Before we begin – with all DIY toys it is SO IMPORTANT that you supervize your baby when using them. These toys are homemade, so you need to ensure that parts don’t come loose or become a choking hazard. Please ensure you supervise your bubbas when using DIY toys at all times!

Is your little one between 6 and 9 months old? It’s time for some exciting DIY Montessori toys to boost their development! From fine motor coordination to hand-eye coordination and cognitive growth, these homemade toys will keep your baby entertained while promoting essential skills.

Sensory Texture Board

Suitable age: 6-9 months

Skill or benefit: Sensory exploration and tactile stimulation

Instructions:

1. 1. Find a sturdy piece of cardboard or a wooden board (12×12 inches).
   2. Gather various materials with different textures (e.g., fabric, sandpaper, bubble wrap, felt, ribbons).
   3. Cut the materials into squares (3×3 inches) and glue or tape them onto the board in a grid pattern.
   4. Ensure all materials are securely attached and safe for your baby to touch and explore.

Montessori Sensory Ribbon and Ring Rattle

Suitable age: 4-6 months

Skill or benefit: Grasping and fine motor coordination

Instructions:

1. Gather a smooth wooden ring (3-inch diameter), colorful ribbons, and bells (big enough to avoid being a choking hazard).
2. Cut ribbons into 10-inch lengths, fold them in half, and loop a bell onto one end.
3. Slide the ribbon loop under the wooden ring and pull the ends through, creating a tight knot.
4. Repeat with different colored ribbons and bells, spaced evenly around the ring.
5. Trim ribbon ends at an angle to prevent fraying.

Montessori Interlocking Discs

Suitable age: 4 months and older

Skill or benefit: Hand-to-hand transfer and gross motor coordination during

Instructions:

1. Cut a thick piece of cardboard into two 4-5” circles. Thick card from packing boxes works well.
2. Cut a straight line through the center of each circle, stopping at the midpoint.
3. Slide the circles together, checking that they interlock at a 90-degree angle.

Image from http://purpletwig.blogspot.com/2016/07/making-interlocking-disks.html

Bell Cylinder Toy

Suitable age: from 6 months

Skill or benefit: Hand-to-hand transfer and gross motor development during tummy time

Instructions:

1. Grab an empty plastic bottle or milk carton, super glue and a bell (make sure the bell can fit inside the opening of the bottle).
2. Place the bell inside the bottle.
3. Apply superglue around the exterior of the bottle opening, then screw on the lid tightly and let dry. The glue will secure the lid in place and ensure the bell can’t escape!

Image from http://playinghouseinmaryland.blogspot.com/2011/08/baby-fun-diy-rattles-and-noise-makers.html

Montessori Stacking Toy

Suitable age: from 8 months

Skill or benefit: Fine and gross motor coordination, hand-eye coordination

Instructions:

1. Find a paper towel holder at home. If you don’t have one, you can make a holder using a square piece of card as a base, and an empty paper towel tube. Cut a slit up the side of the paper towel tube and re-glue the tube to make the diameter smaller. Cut 1-2” vertical slits at the bottom of the tube and fold them outwards to make an area that you can glue onto the cardboard base.
2. Grab some curtain rings or macrame rings of various sizes. You can also use toilet rolls and cut them into narrower rings (ie you could cut 4 rings out of each toilet roll)
3. Paint each ring in a different colour.
4. Stack and play!

Similar example but using mason jar rings instead of macrame rings or cut toilet rolls.

Image from https://handsonaswegrow.com/diy-stacking-toy-activity/