Many new mothers are overwhelmed with choices when designing a baby’s room. What type of crib should I buy? Should I have a changing table? What should I put on the walls? Do I need a rug? How will I know if I’m getting everything right?

As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, you want to make sure that you create a safe and inviting space for your little one. After all, the nursery is where he or she will spend a lot of time sleeping, playing, and growing. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to set up your nursery, you may want to consider the Montessori method.

You may have heard of the Montessori Method, which is a popular approach to educating young children. Montessori is based on the principle that all children have an innate desire to learn. The Montessori approach seeks to provide an environment that meets a child’s need for independence, exploration, and tactile experiences.

Montessori is a child-centered educational approach that emphasizes hands-on learning and independent exploration.

But what does that look like in terms of decorating a nursery? Montessori has some recommendations for creating a comfortable sleeping area that supports an infant’s development.

Elements of Montessori Design for a Baby’s Room

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what Montessori recommends and how you can apply these ideas to your own baby’s room.

1. Floor bed. Instead of a crib, use a floor bed. The infant bed should be large and on the floor. This is important because it allows your baby to independently get in and out of bed. It also gives them a sense of independence and autonomy. If you’re not ready for a full-floor bed, you can start with a mattress on the floor or a low-platform bed. However, the bedroom door must have a secure gate to protect the child from harm.
2. Low shelving. Another key element of a Montessori-inspired nursery is low shelving. This allows your baby to see and reach all of their belongings. It also helps them develop problem-solving skills as they learn to retrieve things from shelves that are out of their reach.
3. Open storage. Open storage could include baskets, bins, or even just open shelves. The idea is that everything should have a place and be easily accessible to your child. This way, they can easily access their toys and clothes when they want to play or get dressed.
4. Natural materials. Natural materials are another hallmark of a Montessori space. When choosing furniture and décor for your nursery, look for items made from wood, glass, metal, or other natural materials. These materials are not only pleasing to look at, but they’re also durable and built to last. This will also help create a calm and relaxing environment for your baby.
5. A large square mirror. A mirror made of thick safety glass, about two to three feet in width and height, is bolted to the wall low enough for the baby to see his/her reflection. This improves the infant’s power of concentration and attention at an early age.
6. A ceiling hook. This hook is placed over the bed. You can use it to hang mobiles and easily change them depending on your child’s interest.

The Montessori Method is a great way to promote independence, encourage exploration, and foster natural development in your baby. If you’re looking for a unique way to design your baby’s room, consider using the elements of Montessori design. These include a floor bed, low shelving, open storage, a large mirror, a hook, and natural materials. Using these principles of Montessori design, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for your baby.

I wish I had read Montessori from the Start by Lillard and Jessen early on. In retrospect, these design principles totally made sense.

Tell me what you think. Which of these features of a Montessori-style nursery do you hope to implement?

Source: Lillard, P. P., & Jessen, L. L. (2003, August 14). Montessori from the Start. In The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three

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