Advice to a New Mama Who Wants to Start with Montessori
Incorporating Montessori in your home since your baby was born can be a piece of cake.
Your newborn doesn't need many Montessori toys after all.
What your baby really needs is YOU.
How many times have you heard "skin to skin"? Having your baby on your body will help her feel safe in this new unknown world. She'll feel that she belongs here and that everything is alright. So before we talk about how you can support your baby in a Montessori way, do a little self-check.
During this time (especially first 6 weeks)
You need to:
hold and cuddle your baby
rest / sleep (I know I know..)
eat nutritious meals
notice your mental health (Are those just baby blues because your hormones are out of whack? Or could this be a sign of postpartum depression?) This is a big one! If not sure, always talk to your loved one and your doctor.
Did I say baby cuddles?
You shouldn't worry about:
cooking
cleaning
entertaining visitors (Unless you feel like, and they’re bringing you dinner or coming to help.)
your post baby body (seriously!)
I know what you’re thinking now..
How am I supposed to get sleep when my newborn eats so often? And how to eat healthy when I don't even have time to take a shower?
I hear you. And you're right. Things will look different now. You won't get uninterrupted eight hours sleep for a while. Neither will you have time to cook a three-course meal. But you still need to get some sleep and fuel your body with meals that give you energy.
After a few days home with our newborn, my husband thought it would be a good idea to order a 5 lb bag of gummy bears from Amazon. I didn’t care. I don’t eat gummy bears anyway. Sleep deprived with a baby attached to my body for what seemed like 24/7, I helped him with half of the bag. After finishing that bag, we talked and agreed that something gotta change.
So look again at the list and ask yourself: Is there an area that you need to work on?
Yes?
Then reach out to your support system and ask for help. This is more important than any Montessori toys whatsoever. Your baby needs you to take care of yourself so you can take care of her.
If things are working out, let's see what you can set up for your little one.
Montessori Activities for 0-3 Months:
Later during this stage, if your baby shows interest:
MONTESSORI Tactile Mobiles
Rattles
These activities will encourage your baby's movements and stimulate her senses. And those are exactly the two things your baby needs on top of all the cuddles she has been getting.
More Montessori activities: