- 5 steps to having a Montessori room
- 1. Do not use a crib
- 2. Decrease the scale of the room
- 3. Make a simple decoration
- 4. Use wood whenever possible
- 5. Ensure baby's safety
- Main benefits of the Montessori method
The Montessorian room is an idea that was developed in the 20th century by Dr. Maria Montessori. This type of room is completely based on its teaching method, in which the child must be able to interact with everything in his environment in a safe way, stimulating growth, development and independence.
So, unlike ordinary baby rooms, the Montessori room has simple storage, a very small bed and furniture at the child's height, which allows the child to be constantly stimulated and feel free to play, concentrate or sleep, without needing the constant help of an adult to reach objects, for example.
5 steps to having a Montessori room
Although the idea of a Montessori room is quite simple, it is sometimes difficult to find inspiration and creativity. So, to facilitate the task of designing and building a room of this type, there are some fundamentals:
1. Do not use a crib
Cribs are usually very high, so the child is dependent on the parents to be able to reach their own bed. Thus, the ideal is for the bed to be at a low level, preferably leaning against the floor so that, if the child falls out of bed at night, there is no risk of getting hurt.
A good option for making a Montessori bed is to place the mattress directly on the floor or use a futon or tatami mat, for example. So the child can get out of bed when he wakes up, explore the room and play. It is also always recommended to use cushions to limit space and prevent accidental falls.
2. Decrease the scale of the room
The decoration of the room can be done in a similar way to the usual, however, it is best that the furniture is suitable for children, that is, that they are smaller in size to facilitate their access. In addition, normal sized furniture can create anxiety in the child, who feels very small and vulnerable, even inside his room.
So, some tips are to use small and low chairs and tables, hang the art and mirrors at the child's eye level and use shelves that are only 2 or 3 levels high. For storing toys, the best options are small boxes or chests without a lid.
3. Make a simple decoration
The strong and bright colors are great to encourage the child to play, however, in the bedroom, it is important to choose more neutral colors and pastel tones that promote peace and relaxation. Some shades to paint the room include baby blue, light pink or beige, for example.
Gradually, elements with more color and patterns can be added to the room, as the child grows up and is curious about more vivid colors.
In addition to the colors of the room, you should also avoid the accumulation of objects, choosing to have a cleaner look. One option to free up more space is to use furniture and objects with more than one function. For example, the toy box can have a lid and act as a stool, and can be stored under the table to save space.
4. Use wood whenever possible
Wood is a material that helps retain heat and is pleasant to the touch, so it should be used whenever possible, on furniture and objects, but also on the floor, so that the child can walk barefoot without undergoing major changes temperature.
5. Ensure baby's safety
Since the child will have all the freedom to explore the room, security is a key point when thinking about the room. Thus, some important points to ensure security are:
- Cover the sockets in the room with child protection; Avoid using furniture with corners, preferring those with round corners or protecting existing corners; Use rugs on the floor to prevent the baby from getting hurt if he falls; Place fixed bars on the wall, so that the places are safe for the baby to hold while trying to walk;
It is also recommended not to use objects that can break, with glass or porcelain, as they can leave sharp pieces on the floor. Thus, mirrors, although important for the child to know each other, should always be kept out of reach, at least until the child is old enough to recognize the danger of breaking the mirror.
Main benefits of the Montessori method
The benefits of this method to build the baby's room are mainly related to the child's development, as the Montessori room helps to:
- Identify the child's own limits; Identify their own abilities and skills; Develop order, coordination and concentration; Stimulate the child's independence and creativity.
In addition, the Montessori room is a very safe space that allows the child to create a greater sense of confidence and calm, avoiding feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem, common for growth.
