If you have a little one, you probably already know how important it is to encourage motor skill development in babies and toddlers. As they grow, discover, and learn more about the world around them, they need to be able to carry these lessons into their everyday life. The coordination of small muscles in the hands, fingers, and eyes with the right Montessori toys makes daily tasks easier and opens a whole new world of possibilities perfect for your growing baby!
Within the first year of life, your baby will develop critical motor skills that help them make small movements, and there are steps you can take to ensure that your little learner develops further fine motor skills.
Let’s look at the best 6 Montessori toys that will encourage your child’s fine motor skill development.
1. Colored wooden balls
Start slow and build your little one up with the best Montessori toys! Clutching and grasping are some of the first fine motor skills your baby will learn, so it’s encouraged you find toys that reflect this. There are countless suitable playthings on the shelves, such as colored wooden balls, that are fun to hold and shake, teaching your baby how to grab and clutch.
2. Stacking rings
Montessori toys such as stacking rings can boost both fine and gross motor skills as well as eye-hand coordination, making them a fantastic choice for your little one. For maximum impact and fun, choose a set with bright colors and a plush fabric that’s safe to explore however your baby feels necessary!
3. Cuddly Plush Toys
We don’t need to tell you why cuddly plush toys are important for your baby’s development – yes, there’s a reason why these toys have been around for over 100 years. Not only will your little one meet their first ever best friend, but a cuddly plush toy can also improve small motor dexterity. We love Saro by Kalencom Plush Sensory Toys that include rattles, crinkles, and are made with safe, durable materials.
4. Electric Cars
Perhaps one for the bigger little ones, electric cars can help your child fully develop and enhance their motor skills. Electric toy cars, like those from RiiRoo, are designed to look and work like real cars with many of the same features. For example, your son or daughter will learn to maneuver and control their car through the steering wheel. There are also small buttons to press which can enhance fine motor skills. Learning to steer the vehicle will also help with spatial awareness. Most adults would have loved something like that to have been around when they were younger!
5. Building Blocks
One of the top absolute must-have Montessori toys, a block set can motivate many important developmental concepts and fine motor skills. Building blocks teach valuable lessons and offer your little one some great entertainment for hours on end. It’s a win, win! You don’t have to search for too long to find building blocks, either – almost all toy stores and online retailers stock them. If you want a durable and stylish set that also includes opportunities for growing other fine motor skills, get The Block Set from Lovevery.
6. Play Gyms
The perfect toy for even the youngest of babies, a Lovevery play gym has many benefits that will encourage fine motor skills from early. The Parents’ Choice award-winning play gym includes everything your child needs in an activity gym and play mat. From batting and cooing to teething and learning to focus, this play gym will grow with your child to make everything from tummy time to playtime have a purpose. The Lovevery play gym is designed by child development experts so it’s been carefully crafted with safe, healthy, and ultra-durable materials for babies ages 0+.
Simply pop your baby on their back and watch as they interact with the hanging Montessori toys, the funky shapes, and the varying fabrics. As they reach and grab each separate element, they’ll develop better control of their arms and hands.
