood or natural materials. Look for rattles that are easy for the babies to hold and make a sound themselves. Good for auditory and tactile experiences. Companies like Aatike and Shumee make good wooden ones and can be easily bought online.
Play Gym
By now I am sure you have understood the important of freedom of movement in the Montessori Method. Allowing your baby to move around and explore their environment without restrictions (we must of course always be careful). One of the best ways for this is using a Play Gym.
It gives the baby a free movement area, objects to develop their senses and encourages independent play. Additionally, it can be moved around and setup at different places in your house as per your convenience.
There are various types of Montessori play gyms, which are simple and made as per the child’s needs. They are a little difficult to get in India (unless we have them made). Most of the play gyms available are extremely overwhelming for the baby with lights, sounds, and irrelevant toys hanging.
I was searching for a long time but was unable to source one. Around this time, my munchkin was gifted a play gym by her uncle. Unlike most mainstream play gyms, this one had no lights, sounds and simple toys (teether and rings) hanging from it.
The play gym gave her lots of time for independent play and she could grasp the toys, pull them, try to chew on it, kick in the air. I even had the option to remove the toys and hang the ones she used like the bell on a ribbon, rattle, etc. It was not a Montessori play gym however my munchkin loved it (and so did I!).
Do you use or plan to use a play gym for your munchkin? Do share your experience with us.