Montessori Newborn Play 0-3 Months

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I love the newborn stage. I know not everyone does but I truly adore it. I love watching them begin to concentrate and become more interactive. The newborn stage is not what most think of when they think of Montessori but there are plenty of ways to practice Montessori during this stage.

Montessori social media often shows the newborn stage as a baby sitting under a mobile and while that does happen here that is definitely not the majority of the newborn stage.

I love Montessori in the newborn stage because it is a real reminder of what Montessori is actually about. It’s not about the toys, but about following the child and showing them respect. So much of the newborn stage is responding to their needs, getting to know them as a unique person, holding them when they ask, narrating our actions before we move their bodies. The most important “toy” to a newborn is you. Looking in their eyes and talking is one of the most enriching activities.

Freedom of movement is also an important aspect of Montessori in the first few months and beyond. This often looks like limiting baby containers (such as swings, bouncers, etc.) and opting for more free movement time on the floor instead. We did use a bouncer for a short time with my son, but very rarely. Most of these things are totally fine in moderation (though certain types are never recommended by physical therapists and I always recommend checking there first). We haven’t used with my daughter. Freedom of movement can also be encouraged by leaving baby’s feet bare instead of constantly covered in pajamas. This allows the baby to grip the floor better.

A note on tummy time: tummy time is somewhat controversial in the Montessori world. I believe this is largely because many who follow Montessori are also inspired by RIE which doesn’t do tummy time. RIE prioritizes natural gross motor development and sees the tummy as a position babies cannot get into themselves and thus prefers the baby be placed on his or her back. I personally believe tummy time benefits outweigh this and feel there really isn’t any position babies can get into themselves.

While toys are not the focus of Montessori in the newborn stage (or beyond), there are some simple toys that can be wonderful to engage a newborn.

High Contrast Visuals

Newborns are drawn to high contrast, black and white patterns because their eyesight is not fully developed. Black and white cards are a great way to engage newborns. I will use them for tummy time, for visual tracking while my newborn lies on my legs, or just for them to look at while they lie on their back.

Most black and white card sets have some more simple and more complex ones. Start simple and then introduce more complex.

Mobiles

There is a wonderful series of Montessori mobiles that follows the development of the newborn’s eyesight. It starts with the simple black and white Munari mobile. This one is perfect for a newborn because of the high contrast colors. It is introduced in the first weeks of life.

At around 6-8 weeks (though I waited a bit longer with both children) we switch to the Octahedron mobile. This one uses primary colors which are the first colors the newborn begins to discern.

Following the Octahedron mobile comes the Gobbi mobile. This one uses different shades of the same color. Infants begin to discern shades closer to 4 months so this mobile is introduced later in the newborn stage. My daughter is 3 months now and I have not yet introduced it but plan to soon.

Finally, there is the dancer mobile which is a sweet mobile that is generally introduced after the other three in the series. It is light and airy and beautiful.

Our favorite mobile with both children, however, has been the Lovevery Munari inspired mobile. It is similar to the Munari mobile in that it has black and white high contrast colors but it is in a spiral pattern both my children loved. It also flips over to show color on the other side.

Nature also makes some pretty great mobiles that newborns can enjoy by lying under a plant or tree.

Following visual mobiles comes the introduction of tactile mobiles such as ribbons, bells, and hanging balls. However, this is usually at the end of, or more likely, after the newborn stage.

The visual mobiles are hung 8-12 inches above the baby as their eyesight can focus at about that distance in the beginning. You can hang from a hook on a ceiling, from a mobile hanger, or on a play gym (which is what we do). The Pikler triangle also works for hanging mobiles if you have one!

Mirrors

I think a mirror might be the most essential Montessori toy for a newborn. It grows with the child, but in the newborn stage can really engage them as they watch themselves in the mirror. I love having a tummy time mirror for moving around as well as one mounted to the wall in the movement area. Always make sure to opt for a child-safe mirror!

Mirror balls are also incredible for newborns. These were my daughter’s favorite and continue to be at 3 months old. My son, who recently turned 2, loves them as well.

Play Gyms

I wouldn’t necessarily consider play gyms Montessori, however, a simple play gym rather than a complex one with bright colors, lights, and sound can be a wonderful Montessori-aligned toy for a newborn. We have two we love: the Lalo one and the Lovevery one. Both are simple and passive (no lights or music). Our Lalo one gets taller with the play tent extension so we use it to hang the Montessori mobiles which I love.

Topponcino

Another Montessori newborn item we love is the topponcino. Based on the plans drawn up by Dr. Montessori, the topponcino is a thin pillow that acts as a resting place for a baby. It can be a familiar place for them to lie while under a mobile or while someone else holds them. We love it as a safe way to let my son hold her. During the final weeks of pregnancy I began sleeping with it so that the scent would be familiar. We made our own based on the plans on the Topponcino Co website but they can be purchased as well.