Toddlers

Real Moms Review: Eco-Friendly Mochi Teethers

Japanese company, The People Toy Co., is known for creating innovative and fun products for babies and children. The Mochi line of teethers and toys are comprised of 51% food-grade rice and are free of harmful adhesives and paints. You can’t get more eco-friendly than that. As our Real Moms discovered, Mochi Toys provided hours of fun and teething relief!

From the minute we took the toys out of the package, my 9mo daughter favored them over the other toys in her basket. She was immediately drawn to the horn and loved surprising herself when she figured out how it makes noise. And the teething ring is also a big hit – the textures are a nice added touch. Both toys are easy to grip and chew, and they look nice too – I love the muted colors as opposed to loud/bright/primary like so many products out there. I’ll definitely be buying these as baby shower gifts and recommending them to friends! They are perfect for teething babies and I really love that they are made of rice and completely safe.
– Christine C., Mom to 7 Month-Old Daughter

When I received the Mochi teethers and started to read about the company I was very excited about the safe, eco-friendly teethers. My son is 11 months old and is a late teether so he is constantly putting everything in his mouth. It was a relief to know that I could trust these toys in his mouth. I was expecting to receive just a basic teething ring and wasn’t sure how interested he would be in it but I was excited when we got a trumpet that makes noise when you blow into it and a teething necklace. At first, I was more excited about the trumpet than Mikey. When I first showed him how it worked he was actually afraid of the noise of the trumpet. However, after about three days of slowly reintroducing it, he warmed up to it and started playing with it himself. He is now having fun with it as a toy. -Denalee M., Mom to 13 Month-Old Son

We were generously gifted the People Toy Company, Mochi trumpet and building blocks to review and our little girl adores them. In general, we try to get more green and less plastic toys so we really appreciate that the People Toy Company uses rice plastic! The innovative design uses 51% food grade rice and it has no toxic paints or adhesives, which is great because the trumpet and blocks immediately went into our baby’s mouth. Once I showed Mallary that the trumpet makes noise she wanted to start her own band! Fortunately for parents, it doesn’t make too loud of a toot and it’s not shrill either. Depending on if the baby is blowing in or out, it kind of sounds like a duck or quiet squeak! She picked it up very quickly and is so happy to play “music”!

Not only does Mallary enjoy blowing the trumpet but she has a great time smashing the block towers that I build for her. She also likes to bring the blocks from one place to another, place them in their original box or on her chair. There are several different shapes and sizes that are perfect for little hands. Mallary’s (8-month-old) nanny share buddy, drools and puts all the blocks in her mouth, and they both have fun shaking the rattles in the block set. It’s wonderful that the blocks are appropriate for a variety of ages. I’m looking forward to watching her build little houses in the next year. However, for now, she’s having way too much fun pretending to be Godzilla!

Thank you so much, Gugu Guru and People Toy Company for allowing me to review these colorful, environmentally friendly, and fun baby toys.
-Emily F., Mom to 14 Month-Old Daughter

Thank you so much for sending the Mochi Teether set for us to test. We have had a blast with the blocks. They were a hit from the get-go. My kiddo went straight for the rattles and ran around for a bit shaking them. The best part about trying them out was that for the first time my kiddo began building with me. I started stacking up some blocks and he joined in before knocking it all down. I’ve been keeping a couple of the columns near the changing pad since they have been super helpful keeping him calm and distracted during changes.

I also spent the last week visiting with several other similar age kiddos (5 months to 18 months) and they all loved them too. The parents all were curious about them (without me prompting them at all).

The trumpet has been well received too but due to the noise factor, it gets put away much of the time. My kiddo was pretty excited when he figured out how to work it.

Overall Mochi Toys have been a hit in our household and have been played with regularly since arriving.
-Laura S., Mom to 13 Month-Old Son

My one-year-old daughter thinks these blocks are wonderful! She loves to knock them over & they entertain her for a solid 7-10 minutes every time! The toy horn was a surprise for her to hear, & at first, she was scared of it, but after a few days she began to love it. She has even learned to blow the horn herself & thinks it’s so funny! I would definitely recommend these toys. It’s nice having the peace of mind knowing these are quality toys made from rice instead of harmful chemicals.
-Heather L., Mom to 11 Month-Old Daughter

Thank you to all of our Gugu Village Moms for testing the Mochi line of products and providing us with their honest thoughts. If you are interested in testing new products and meeting other new and expectant moms, join our Gugu Village, here!

