Montessori Puzzle Ball - Montessori Baby Week 21

Augustus is officially 5-months-old and it's completely blowing my mind. He is still such an easy going, happy, curious little {well, actually he's huge} guy. He is definitely on his own path of development and watching him unfold has been such a wonderful gift. Over the past week, I have watched Gus make the most incredible discovery -- his feet! And, this reminded me -- it's time to get out the Montessori puzzle ball! 

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While he has explored objects with his feet before, usually on his play gym, he has never been as capable or interested in grabbing and exploring them. This past week, it ALL he wants to do. Which is super cute, and a little frustrating -- like when you lay him down to sleep and his feet immediately pop up to be played with! As this exploration increases, I was looking for ways to challenge him and keep him engaged, and the puzzle ball is just the perfect way to do that.

A Montessori puzzle ball is a great material! It's an interestingly shaped ball, that has many spots to start to grab on to and explore. That makes it perfect for infants who are still developing their grip. For non-mobile infants, like Gus, hanging the puzzle ball (with or without a small bell) can provide an interesting and fun new tactile mobile. As babies get more mobile, the puzzle ball is still an excellent choice because it can roll a bit away from the baby, but it's shape keeps it from rolling too fast or too far. So, it provides some challenge, but not an insurmountable one, like many other balls. 

A Montessori puzzle ball is also often made from a variety of textures and fabrics. This makes them incredibly interesting to look at and explore. Each ball can have it's own feel. 

As a bonus, this can be DIYed! My mom and I made this puzzle ball when Nora was a baby. It is FAR from perfect and a bit too large. I would love to go back and attempt a smaller one, but too be honest this was not an easy project for me. I am by no means skilled with a sewing machine, so this was quite the project for me. There are several online tutorials, this one looks good. To hang it, I used stretchy elastic. 

If you aren't up for a DIY, thankfully these puzzle balls can also be purchased from many Etsy shops or even from amazon. {2022 update - My personal favorite are these from Willow and Pine which we have. for Penelope.}