In short: Montessori toys are simple, made from natural materials and have one clear purpose, so children explore actively. Up to 3 months choose high-contrast images and tummy time; up to 6 months rattles and teethers; up to 12 months stacking and cause-and-effect; up to 18 months shape sorters and push-along toys; and up to age 3 pretend play, blocks and practical-life tasks.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 September 2026
The Montessori approach is based on observing the child and offering challenges that are just right – not too easy and not too hard. Toys aren't just for fun; they are tools for independence, concentration and fine motor skills. In this guide we have sorted them by age, so you can choose what suits your child right now.
Montessori principles in one minute
- Independence: the child chooses from a few toys and activities on offer.
- Movement: the space and toys encourage crawling, walking, climbing and precise hand movements.
- Practical life: washing, dressing, helping with food and tidying up are part of learning.
- A prepared environment: few toys, on a low shelf, in baskets within the child's reach.
The American Montessori Society describes a similar environment for infants and toddlers. Montessori is not a brand – a toy is “Montessori” if it supports these goals, not because of a label on the box.
Montessori toys by age: quick-reference table
| Age | Developmental stage | Type of toy | Examples from our range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | vision developing, follows contrast, first head lifts | high-contrast cards, mobile over the changing table, play mat for tummy time | Done by Deer contrast cards, Evibell play mats |
| 3–6 months | grasping, mouthing objects, rolling | light rattles, teethers, soft fabric toys | Done by Deer Wally rattle, teethers, rattles |
| 6–12 months | sitting, crawling, cause and effect, object permanence | stacking cups, balls, soft sensory books, bath toys | Little Dutch soft activity book, stacking toys, bath toys |
| 12–18 months | first steps, posting, sorting | push-along toys, shape sorters, knob puzzles, bead mazes | bead mazes and activity tables, Janod, puzzles and blocks |
| 18–36 months | “I can do it myself”, copying adults, imagination, language | stacking and building blocks, pretend play, multi-piece puzzles, child-sized furniture | Little Dutch stacking pyramid (18 m+), Little Dutch building blocks (2+), pretend play, Montessori furniture |
Find more ideas in our Montessori-inspired and wooden toys collections. Always check the manufacturer's age label.
0–3 months: first senses
Newborns can't yet tell subtle shades apart, so they are drawn to black-and-white, high-contrast images. Place contrast cards next to your baby during tummy time or on the changing table. Only do tummy time while your baby is awake and supervised, on a clean, flat play mat. Less is more: two or three things are enough.
3–6 months: grasping and exploring with the mouth
Babies start reaching for objects, passing them from hand to hand and putting them in their mouths. Light rattles and easy-to-clean teethers are ideal. Offer one object at a time and let your baby explore at their own pace.
6–12 months: cause, effect and movement
Your baby sits, crawls and tests what happens when something is dropped, pushed or hidden. Now stacking toys, balls that encourage crawling and peekaboo games come into their own, helping babies understand that objects still exist when out of sight. The soft Little Dutch activity book with a mirror and different textures stimulates the senses and hand–eye coordination.
12–18 months: first steps and first wins
Once your toddler walks, new challenges open up. Push-along toys support walking, while shape sorters and knob puzzles build pincer grip and logical thinking. Great choices include bead mazes and activity tables and wooden puzzles from Janod and Little Dutch.
18–36 months: independence and imagination
Between two and three, children copy adults and want to “do it myself”. This is the time for pretend play (kitchen, tools, shop), a stacking pyramid for building and counting to 10, wooden building blocks, multi-piece puzzles and educational toys for first colours, shapes and numbers (e.g. Miniland). Child-sized furniture helps with everyday tasks, so they can reach a cup, clothes or toys on their own.
Safe play: what to watch out for
- For children under 3, choose CE-marked toys with a suitable age label and no small parts that could be swallowed.
- Toys, mobiles and mats don't belong in the cot during sleep. Remove a cot mobile once your baby starts pushing up onto hands and knees.
- Check wooden and fabric toys regularly for wear and clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How to choose the right toy
Rather than relying on the age label, watch your child: if a toy bores them, it may be too easy; if it frustrates them quickly, it's too hard. Offer fewer toys and rotate them now and then. Looking for a gift? Read our first birthday gift ideas and baby shower gift ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Do Montessori toys have to be wooden?
No. Wood is popular because it is natural, pleasant to touch and durable, but what matters is that the toy is simple, has a clear purpose and leaves the child an active role.
How many toys should a child have out at once?
Just a few – often a handful of toys on a low shelf is enough. Store the rest and rotate them every few weeks to keep them interesting.
When can I start with Montessori toys?
From birth. For newborns that means contrast images and tummy time, later rattles, stacking and practical-life activities.
Which toys are suitable for a 1-year-old?
Stacking cups, shape sorters, simple knob puzzles, soft books, balls and push-along toys for first steps.
When should I introduce toys with numbers and colours?
Around age two, playfully and without pressure. Children learn through play, so the toy should stay fun, not become homework.
