Introducing Montessori to your baby early on can help support their cognitive and motor development in a natural way. The Montessori method emphasizes sensory-based learning, and these toys are perfect for parents looking to integrate Montessori principles at home.
Right now, the best Montessori toy for babies is the Lovevery Play Gym. It features diverse textures, colors, and hanging toys that support baby’s sensory exploration and motor skills development.
Let’s explore the top 10 Montessori toys that will help your baby develop essential skills during their first months.
- Lovevery Play Gym – Top Pick for overall sensory development
- Melissa & Doug Classic Toy Bundle – Best Comprehensive Set for early learning
- Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic – Best for Visual & Motor Skills
- PlanToys Sensory Tumbling Toys – Best for Sensory Exploration
- Hape Wooden Rattle – Best Budget Pick for grasping and motor skills
- Grimm’s Rainbow Stacker – Best for Color & Size Recognition
- Montessori Mirror & High-Contrast Cards – Best for Visual Development
- Black and White Book for Infants – Best for Newborn Visual Stimulation
- Wooden Teething Ring – Best for Teething Relief
- Wooden Mobile – Best for Focus & Visual Tracking
Why Montessori for Early Childhood?
The Montessori method focuses on fostering independence, curiosity, and the natural development of children from an early age. This educational approach, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is based on the belief that children learn best when they are allowed to explore their environment at their own pace, guided by their natural curiosity. By offering toys and tools that encourage hands-on, sensory-based learning, babies are given the opportunity to engage with their surroundings in ways that stimulate both cognitive and motor skills development.
We’ve carefully selected these toys because they reflect key Montessori principles:
- Independence: Many of these toys are designed for babies to interact with on their own, without constant adult intervention, which helps build self-reliance.
- Sensory exploration: Babies in the 0-6 month range learn best through their senses, and each toy here supports this developmental stage, from visual tracking to tactile stimulation.
- Safe, natural materials: In line with Montessori philosophy, we’ve prioritized toys made from high-quality, non-toxic, and sustainable materials, which are essential for early learning and development.
Best Montessori Toys For Babies (0-6 Months)
| Toy | Description | Features | Pros | Cons | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lovevery Play Gym | Sensory play gym for multiple stages of development | Textures, colors, hanging toys | High-quality, multi-sensory, durable | High price point | 140 |
| Melissa & Doug Classic Toy Bundle | Montessori-inspired wooden toy set for newborns | Grasping toys, stacking blocks, sensory items | Affordable, durable, promotes motor skills | Fewer items, no formal Montessori guide | 50 |
| Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic | Lightweight grasping toy | Flexible rods, beads, visual tracking | Lightweight, colorful, non-toxic | Can be noisy | 18 |
| PlanToys Sensory Tumbling | Multi-sensory tumblers | Mirror, rattle, ball, sensory learning | Sustainable, tactile, durable | Only 3 toys included | 25 |
| Hape Wooden Rattle | Simple wooden rattle for grasping | Natural wood, non-toxic paint, soft sound | Lightweight, easy to grasp, safe materials | Limited engagement for older infants | 9 |
| Grimm’s Rainbow Stacker | Stacking toy for spatial awareness | Colorful wood pieces, encourages problem-solving | Non-toxic, promotes motor skills | Pieces can be cumbersome | 38 |
| Montessori Mirror & High-Contrast Cards | Mirror and high-contrast cards | Visual tracking, self-reflection | Affordable, visual focus | Requires setup | 35 |
| Black and White Book | High-contrast book for visual stimulation | Bold black & white images | Durable, stimulates visual tracking | Limited color variety | 12 |
| Wooden Teething Ring | Natural wooden teether | Safe, easy to grasp, natural wood | Natural, durable, safe for teething | Requires regular cleaning | 10 |
| Wooden Mobile | Handmade wooden mobile for visual focus | Natural wood, minimalist design | Encourages concentration, visual tracking | Requires secure mounting | 30 |
1. Lovevery Play Gym – A Sensory Learning Playground
The Lovevery Play Gym offers a complete sensory experience designed for various stages of a baby’s development. Its diverse textures, colors, and hanging toys encourage motor skills and cognitive development.
Pros
- High-quality, non-toxic materials
- Multiple sensory activities included
- Suitable for various stages of development
Cons
- Higher price point than other play gyms
Verdict: Lovevery Play Gym helps babies build motor skills while exploring their environment through touch, sight, and sound.
Pricing: $140
2. Melissa & Doug Classic Toy Bundle – Montessori-Inspired Starter Set
The Melissa & Doug Classic Toy Bundle offers a variety of Montessori-inspired toys perfect for early childhood development. This set includes wooden grasping toys, stacking blocks, and sensory items that encourage babies to explore and develop key motor and cognitive skills. It’s an affordable, easy-to-use set for parents looking to introduce Montessori concepts at home.
Pros
- High-quality, natural wooden toys
- Promotes sensory exploration and motor skills
- Affordable and durable
Cons
- Fewer items than larger Montessori sets
- No formal Montessori guide included
Verdict: The Melissa & Doug Classic Toy Bundle is an excellent starter set for parents looking for affordable, Montessori-inspired toys that promote sensory and motor skill development.
