Exploring Montessori Activities for Your 3-6 Month Old

As a mom, I know how exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—it can be to engage with our little ones as they grow. In this post, I’m excited to share a selection of Montessori-inspired activities specifically for babies aged 3 to 6 months. This stage is all about discovery, and there are so many wonderful ways to support their development!

These activities are designed to stimulate your baby’s senses and promote motor skills while encouraging their natural curiosity. From tummy time with interesting textures to sound exploration with playful rattles, each activity offers opportunities for learning through play. I’ll also include links to resources that make it easy to implement these ideas at home.

NOTE: These age suggestions are just a starting point because every child is on their own unique journey. As a mom, I’ve learned that each little one develops at their own pace and has their own interests. It’s important to watch for your baby’s cues and adapt activities to what resonates with them. Let’s cherish this wonderful journey of discovery together!

Activity1: Tummy Time with Textured Fabrics

Best Overall Mat: https://amzn.to/4hxkk7J

Affordable Mat: https://amzn.to/4faDuPo

What to Do: Lay out various textured fabrics (e.g., silk, cotton, burlap) on a mat. Place your baby on their tummy and encourage them to explore the different textures.

Benefit: Strengthens neck and shoulder muscles while enhancing sensory exploration.

For tummy time with textured fabrics for a 3- to 6-month-old, aim for short sessions of about 5 to 10 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Here are some tips:

Start Slow: If your baby is new to tummy time, begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as they get more comfortable.

Monitor Comfort: Always supervise your baby during tummy time and watch for signs of fatigue or frustration.

Engage: Make it more enjoyable by placing interesting textured fabrics around them and engaging with them through sounds or toys.

As your baby becomes more accustomed to tummy time, you can increase the length of each session. The key is to keep it fun and stress-free!

Activity2: Sound Exploration and Cross-Body Coordination

Best Rattle Toy: https://amzn.to/4fxoqei Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and gross motor skills. This toy will later help your toddler with color recognition and color matching.

Best Interlocking Disc: https://amzn.to/4f9aR4V Perfect teething toy/ helps hand-hand co-ordination

What to Do: Introduce rattles, bells, or shakers. Allow your baby to shake them to explore the sounds. Use Interlocking disc for hand-to-hand co-ordination

Benefit: Enhances auditory skills and introduces the concept of cause and effect.

Activity3: Simple Grasping Toys

Note: Rattles are excellent grasping toys for infants

What to Do: Provide a variety of soft, safe toys of different sizes and textures for your baby to grasp and explore.

Benefit: Encourages fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Activity4: Mirror Play

Best Wooden Mirror: https://amzn.to/3UzqOcu

Best Budget Mirror: https://amzn.to/4fqNgfO

What to Do: Place a shatterproof mirror in front of your baby during tummy time or while sitting.

Benefit: Babies love looking at their reflection, which aids in self-recognition and social development.

Extra Activities for Home Play:

• Water Play: During bath time, provide safe, floating toys for your baby to splash and play with.
• Gentle Movement and Songs: Sing simple songs or nursery rhymes while gently moving your baby’s arms and legs.
• Outdoor Time: Take your baby outside for fresh air. Let them feel the grass or touch safe leaves.

I hope these activities are helpful for you and your baby! Enjoy this wonderful journey of discovery together!