You know how everyone talks about how “the days are long but the years are short”? Well, I keep finding myself reminded of how true it is lately. It’s not always easy to hear in the midst of a crazy or overstimulating day. But it’s what I think of when the house is quiet and I’m browsing through pictures on my phone. I’ve known this for quite awhile now, but it seems to somehow be even more true with four kids. It feels like just yesterday that I was setting out 5 month Montessori-inspired shelf materials for Jack, and now they’re coming out for Jordyn.
Jordyn is 5 1/2 months old. She’s been developmentally interested in grasping toys, listening to different sounds from things in her environment, and teething objects. The materials that are currently out on her infant shelf fit those needs and interests. I include my kids’ current ages for materials or activities because I know that some find it helpful. However, I’ll also include a reminder that babies can each be at their own stage of development. So, what works for Jordyn right now might not be the best fit for all 5 month old babies. The most important factor that has helped me in choosing shelf materials has been observation.Â
Anyway, here are the Montessori-inspired materials that are currently out on Jordyn’s shelf:
Toys for Teething and Grasping
-Calmies Teething Ball
This teether has been perfect for both teething and grasping. It has been one of the easier materials for Jordyn to hold on to for longer periods of time and get into her mouth. The ridges are also created to be more soothing for teething.
-Itzy Ritzy Pineapple Teether
This silicone teether is cute and fun. It can easily be thrown into the fridge or freezer to make a colder teething object. We’ve also attached it with links to bring along on stroller walks.
-Clover and Birch Interlocking Discs
We love Clover and Birch products! These Montessori-inspired interlocking discs were part of their grasping toys gift set that we have from Jack’s baby days. The wooden discs encourage fine motor development. Right now, Jordyn holds these with one hand, but they will later encourage hand-to-hand transferring between the connected discs. I can’t currently find these in stock, but here is a similar option.
Toys for Sensory Experiences and Grasping
-Baby Paper
Baby paper has been a favorite for all four of my children. It is perfect for sensory exploration because of the fun crinkling sounds it makes. It’s also a great object for babies to learn to hold on to. Bonus- it can easily be thrown in the washing machine!
-Montessori Bell Roller
This Montessori-inspired bell roller is also great for various developmental stages. The shape and design of it makes it easier for babies to grasp and the bell provides a sensory element. The cylindrical shape of it makes it fun for babies to push around when they start crawling. This was one of the earliest toys that my kids have been able to hold on to.
-Oball Rattle
These Oball rattles were designed specifically to be easy for babies to grasp, thanks to all of the finger holes. The rattling balls inside it also make it a fun noise-making experience! Jordyn loves shaking this and hearing the balls rattle. It does roll away easily when dropped which can be less convenient at this age but perfect for beginning crawlers!
Manhattan Toy Skwish
I love the aesthetic of this natural wooden rattle, but even more so, the functionality of it. At 5 months, Jordyn can hold this well. She also loves to shake it to hear the beads move back and forth and chew on the wooden parts.
HABA Ball Toy
This grasping toy is an old one of Jack’s Christmas presents. HABA makes a variety of wooden toys and games that we have and love, and this toy is no exception. The balls are connected with elastic so they can move around. It’s been great for grasping and is also safe for teething.
Deer Teether
This is another Clover and Birch favorite. This deer teether is made from maple and has been hand-sanded to perfect smoothness. The legs make it easy for Jordyn to hold on to and she loves mouthing this. I think this one will be used for many months ahead when we enter more teething phases.
High-Contrast Fold-Out and Stand-Up Book
It’s no secret that we love high-contrast books in our house and have a variety of them that we use in the newborn and infant months. This fold-out book from Usborne pairs really well with tummy time. The book folds out and can stand up so it encourages babies to hold their head up to look at it.
Shelf materials can look different at 5 months of age depending on what your infant is interested in and developmentally working through. Each of my children have had some overlap in the materials and activities they engaged in at 5 months, but certainly many differences as well. Grasping and chewing materials have been some of Jordyn’s overall favorites as she continues to explore the world with her senses. Did your baby have any favorite grasping or chewing materials that I didn’t mention here? Please feel free to share below so we can add more ideas for this community!
If your baby is developmentally ready for more fine motor tasks like stacking or more sensorial experiences, here are some ideas for other shelf materials.
Leave a Reply