Pricing: $50
3. Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic – Stimulates Visual and Motor Skills
The Skwish Classic is a lightweight toy with flexible rods and beads that encourages babies to grasp and shake, improving motor skills and visual tracking abilities. Its colorful design attracts a baby’s attention, making it an engaging playtime option.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to grasp
- Colorful design that attracts baby’s attention
- Safe, non-toxic materials
Cons
- Noisy when shaken (may be distracting for parents)
Verdict: Skwish Classic helps babies enhance grip strength while exploring tactile play with movable rods and beads.
Pricing: $18
4. PlanToys Sensory Tumbling Toys – Encourages Sensory Exploration
PlanToys Sensory Tumbling set comes with three different tumblers, each offering unique sensory experiences such as a mirror, a rattle, and a ball. These tumblers are designed to enhance babies’ auditory, visual, and tactile senses.
Pros
- Made from sustainable rubberwood
- Enhances auditory, visual, and tactile senses
- Durable and safe
Cons
- Only comes in a set of three
Verdict: PlanToys Sensory Tumbling offers multi-sensory learning experiences that support babies’ exploration and sensory development.
Pricing: $25
5. Hape Wooden Rattle – Promotes Grasping Skills
The Hape Wooden Rattle is a simple yet effective toy for improving a baby’s hand-eye coordination. Made from natural wood with non-toxic paint, it’s lightweight and easy for small hands to hold while producing a soft, pleasant sound.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy for small hands to hold
- Natural wood with non-toxic paint
- Produces a soft, pleasant sound
Cons
- May not be as engaging for older infants
Verdict: Hape Wooden Rattle is perfect for promoting grasping skills and motor coordination in the early months.
Pricing: $9
6. Grimm’s Rainbow Stacker – Introduces Color and Size Recognition
Grimm’s Rainbow Stacker is a colorful, tactile toy that encourages babies to learn about size, shape, and color. Its wooden arcs are perfect for stacking and promoting early spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Pros
- Encourages early spatial awareness
- Helps develop problem-solving skills
- Non-toxic, water-based colors
Cons
- Larger pieces can be cumbersome for younger infants
Verdict: Grimm’s Rainbow Stacker is ideal for introducing size recognition and stacking skills in a fun, colorful way.
Pricing: $38
7. Montessori Mirror & High-Contrast Cards – Visual Development and Self-Discovery
This Montessori mirror and high-contrast cards set helps babies develop visual focus while encouraging self-discovery through their reflection. The black-and-white cards also stimulate visual tracking in young infants.
Pros
- Encourages visual focus and tracking
- Helps babies become familiar with their reflection
- Simple, effective, and affordable
Cons
- Requires adult setup on a stable surface
Verdict: Montessori Mirror and Cards are classic tools for visual development and self-awareness in the early stages.
Pricing: $35
8. Black and White Book for Infants – Stimulates Visual Development
This black and white book is designed to stimulate visual development in newborns by featuring high-contrast images. It’s perfect for helping babies focus and develop visual tracking skills during the first months.
Pros
- High-contrast black and white images perfect for newborns
- Durable, easy-to-clean pages
- Promotes visual tracking
Cons
- Limited color variety, may become less engaging over time
Verdict: Black and White Book for Infants is a simple tool for visual development and focus, ideal for newborns.
Pricing: $12
9. Wooden Teething Ring – Soothes Teething Discomfort
The Wooden Teething Ring is made from natural, untreated wood, providing a safe and durable option for babies to soothe their teething discomfort. It’s easy for small hands to grasp and hold.
Pros
- Made from natural, untreated wood
- Safe and durable
- Easy for small hands to hold
Cons
- May need regular cleaning to avoid bacteria buildup
Verdict: Wooden Teething Ring offers a natural, safe, and soothing option for babies during the teething phase.
Pricing: $10
10. Wooden Mobile – Encourages Visual Tracking and Focus
This handmade wooden mobile provides visual stimulation for infants while encouraging visual tracking and concentration. The minimalist design fits well in a Montessori-inspired environment.
Pros
- Handmade from natural wood
- Visually stimulating, minimalist design
- Helps develop focus and concentration
Cons
- Requires secure mounting
Verdict: Wooden Mobile is a great Montessori tool for developing a baby’s concentration and visual tracking abilities.
Pricing: $30
Final Thoughts On Montessori Toys for Babies
Montessori toys help foster natural development, encouraging babies to explore their surroundings and engage in sensory activities. Each of the toys listed here supports key areas of growth for babies aged 0-6 months, from visual tracking and motor skills to cognitive learning. For parents looking to apply Montessori principles at home, these toys are the perfect way to start building a foundation for independent learning and discovery.
These toys also make thoughtful gifts for special occasions like Christmas, birthdays, or baby showers. Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday present or a meaningful birthday gift, Montessori toys offer long-term value by supporting a baby’s development in a natural, engaging way. Start your little one’s Montessori journey today with a toy that not only entertains but also educates!