Like what you see? Check out this other Real Mom Review:

Real Mom Reviews: Mumum Baby Food Maker

Toddler Tuesday: Hatch Baby Rest

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

For this week’s Toddler Tuesday, Gugu Guru mama of a three-year-old girl, Shana, talks about Hatch Baby Rest and how it helped her to encourage healthy routines with her toddler daughter.

“Mommy is it time to get up?” “Mommy, the sun’s up!” “Mommy, can I get up now?”

It is 5:45 am and this is life with a preschooler!

I knew it was time for a solution because even an extra 30-45 minutes of sleep is invaluable for a growing toddler. I researched a few different options that mostly involved digital clocks, anthropomorphized animals, and bright lights. Then, I landed on the Hatch Baby Rest.

As a minimalist, I love things that are multi-functional that have longevity. Hatch Baby Rest is a Night Light, Sound Machine, and Time-to-Rise indicator all in one. It’s also highly customizable – schedule, color, brightness, sound type, and volume can all be controlled completely from your smartphone and you can save your various programs. (Hatch Baby Rest can also be controlled manually by tapping it, if apps aren’t your thing.)

Hatch Baby Rest worked like a charm! The first few days my little one would still ask if it was time to get up and I would tell her to wait until the light turned pink and she heard the birds chirping (Hatch Baby Rest has 11 different sounds and 9 different color options.) Then, almost miraculously, she began sleeping soundly for an additional hour and not waking until it was time to start our morning routine! She wakes up well-rested for her busy day at preschool and mama gets a little extra sleep too!

Hatch offers a collection of fun coverlets to coordinate with your child’s nursery or bedroom too.

See more Toddler Tuesday posts here:

Toddler Tuesday: Huxbaby
Toddler Tuesday: London Littles
Toddler Tuesday: Lublini Custom Bedding

Disclaimer: Gugu Guru’s editor received the Hatch Baby Rest for review, however all opinions expressed are solely those of the editor.

Toddler Tuesday: Huxbaby

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: Gugu Guru’s editor received Huxbaby toddler apparel for review, however all opinions expressed are solely those of the editor.

For this week’s Toddler Tuesday, Gugu Guru mama of a two-year-old girl, Shana, talks about Huxbaby – an Aussie children’s apparel brand.

HuxBaby toddler fashion line is after my minimalist heart! Uncomplicated, a soft muted palette, stylish, and fun without being cutesy or saccharine. What’s not to love?

Their designs are made of organic cotton and are ethically produced. Double love!

My daughter adores her Leah Dress, which aside from the obvious reasons (it’s pink and pretty), I love because I can pair it with a pair of leggings (like HuxBaby toddler ribbed leggings) and put a a long sleeve tee under it for cooler temps.

Check out this Australian brand for yourself – and be sure to snag an uber cool DJ Hux tee!

About Huxbaby
Huxbaby is about minimalist fashions for kids with an adult level of style. The brand’s designs blend super soft organic cotton with a clean aesthetic – clothes that allow kids to be kids without sacrificing style.

Like what you see? Check out these other Toddler Tuesday posts!

Toddler Tuesday: London Littles

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: Gugu Guru’s editor received London Littles boots for review, however all opinions expressed are solely those of the editor.

Gugu Guru mama of a two-year-old girl, Shana, talks about London Littles boots and sand pits.

I admit, it may have taken a hurricane to make me realize my preschooler needed proper rain boots! I wanted something cute and stylish that would stand up to my nemesis – the sand pit at school.

London Littles checked both boxes and then some. Many of the rainboots available make you have to choose between either cute and flimsy or cute and so heavy your child has to clomp around in them.

While London Littles are sturdily made, they’re not too heavy for little legs. The quality is fantastic – even after many rounds in the sand pit, there has been no cracking or separation from the sole. Best of all, they’re super cute!

About London Littles
Inspired by their time living in London, and the curiosity and excitement of their own little girls, the founders created London Littles to capture the magic of childhood. Every day in London was an adventure, from riding double-decker buses along Oxford Street to seeing a fireball catapulted across the grounds during a daytrip to Warwick Castle, and even spying the queen on Exhibition Road. London Littles designs products that encourage children to have adventures – big or small – wherever they are.

Gugu Gift Guide: Holiday Gifts for Toddlers

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

With holiday season right around the corner, we wanted to share some of our top picks for gifts for toddlers! Read on to learn more about these unique gifts for toddlers and check out some exclusive discounts for Gugu Guru readers too!

Pooka Box: Have you found yourself asking, “What toys should I get for my little one this holiday season? What are the best educational toys on the market?” Pooka Box is here to help take the guesswork out of your holiday shopping. Pooka Box is a quarterly subscription box that automatically ships every three months. However, one-time boxes can also be purchased; giving customers options for the holiday season. Pooka Box is a subscription box (for children 0 months – 3 years old) that is filled with the highest quality books, toys, activities and research-based curriculum tailored specifically for your child’s developmental needs. Every box has 2-4 toys, 1-2 books, and 2-3 activities hand-picked by Pooka Box’s Head of Education, Abby Klein. Abby is an award-winning children’s book author and leading expert in early childhood education. Parents love Pooka Box because it is focused on promoting critical areas of early childhood development such as: Communication, Motor Skills, Problem Solving and Social/Emotional Skills. The Gugu Guru team is also a huge fan of Pooka Box because for every subscription purchased they donate a toy and learning material to a child in the foster system – you know how we love a giving back component! Use code Guguguru20 for a 20% discount.

People Toy Co: One of the hottest developmental toys straight from Japan! People Toy Company creates fun and educational baby and children’s lifestyle products for the discerning parent. Their products are developed from a parent’s point of view to help make parenting fun and easy yet they cater to the developmental needs of your little one. They take the research and guesswork out of parenting with their continuous life studies research and development so parents can focus on their families and be present. The Gugu Guru team loves their People Blocks for toddler fun and development! There are People Blocks Go Go Vehicles, People Blocks City Dwellers, People Blocks Zoo Animals, and People Blocks 31 piece set. People Blocks are perfectly crafted to fit in a child’s hand and allows them to stack easily with the power of magnets; children will develop beyond stacking to matching and pattern building as their imagination develops. Children will explore different angles, unique combinations, and asymmetrical designs. They’re colorful, fun, and a great developmental toy for both boys and girls!

Trend Lab Plush Cow Chair: Looking for a unique and fun gift for the toddler in your life? We are loving this adorable plush cow chair from Trend Lab! The Plush Cow Chair is the perfect holiday gift any little one will love lounging on! The cow has quickly became one of their top selling chairs, bringing delightful whimsy to your little one’s world and any room of the house. Providing a contoured support for reading, relaxing and snuggling, this super-soft character chair makes a fun, comfy addition to any room in your home. Whether your child is reading, watching a movie or just relaxing, they’ll love sitting in this cute, comfy chair.

CubCoats: If you’re looking for a toddler gift that serves more than one function – we love CubCoats – which are both a toy and a coat! Perfect for a minimalist household or family. CubCoats are a 2-in-1 stuffed animal which transforms into a super soft hoodie! CubCoats are made from durable and super soft material for cuddly comfort, and they are ethically sourced, double lined, made with premium materials. We love that they are machine washable, dry safe, and ready to play! Our editor’s 2.5 year old loved wearing his CubCoat and transforming into a little bear himself! As their website says, “We all remember that one stuffed animal we couldn’t sleep without…and the hoodie we had that just seemed softer than the rest. Here’s our hope: Your child will find both in their Cubcoat.” They have a ton of variations, and characters, even characters from some of your children’s favorite movies!

Jooki Music Player for Kids: When our team came across Jooki, we knew we had to share it with you all! Jooki is a super fun and intuitive – screen free way – for children to listen to music, audiobooks and more! The song or the story starts when the figurine is placed on Jooki. Jooki is so intuitive and perfectly designed that your little music fan immediately adopts it. You can listen to any type of music! You can stream your favorite music from Spotify, and Jooki also allows you to copy your music from an old CD, podcast, audio books. Once the playlists created on Jooki, whatever their source (Spotify, radio or files), you can link them with a figurine using the Jooki app on your smartphone or computer. Jooki is portable and strong, plus it has a solid strap to carry it. The characters are easily attached to Jooki. Your child will feel independent and can take Jooki to bed, in the car, to his grandparents house or to the beach. As a splashproof device it can be used in the bathroom and outdoors. Spice up your morning routine and start your day on the right foot by playing your kid’s favourite song. The Jooki app also offers parental controls, such as the ability to turn off Jooki remotely at bedtime. Jooki helps passionate parents create a musical environment for their families spending quality moments far from a screen. Check out this video to see the Jooki in action!

The Field: When it comes to gifts for toddlers and to toys for kids in general, we always love ways kids can unplug and play together with! Our editor’s kids loved this toy and we wanted to share it as a great gift for toddlers and kids this holiday season. Created in Ireland, The Field toy is a must-have holiday gift for kids that helps inspire real world, screen-free, and imaginative play. This must-have field toy features lush green grass, hedging, traditional wooden farm gates, farm animals, a tractor, and more! Creative play is proven to have intellectual, emotional and social benefits, and The Field toy is the perfect way to help boys and girls ages 3+ get away from the screens and use their own ingenuity to develop a farm or outdoor world right in front of their eyes.

7AM Enfant GlacierPOD: When it comes to holiday time, there is always travel to be done – and this gift idea is more for the family of a toddler, but so cool nonetheless! The 7AM Enfant GlacierPOD keeps your tyke warm and cozy during the cold winter months. The 5-point harness universal openings are ideal for securing into any stroller and car seat, plus the detachable cover can be used separately as a blanket. The removable center back panel eliminates material between baby’s back and the car seat and the water repellent outer shell features ultra-soft premium poly insulation with a plush lining that all machine washes. The elegant GlacierPOD is the perfect winter pop for the holidays. Use code: 7AMXGUGU for 15% OFF GlacierPOD

Thank you to 7AM Enfant, Jooki, The Field, People Toy Co, CubCoats, Trend Lab and Pooka Box for making this sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative!

Did you miss our other recent gift guides?

This New Travel Car Seat is a Total Game Changer

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Looking for the best travel car seat for your toddler to use on planes, trains and automobiles? We’ve got you, boo.

Every once in awhile, we get really, really excited about a new piece of baby gear and this is definitely one of those times. (Plus we are even more excited to share that we have a 40% OFF limited offer for our readers but more on that in a second.)

Meet the Pico travel car seat from WAYB (rhymes with “baby”.) Here at Gugu Guru we think the Pico from WAYB is kind of a big deal and we bet you will too. This innovative and totally game-changing travel car seat is intended for 2-5 year olds and designed to make any on-the-go parent’s life a heck of a lot easier.

What first struck us as super cool about the WAYB brand is that it was co-founded by the former CEO of Patagonia. When you think about the fact that parents and caregivers need durable, high-quality gear for navigating life with baby – it makes total sense that someone with experience in outdoor gear can probably help in that department, especially if he or she is a parent. What we also love is that Patagonia is a brand known for its commitment to our planet and those values have clearly transferred over to the WAYB brand.

Aside from their experience with gear, the entire WAYB team is comprised of parents who love to travel and who have a mission to reimagine and improve on the baby gear that’s out there. They want to make it more durable, lightweight, sustainable and just easier for caregivers all-around and we are pretty pumped about that.

The company’s first product, the WAYB Pico, was actually inspired by watching parents struggling in the airport. We’re intimately familiar with that struggle at Gugu Guru because many of us have experienced lugging a heavy car seat around to either check with our luggage in a giant, oversized bag or, worse, dragging it through security with all the other kid stuff you need to bring on the plane from diapers to snacks to ensure your flight goes smoothly.

To make life easier, the WAYB Pico travel car seat was designed to be easy to carry, stow, fold and take wherever parents or caregivers go – and we love that. However, that’s not the reason why we consider this car seat a game-changer. It’s how the Pico is constructed that makes all the difference. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame makes it ultralight at under 8lbs and instead of using typical car seat foams that can be full of toxins, WAYB made the Pico with a high-performance, comfortable mesh fabric instead.

What’s more is that Pico passes the same U.S. safety standards for cars and planes as big, heavy car seats, but it’s way better for people and the planet. ‘Nuff said.

With the holidays right around the corner, if you have a toddler age 2 to 5 years old and you’re looking for a travel car seat that breaks the mold with its lightweight features and sustainable, eco-friendly construction – look no further than the WAYB Pico. Go to this link to get your limited offer 40% discount for Gugu Guru readers of $209 (but hurry up because there are only limited quantities available at this price. Otherwise the non-discounted MSRP is $350.) You can learn more about WAYB on their website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you to our partners at WAYB for making this sponsored post possible.

Back to Preschool Snacking & Mealtime Must-Haves

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Gugu Guru mama of a two-year-old, Shana, tells us about her preschool must-haves for snacking and mealtime.

SkipHop Zoo Snack Cup
From babyhood to toddlerhood to preschool age, a spill-proof snack cup is a preschool must-have! Cuteness factor aside (SkipHop’s line features the cutest little animal and insect friends), these snack cups promote independent snacking and are oh so practical – hello, no more crushed snacks in mama’s bag!

