As Penelope has gotten older and more physically independent, it has become important to adapt her Montessori spaces to her skills. Some small changes can really open up a world of independence for a small person. This doesn't have to be something huge, but just giving the opportunity to participate can make for a much different experience.
When my babies are born, we use an adult height changing table for diaper and clothing changes. Since the baby's participation is minimal, I don't find the adult height to be too restrictive for them. But, as they grow, and start to become more active participants in a diaper change, or in dressing, changing the environment is really important.
A Montessori Dressing Area for Babies
Once Penelope could stand firmly (while holding on to something) we moved to her baby-sized Montessori dressing area in her bedroom instead of changing her clothes on a changing table. There are several advantages for making the change to a baby-sized dressing area including:
- allows for safer movement - no risk of falling off
- baby can get a better balance and participate more fully
- baby can learn process of dressing in a more realistic way - I certainly am not laying down to get myself dressed
- easier to move on to independent play/activity once they are done - they can just crawl off
- leads to other practical participation - like putting clothes in laundry basket or diaper in pail
Our dressing area is really quite simple. We use a small corner in Penelope's bedroom. Our Montessori baby dressing area includes three simple things. One, a simple wire basket for dirty laundry. Two, an easily attached pull up bar for extra support. Three, a small toddler chair.
And, that's it. We now do most of our dressing in this area. Penelope can participate a lot more freely. I don't have to rush as much because I'm not worried about her falling off of something up high. It's been a simple change as we move closer and closer to toddlerhood.
How are you dressing your older baby?
This post is week 45 of my weekly Montessori baby series with Penelope.
