A Montessori home may be devoid of traditional items which are usually found on a “must haves” list for an on-board baby, but it is definitely more helpful for your kid’s learning.
For new parents or the ones expecting a baby in a few months, there are hundreds of people wishing well and giving advice. What to do for your child and what you should buy to make sure that your child does not feel any discomfort. All the must-haves and must-haven’t which half of the time turn out to be nothing but myths and baseless facts. Your babies are considered as “fully human” and independent beings who are on an active, urgent journey to master their own inner and outer worlds. The goal is not to entertain or serve babies but help them walk through their child-led explorations and do whatever they can in their power. As per Montessori training, your kid needs only a little and this would not only be for the sake of having a pretty room but also a room which would help your child learn things faster. Basically the room is designed in such a way that helps the child learn the routine and orders, by keeping a specific area of the room for a specific purpose. Following we have mentioned what all is required:
Without a crib! Yes, cribs are not required but rather a low bed or even just a mattress. This helps the kid wander around without waiting and crying for someone to fetch him/her from the crib. Their journey starts as soon as they wake up and get out of the bed. Also, there are no toys or mirrors which helps the infant self-soothe, relax and ease into sleep.
As an infant, the feeding time is a very special time for the baby and the caregiver to bond. This comes with a special, comfortable place for the caregiver to relax on with the child and feed. This area does not include TVs or books or someone else to talk to as it is very well understood- this is a special time to bond for the caregiver and the baby.
As the baby grows, and interest in adult foods develops along with their ability to sitting upright unassisted, Dr. Montessori recommend to have a small table with chairs that the child could sit on without help. Sitting on high chair not only restricts their movement but also their understanding of eating like every adult around them. Small table and accessible chairs help them learn and copy what the adults around them are doing. Providing an open cup and a ceramic plate (as it won’t break from this height), would help them understand better.
This area is for diaper changing and getting dressed and is designed to facilitate care giving as an opportunity to interact. It is not with the baby perpendicular to you but in European style so that you can interact better and bond with the child as you change their diaper or clothes. Talking and telling them what you are doing, or to pull their arms through the sleeves, etc. helps them understand while also bond with you. If there is a little more space, they might as well make a basin with soap and towel. Next to which you can also offer a small potty as the child would need to learn once he/she turns one year old.
For an infant, who hasn’t learnt crawling and sitting yet, all you need is a rug to be placed on the floor and a mirror next to it. As children are very attentive from the beginning, the infant would observe his body more carefully. When he/she starts sitting on his own, you can add a metal bar nearby for helping them to try and stand up. Once they start walking, the house itself becomes the movement area for the child!
For kids, less is more. As much space he/she will get to explore, the more they will learn whereas a contrary situation of cluttered surroundings would distract them and stop them from exploring.