SkipHop Zoo Lunchie Insulated Lunch Bag
As your little one grows, you’ll need a way to transport more than just puffs and cheerios! Cut fruit, hummus, drinks – this insulated bag keeps it all cool whether on the way to school or a playdate. It passed the test on a recent playground playdate in 90 degree heat with flying colors!

SiliKids
I try to use glass as much as possible, but it’s not always practical when on the move. That’s why I love award-winning silicone brand Silikids! Their products are a fantastic alternative to plastic and they’re really stylish. I like to bring drinks in the Kids To-Go Cup on outings because my daughter can use the sip top lid for no-mess drinking when she’s in her car seat, then pop the lid off for regular drinking outside the car (we don’t use sippy or straw cups). I also love their Silibags – reusable silicone snack bags. They’re a great alternative to plastic bags; I love them for things like turkey/cheese rollups and cut fruit. Bonus – they’re dishwasher safe!

Siliskin Glass Cup for Kids: Whether you’re a Montessori mama like me or just want to foster independence, these glasses are a great option when you’re ready to ditch the sippy cup. Made of glass with a removable, textured silicone sleeve for easy gripping, they’re the perfect size for little hands. My little one has shunned all her other “big girl cups” and will only use these now! (Keep in mind that even though these are a safer option, they should never be used without supervision.)

Dr. Brown’s Snack A Pillar
As a Montessori mom in a Montessori (ish) home, I like to keep snacks accessible, but know my preschooler might just eat an entire box of bunny grahams if given the opportunity. She helps me fill each container with a different snack and put them in a lower cabinet for easy access as needed. Plus, I can also grab them (they screw together) when we’re headed out for snacks on the go.

Dr. Brown’s Tummy Grumbles
I love Dr. Brown’s Tummy Grumbles reusable snack bags, except I don’t use them for snacks – I use them for wipes! Because my daughter is potty trained, I have little need to lug around a huge pack of wipes (and those small travel packs seem so wasteful). I put a few wipes for hands and face in one of the bags and toss it into my purse. I refill as needed and they don’t dry out!

b.box Snack Pack
If your preschooler is anything like mine, there are two things you can count on when it comes to food – pickiness and the love of dipping things! I love the b.box Snack Pack because it has two compartments that seal separately for those days when choosing between cheese bunnies and bunny grahams is not an option. It’s also perfect for things like pretzel chips and hummus for dipping! Bonus: it has a spoon that snaps into the lid for scoopable snacks!

Not going back to school but going back to work and putting your little one in daycare? Check out our must-haves and tips here.

Back to Preschool Fashion & Function

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Have a kiddo heading back to preschool? Shana, a real Gugu Guru mama of a two-year-old, tells us about her back to preschool style must-haves for where fashion meets function.

The Backpack

Tula Kids Backpack
Fashion certainly meets function with the Tula Kids Backpack. As the mom of a back to preschool aged daughter who still rocks some 18-24 month clothes, I was hard pressed to find a backpack that would fit her small frame and not overwhelm her! The Tula Kids Backpack was the perfect trifecta – fashionable, functional (it’s water-resistant), and scaled down for smaller frames. It’s roomy enough that she can grow with it, and it’s high quality enough and durable enough to guarantee that she WILL grow with it!

The Empowerment Pieces
“I want to do it!” “ I do it myself!” Familiar phrases if you have a toddler or preschooler. Having a fiercely independent preschooler, I love anything that empowers her to do things on her own. This is especially true when it comes to clothes and shoes. Since one of my not-so-secret joys is buying her cute clothes, I’m always looking for quality and ease, without sacrificing style.

Dapper + Crown
This uber stylish, classic children’s clothing line is designed by a mom and made in Los Angeles. Think wide-leg pants with elastic waistbands, breezy kimono style tops, and pull on skirts that are great in the warmer weather and can be layered for cooler weather. I particularly love the Dylan pants because they’re so easy for my little one to pull on and they look great dressed up or down. I mean, wide leg linen pants with little slanted pockets! Doesn’t get cuter than that.

Me Do
Every girl (and boy) has got to have their basics! Me Do does double duty – not only do they have basic tees and sweats for play, but the clothing features the Me Do Bunnies. Your child will learn the front from the back when they see the Me Do Bunny’s face on the front and the bunny’s tush on the back. Bonus: if your child has sensory issues or is just plain sensitive to tags and such, the clothes are tagless and have soft seams.

pediped Footwear
You may know pediped for their walkers, but did you know they make big kids shoes too? Flex is the brand’s line of rubber soled sneakers, boots and sandals that are great for little feet and cute to boot (pun intended!) I adore boots and apparently it’s genetic because my daughter loves them too. The Flex Eclipse boots are comfy, stylish and happen to be vegan (if that’s your thing.) Plus, if you’re like me and buy shoes with a bit of room to grow, but don’t want your little one clomping around like Frankenstein (which also leads to trips and falls), you’ll love their Flex Fit System, an additional insert that can reduce the shoe by almost half a size. Budget conscious mamas rejoice!

