Toddle & Learn

Montessori-style play, stage by stage

Montessori Toys by Age: Honest Guides for Parents

Clear, honest guides to choosing Montessori-style toys, books and activities for babies and toddlers, stage by stage. Written for parents and caregivers.

Browse guides by age

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Babies · 0–12 months

Toddlers · 1–2 years

Preschoolers · 3–4 years

Parent toolkit

How to Set Up a Montessori Toy Shelf and RotationA simple, low-cost way to set up a Montessori toy shelf and rotation at home.Read guide →Toy Safety Checklist for Babies and ToddlersA practical toy safety checklist for parents of babies and toddlers.Read guide →Montessori-Style First Books for Babies and ToddlersHow to choose and share Montessori-style first books with babies and toddlers, stage by stage.Read guide →Montessori Practical Life: Everyday Ways Toddlers Can Help at HomeMontessori practical life for toddlers: simple, real household tasks by age, based on pediatric guidance, and how to set them up.Read guide →Outdoor Nature Play for Babies and Toddlers: Simple Ideas by AgeSimple outdoor nature play ideas for babies and toddlers, based on AAP guidance: why it helps, what to try at each age, and what you don't need to buy.Read guide →Music and Movement for Babies and Toddlers: Simple Ideas by AgeEasy music and movement ideas for babies and toddlers, based on AAP and Head Start guidance: why it helps, what to try at each age, and what you don't need to buy.Read guide →Pretend Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers: An Age-by-Age GuideHow to encourage pretend play with toddlers and preschoolers, based on AAP guidance: why it helps, what to try at each age, and simple props you already have.Read guide →Block Play for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers: An Age-by-Age GuideHow block play develops from babies to preschoolers, what blocks to offer at each age, and how to set up block play at home, based on NAEYC and Penn State Extension guidance.Read guide →