0 - 6 months

A newborn baby will usually sleep a great deal, and their main environment at this age will be the bedroom, the new ‘womb’. For the first 8 weeks, to help the baby adjust to its new world, the womb - a quiet, dark place with sedated sounds - can ideally and successfully be replicated in the baby’s bedroom. You may like to play some soft classical music, as this can be soothing to the young baby. Natural lighting is also lovely, as is a window where the child may watch the wind blowing through leaves or trees.

Babies are attracted to gentle movements with great colour contrast, such as black and white. Hanging mobiles are a favourite, these have to be placed about 30 cm from your baby as in the beginning they can only see this far. A prism, a little glass ball, that can reflect light in different ways, is also fascinating to the young baby. And you can decorate the room with simple, beautiful, realistic works of art.

The child’s bed can be a basket that provides comfort and warmth. As babies get older, it is important to allow them many opportunities for movement. From around 3 months, they need ample tummy time during the day so they can exercise and develop their muscle strength.

When awake, the baby loves to be part of the family in the family room. Hearing the family noises and voices will also help babies learn as they absorb language and observe their surroundings.

6 - 12 months

At this stage children are moving about more and when they have had opportunities to move freely, they will have developed strength in the neck, arms, hands and legs. This can be implemented further through babies also working with their hands. Dr Maria Montessori believed that movement is associated with the development of the brain, and giving children something to do with their hands can be very beneficial for their development.

Babies love natural, wooden toys and soft balls that they are able to grasp, if it rolls, it may motivate children on their tummies to try to reach for it, this can be the beginnings of crawling. Children usually start to pull themselves up around 8 months. It can be earlier or later. The most important is to give children the opportunity to move freely.

A mirror is a wonderful part of a baby’s environment at this age; children can watch themselves and see their own reflection to learn more about their bodies and movement. When children realise that they are creating movement in their environment, they will feel that they have a degree of control which in turn can later develop into a strong self-esteem.

This is an important time to think about safety in the home. Be aware of everything that can be pulled down; wires, table cloths, anything light that may topple over. Make sure also that babies may not find anything that they can swallow. Childproofing the home is very important from a developmental point of view, so as to allow freedom and movement. Children do not enjoy being confined, on the floor they can move and choose any toy. These toys can be placed on low shelves, so the child has easy access to them. Children much prefer this order to a large box of toys they cannot see and get to.

12 - 24 months

Children who were given the freedom to move when they were younger will now flourish in their gross motor development. They will be able to do more things with their hands, now their hands are free from crawling, as they have left crawling behind. At the end of this stage, children are usually very mobile and able to walk with stability.

Again, think about safety, as these children can stand more firmly, they have higher reach - and are more inquisitive. They love to challenge their gross motor skills, and climbing is a favourite. An outdoor environment is preferred by many children, because nature is a natural gym where they can balance, climb and run on various surfaces. Low swings are also good. Try to let the child climb independently, guide from a short distance, even when they fall it is only a short distance. Trips and falls are part of growing up and learning.

Indoors, children love a child sized table and chair where they can comfortably sit and eat a snack or do some activity, again they love for this to be in the living area.

24 - 36 months

Children love to accomplish things independently, as this develops an authentic high self-esteem. The key is to set up a home environment where children can succeed in doing things by themselves safely. Step by step this is indispensable learning for the two year old.

Bedroom

Children at this age can have their own, low bed or mattress on the floor.

Place separate toys on low shelves, so that your child may choose which to play with. External order develops internal order. Children at this age can be shown to put a toy back in the same place, so that they know where to find it again. These are good habits to be maintained for life.

Have a small drawer for you child’s clothes. Allow children to choose what they want to wear from a limited choice so they will dress appropriately for the weather. Two or three choices are enough.

Bathroom

Bedtime routine includes bathroom time. Children can sit on the toilet resting their feet on a lightweight stool. This stool can also be used when they wash their hands and brush their teeth.

Have toothbrush and toothpaste placed within reach of the child.

For bath time, put a small amount of shampoo and soap in a small bottle for the child to use, this way there is no waste. A small net can be used to store bath toys. Have a low towel rack.

Living Room

Have a small shelf for your child’s toys, and a child sized wooden table and chair for work/play. Children enjoy large size crayons or water colour paints. A small rug on the floor indicates to the child to contain his work to a certain area.

Dining Room

At this age, children can eat the food that the family has. Children observe social and cultural aspects from their family at mealtimes. They can use a child sized real plate, spoon, fork and drinking glass. When children are taught how to care for these items properly, they handle them with care.