For Avoiding Mix-ups

Stuck on You
Preparing for the first day of school, I realized that I needed labels! The Basic Mini Iron On Labels from Stuck on You were an easy choice. With a ton of color and font options, I settled on pretty pastels. They were on in seconds and I’ve had no issues with fading or peeling!

Toddler Footwear Alert: Freshly Picked Sneakers

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Shana, a real Gugu Guru mama of a two-year-old, tells us about her newest obsession for the brand new sneaker line from Freshly Picked.

I simply cannot stand the cuteness of Freshly Picked’s new sneaker line! There was something so inherently classic and stylish about the Ebony Slip On Sneakers that I knew they would be a staple in my little one’s wardrobe. They’re super easy to put on, thanks to the elasticized sized and back pull tab. The textured rubber soles provide great traction for preschoolers, who tend to try to move faster than their little bodies should!

Constructed of genuine leather inside and out, the Freshly Picked Sneaker Line is made for easy on/off (bonus if you’re a Montessori mom like me) and are available in sizes 5-13.

Be sure to check out the rest of the sneaker line, including their Sneaker Moccs.

5 Tips for Selecting the Best Educational Toys for Your Baby

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Today’s guest post is from our friends at Monti Kids; Monti Kids takes all the guess work out of finding the best developmental toys for babies and allows parents the confidence to know their babies, toddlers, and kids have the best, and most age appropriate, developmental toys. To learn more about Monti Kids, check out our review here.

The experiences and environment your baby is exposed to from birth are an opportunity to encourage an immense amount of growth and learning. By choosing toys that are developmentally appropriate with just enough challenge, you can make the most of your little one’s waking hours and lay the foundation for her future. Here are some of our favorite tips on making this magic happen!

1. Choose toys designed with a purpose: Ask yourself, “Will this toy give my child the opportunity to grow, and go beyond just keeping her hands occupied?” At this stage of development, your baby’s brain is growing fast. Toys created to help develop new skills and coordination, while exploring, concentrating, and problem solving, will bring the most value to her experience. These kinds of toys will engage your child’s mind and hands together, allowing for a deeper learning experience as she plays.

2. Build attention and focus with open-ended toys: Simple and “open-ended” toys, ignite your child’s natural curiosity and imagination and help sharpen his focus. These toys encourage your child to practice new skills and build on previous experiences with new insight. More importantly, these toys provide an opportunity for your child to figure things out independently and therefore gain an understanding of his capabilities.

3. Create active learners with simple toys: Toys that are made of natural materials without lights, sounds, or too many bright colors or patterns allow children to focus as they play without being distracted or overstimulated. When a toy is “passive,” such as a simple wooden grasping toy, your child must be “active” in order to explore it rather than just waiting to be entertained.

4. Explore with real objects: The objects, language, and environment your baby interacts with creates his understanding of the world. So it’s helpful to present real, functional objects to your little ones. To best support this type of concrete learning, let your baby experience some of your safe “real stuff” like wooden spoons, mirrors, keys, and fruit.

5. Look for developmentally appropriate toys: Find toys that are designed to grow with your child and present new challenges as she develops. Observe your child to see which skills she is working on at a given time. If she is beginning to reach and scoot, look for slow rolling rattles or balls that might roll just enough to feel attainable. If a toy is too easy, she might become bored; if a toy is too challenging, she may get frustrated. If this happens, don’t fret! Put the toy away and bring it out again in a few days. Often times, it will seem brand new and pique her interest as you hoped it would.

About Monti Kids

85% of the brain is formed by age 3, a time when most children are not in school and parents are left guessing how to meet their child’s developmental needs. Monti Kids gives you access to the world’s #1 early education curriculum, Montessori, in a subscription made easy to use at home. You can sign up anytime between birth and age three. Every 3 months, you receive a box of Montessori toys tailored to your child’s age and stage of development, plus corresponding 2-minute videos that show how to introduce the toys and support your child’s learning like an expert. The rest is up to your little one and their exceptional ability to learn through play!

« Previous Page

Toddlers

Footer

Follow Us:

COME AND GET IT!