Supporting Your Toddler’s Independence
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If you are interested in learning more about how to support your toddler’s growing independence at home, take a moment to watch this webinar with Greenspring Montessori School Toddler Guides, Allie Alexander and Michelle Donohue. Allie and Michelle have over twenty years combined teaching experience and they both have Montessori toddlers at home. They offer practical advice that is easy to impliment, as well as suggested products to aid in your child’s independence.
For a full list of products for your child, please take a look below:
Drinkware
We recommend that you wean children off of bottles and pacifiers once they are twelve months old. Current research suggests that bottles and sippy cups can be damaging to your child’s oral development, so we recommend starting with an open mouth cup, or if you are on the go, a straw cup with a lid or a child’s water bottle.
Cups with Straws
Children’s Water Bottles
Most water bottles found in the children’s section (not the baby section) will work well.
Ikea is also a great place to find inexpensive child-sized open cups, silverware, plates, etc. for when you are eating at the table. We recommend that parents avoid plates and bowls that suction to the table after 18 months.
Footwear
Soft-soled shoes are best for children learning to walk. Once your child’s dexterity begins to improve, we recommend shoes and boots that are also easy to pull on and off.
Target, Carter’s, and Kohl’s have soft-soled booties as well.
Many of these items can be purchased used on sites like Facebook Marketplace or at your local consignment shop if you are looking for some less expensive options.
We also recommend searching the For Small Hands website if you are looking for something specific for your child. They have a variety of child-sized materials for every area of the home.
Take a look at our Montessori in the Home series for more tips for toddlers and infants:
- Raising Resilient, Responsible, and Independent Children
- Introducing Your Family to the Idea of Independence
- Your Toddler’s Daily Routine
- Developing a Sense of Order
- Nutrition in the Formative Years
- A Montessori Kitchen
- A Montessori Bedroom
- A Montessori Bathroom
- A Montessori Play Area
- Montessori in the Home for Toddlers
- Age-Appropriate Chores
