Montessori guide for your 2 month old
Your baby has been smiling at you for about a week now, they’re starting to make the cutest little coos and they’re staying awake for about an hour. You can only lovingly stare into their eyes for so long, so what do you do after that??? This simple guide will give you a few ideas on how to play with your two-month-old and some links to toys that are appropriate for their age.
I should preface this by saying that what works for my two-month-old might be more suitable for your baby at six weeks or maybe three months. You should always work at your kiddo’s pace and meet them where they are at. That is one of many reasons why I love Montessori because there is no pressure to keep up with society’s age guidelines.
Okay, now that we got that out of the way, here’s my short list of Montessori activities to do with your cutie baby!
Tummy time- It is recommended to start doing tummy time within the first week of your baby’s life, at least 2-3 times a day. This is not only important for their muscle development, but it also promotes sensory development. Being on their bellies allows babies to learn how their arms and legs move, and it is a whole new way of viewing life (literally). You can do tummy time anywhere where there is a firm surface or even on your chest for some extra bonding time.
Talking- Take advantage of this short period where you can talk to your kid and they can’t sass you back 😂 All jokes aside, this is one of my favorite things to do with Theo! I say simple sentences or copy the noises he makes and pause long enough to let him “reply”. Obviously, he can’t talk back yet, but he does make cute little noises that will eventually develop into words.
Read- Books introduce language, rhythm, communication, and voice recognition. Research shows children who were read to as newborns have a larger vocabulary and more advanced mathematical skills than other kids their age. We read as a part of our nighttime routine, and it’s another opportunity to get in some family bonding time.
Floor time- There is probably a better title for this, but it’s what I’ve been calling it since Henry was a baby haha! Just put your baby on their play mat and let them be. Don’t redirect, distract or interrupt them, just let them kick their legs around and look at whatever catches their eye. This is the first step of your baby learning concentration, self-confidence, self-regulation, and self-reliance. I know it seems small to let your baby stare at the ceiling fan for 4 minutes, but when you have a toddler who can play by themselves while you’re trying to cook dinner, you will understand 😉
Bell on a string- We haven’t done this yet, but once I notice Theo making more intentional movements with his hands, I will introduce it to him. The idea is to hang a string with a bell on the end of it for your baby to swat at. They will learn how to reach, grasp, and hit, and they can develop their hand-eye coordination.
Observation- This will be on every guide I ever post. The most important thing to do with/for your baby is to observe them and take note of what they’re working on so you can integrate activities and toys that will facilitate their growth.
Toy play- Your baby is still young enough to not really need toys. 100% of the things I do with Theo are toy-free. But, I know I’m not the only one who has the need to buy things on Amazon 🤣 So, here are a few things I found that could work for your two month old!
Mirror for floor or tummy time
Play silks for grasping, or waving in the air for them to look at
Bell on ribbon- no link but you can easily make it!
I have also linked my Amazon storefront if you want even more ideas! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I know it’s not much, but your baby doesn’t need much right now! Don’t put pressure on yourself to always have something to do with your baby. I often found myself feeling anxious and lacking because I always saw those Instagram moms with a new Ikea sensory table activity every day and a fresh toy rotation every week. (If you are that mom, please tell me how you do it haha). I, however, have had the same egg sensory setup since Easter 🤣 All of that to say- do what works for you and your baby, not for the instafamous moms. If you try any of these, be sure to send me a pic on Insta! I wanna hear from my fellow Montessori moms :)
XOXO, MM
