Stimulating Ideas for Montessori Baby Treasure Baskets on a Budget
On January 12, 2021 by Megan FolsomAs parents, there seems to be a lot of pressure these days to be a “Pinterest Mom.” People love to post about all of the fun activities they’re doing with their kids. Generally, I love seeing what others are doing with their littles, because it gives me new ideas and inspiration. However, it can be so easy to be overwhelmed by all the things you’re not doing.
With that pressure to do all the cool things, there comes with it another pressure. Sometimes, we see what everyone else has and feel to spend money to keep up with the activities.
I’m here to tell you that you don’t need MONEY in order to provide stimulating activities for your babies! You can offer your baby amazing opportunities for exploration and learning with things you already have at home!
Montessori
When I became a mom, I started learning about so many new terms, activities and words in the baby world. I because super interested in one that I kept hearing. Montessori.
According to Montessori-NW.org, it’s defined as “a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play.” Basically, as a teacher or parent, you provide the opportunity or age-appropriate activity. The child then has freedom to make the choices on and guide the activity on their own.
One popular Montessori-style activity for babies is the treasure basket. This one is SO simple and easy to do on a budget with items you already own. The main idea is to provide a bin or basket with a small variety interesting or new objects for your baby to explore. Once they can sit up unassisted, usually around 6 months or so, they are ready for the baskets.
General Guidelines:
- Find different textures and materials: leather, metal, paper, cardboard or wood
- Objects should be large enough to not be swallowed
- Avoid sharp points, painted objects (might chip in their mouth) and small loose parts
Object Ideas
From the Kitchen:
- Kitchen utensils
- Pots and pans
- Wooden spoons
- Stacking cups or bowls
- Measuring cups
- Clean sponges
- Whisks
- Silicone spatulas
- Metal rings from canning jars
- Closed container of puffs or anything else that makes sound when shaken
- Rolling pin
- Corkboard or Cork potholders
- Empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes
- Wax paper
From the Bathroom & Bedroom:
- Hair bows or ribbons of different fabrics (velvet, elastic, cotton, etc.)
- Electric toothbrush
- Regular tooth brush
- Makeup brushes
- Scrunchies
- Hair brush
- Large hair clips
- Spray bottle empty or with water
- Fuzzy socks
- New, clean shoes
- Handheld mirror
Other Random:
- Bows from gifts
- Wrapping paper
- Tissue paper
- Box of tissues
- Clothespins
- Large pompoms
- Pencil or make up case with a zipper
- Paint brushes
- Large stickers
- Decorative or cloth tape
- Painter’s tape
- Toy balls of different fabrics, colors and sizes
- Wooden rattles
- Empty or sealed medicine bottles
- Remote control without batteries
- Stress ball
- Pad of Post-It’s
- Furry stuffed animal
- Different textures of fabric
From Outside:
- Large seashells
- Pinecones
- Large rocks
- Sticks
- Flowers (no thorns)
Other Resources for Activities & Ideas:
Instagram.com/play_at_home_mummy
https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/montessori-for-babies/
https://www.howwemontessori.com/how-we-montessori/2018/08/treasure-baskets-to-love.html
Food is another HUGE learning opportunity and sensory experience for babies. Unfortunately, allowing them to play and handle their own food can come with a lot of messes. But, we’ve found that if we have these must-have products for cleaner, easier mealtimes, the messes can be a lot easier to manage!
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