Babies are always observing everything around them and learning as much as they can. Help your baby build hand eye coordination, a sense of curiosity, and gross motor skills with these Montessori baby toys.
The Best Montessori Baby Toys for 1 Year Olds
As a former Montessori teacher and mom of three, I have some opinions about the best toys. The word "Montessori" is not trademarked, meaning anyone can use it. While some toys claim to be "Montessori," not all follow the Montessori philosophy. These are my top picks of Montessori toys for 1 year olds that are true to the philosophy.
1. Piccalio Pikler Triangle Set
A Pikler Triangle is a climbing frame that supports babies and toddlers as they build gross motor skills. From pulling up to standing and cruising, the Pikler Triangle grows with your child. As your baby grows, they can learn to climb on the frame and even enjoy using the slide!
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Features a Pikler Triangle and Reversible Rockwall/Slide Ramp
- Supports balance, concentration, and independence
- Fosters pretend play
- Folds away easily when not in use
- Greenguard Gold Certified
2. Piccalio Foldable Helper Tower
Does your little one cling to your legs and beg to be held when you cook? Give them the boost with our Foldable Helper Tower. Instead of fussing, your little one can start stirring, chopping with a safe wooden knife, and tasting new foods. Before you know it, your mini chef will be able to make their own snacks!
Keep in mind that your baby should be able to stand independently to use the helper tower. Ideal for toddlers 18 months and older, parents should use their judgment about when their little one is ready to use this product.
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Adjustable standing platform
- Helps your child build independence, fine motor skills, and self-confidence
- Folds away easily when not in use
- Greenguard Gold Certified
3. Piccalio Reversible Chair and Play Table Set
While not technically a toy, this table and chair creates space for play. The Reversible Chairs flip two ways, offering two heights as your child grows or a stool for an adult. Or, repurpose the chair as a nightstand when your child outgrows it.
Montessori believed in child-sized furniture as it offers little ones independence. Use your play table for play, arts and crafts, mealtime and more!
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Reversible Chairs change heights as your child grows
- Fosters independence
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Ideal for children 18 months and up
4. Piccalio Play Mat
From the newborn stage through learning to crawl and playing on the floor, the play mat is ideal. For 1 year olds, the Play Mat is excellent for playing with blocks, snuggling up with a book, or exploring other toys. Even parents can enjoy the play mat for yoga or just as a cushion for your knees.
Montessori believed in offering several work spaces for children, including the floor. Montessori classrooms feature mats or carpets that children use to mark their workspace. The Play Mat is the perfect Montessori accessory for your home.
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Ideal for tummy time, crawling, play, yoga, and more!
- Features a waterproof cover
- Made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX® certified natural latex
5. Franksfactoryshop Knobbed Puzzles
The Montessori curriculum includes a lot of knobbed puzzles. These puzzles help prepare young children for writing, as they boost strength in their fingers while grasping the knobs.
This simple puzzle features shapes, helping your child learn about geometry. As your child grows, try these realistic animal and vehicle puzzles, too.
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Made of natural wood
- Fosters fine motor skills
- Simple shapes
6. Lovevery Play Kit
These Montessori toys for 1 year old are carefully designed for your little one's needs. From a basic threading toy to a pull toy, and stacking board, each toy fosters curiosity.
As your child explores the toys made of natural materials, they'll build problem solving skills. Plus, your child will build fine motor skills, and most importantly have fun!
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Set of Montessori toys for 1 year old
- Helps your child build problem solving and fine motor skills
- Comes with a play guide for parents
7. Maple Landmark Wooden Blocks
Simple building blocks are one of the best 1 year old learning toys. Wooden blocks are a classic toy with good reason. They foster creativity and fine motor skills, while creating opportunities for interaction with you or a friend. Plus, your 1 year old will enjoy hours of fun knocking over towers while also learning important lessons about gravity.
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Helps your child build fine motor skills and creativity
- Made in the USA
- Made of maple hardwood
8. Sarah's Silks Waldorf Doll
Build your baby's social and emotional skills with this adorable doll. While dolls aren't a feature in Montessori classrooms, many children enjoy playing with them. Also, they can provide comfort to your child as they become more independent.
Why choose this Montessori toy?
Encourages emotional growth and social skills
Made of organic cotton and wool
9. Honeysticks Bath Crayons
Encourage your baby to make their first scribbles with Honeysticks Bath Crayons. Just the right size, these chunky crayons are both fun and safe. While drawing, your 1 year old will learn about cause and effect and boost their fine motor skills.
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Large size is easy for your 1 year old to grasp
- All ingredients are food-grade
- Made of 100% pure New Zealand Beeswax and Soy Wax
- Rinse away with a wipe and warm water
10. Mushie Cube Sorting Cube
This Montessori baby toy is both fun and educational. Your little one practices putting coins or sticks into the container, building fine motor skills as they do it. The toy features two interchangeable lids, one for the coins, and one for the lid.
Why choose this Montessori toy?
- Helps your child understand object permanence and builds fine motor skills
- Features 2 lids to use with sticks or coins
- 100% BPA, BPS, PVC, and Phthalate free
How to Choose Toys that Align with the Montessori Philosophy
The Montessori philosophy is unique in several ways. Here are my tips for picking Montessori toys for 1 year olds:
- Choose toys made of natural materials. Opt for wood, metal, and fabric toys instead of plastics.
- Choose open-ended toys. These toys can be played with in multiple ways. For example, the Pikler Triangle can turn into a tent if you place a blanket over it. Or, build many different buildings out of the blocks.
- Choose toys that support independence and skill building. Montessori believed that young children have an inner drive to become independent. For example, although a Kitchen Tower is not a toy, it fulfills a child’s basic need to become more independent. Puzzles, blocks, and crayons can support fine motor skills.
- Go for real or realistic-oriented toys vs. pretend. Montessori noticed that children prefer working with real kitchen items instead of toys. Similarly, she believed children should have a good understanding of reality before diving into the world of fantasy. So, instead of Disney movies and toys, children should play with more realistic items.
Discover Magic with Montessori Baby Toys for 1 Year Olds
Montessori once said, "Play is the work of the child.” Every moment of playing with Montessori toys for 1 year olds builds your child's learning and helps them grow to their full potential. Which Montessori baby toy is your little one's favorite?
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