MONTESSORI AT HOME: Montessori Newborn Essentials

[@KacangFamily]

I think the comment that everything is new is important to remember. I read in a book “the baby is not bored, you are.” It’s true that they find everything interesting. 💙 Annisa

[@crazymom468]

In India, people stretch their legs and place the baby for bath on the lap. Some people will also appoint nannies for massage and bath. We Use small sized, home made cotton quilt as baby sleep gear. Hes always beside the mother. My pediatrician asked me to sleep close to my baby as they can feel the mother. Every county has a different tradition.

[@CheryPet93]

I‘d say another „must“, especially if you are nursing, is good and healthy food for yourself. You had a major change in your body, no matter how your child was born. You need recovery, which works better, if you are eating all the vitamins and minerals, etc. If you are nursing its even more important, not just for your baby but for you as well, because your body shares what you have. (If nursing in addition to vitamins more protein is needed ☺️).

[@12Sanguine]

I'm unlikely to have any newborns for a couple of years, but this content is highly valuable. Thank you so much for making this and demystifying the first few months of taking care of a brand new human.

[@m0bz0mb39]

Same! I wish I could have a baby rn but I have to focus on college

[@rileyblanton7281]

Perfect timing thank you!! We just received a foster placement for a 3 week old and I haven’t had the opportunity to start Montessori this young!

[@queenbeeadp]

Just had my baby 3 weeks ago. Lifesaver video!!!

[@sarahrosen4985]

Congratulations!

[@MariaandMontessori]

Horizontal mirror. Best thing we EVER got for our playroom. 17 months in and it's still a favorite. We just saw Stella showing off her activity to her reflection in the mirror! Ours also seems to have been DIYd too- just a thick piece of wood with a slit thick enough for the mirror. And the mirror is also glued in there.

[@IamBeefling]

I'm so glad I found you a few months ago, I'm 3 months pregnant and trying to absorb as much information as possible (watching most videos twice, second time with my husband, so I can retain as much info as possible 😂) thank you for sharing your family and your knowledge!

[@eyestotheskies]

Me a few weeks ago: I can't watch these videos. They depress me. I'm too late with my older child and I don't want to treat my two kids differently. Plus montessori looks so expensive. AND nobody in our support circle is going to be down for it! Me now: *frantically scribbling notes, asking grandparents for low shelving for the kids Christmas, getting the older kid to help me with stuff in the house, telling everyone who'll stand still for long enough about how cool montessori is* 😂

[@trista123abc]

I am giving birth in less than 12 hours I always watch your Montessori so happy I seen this before baby was older!

[@hspurr5922]

Good luck! Mine's now 8 weeks :) take it easy and don't put too much pressure on yourself x

[@KacangFamily]

Good luck and congratulations!!! 😍 💙 Annisa

[@heatherskitchenchaosmadesimple]

I am new to this and I stumbled on your video by accident and was blown away. We have a 4.5 month old and we are looking at implementing some of your amazing tips and ideas

[@mixed_and_nerdy]

ROOM DARKENING CURTAINS 👏 👏 👏 wish I had known this straight away they were a game changer for us trying to get our son to sleep in those first few months. Great hint with using cloth diaper inserts as burp cloths too, we cloth diapered and they were just so versatile! Fantastic video Ashley ❤️

[@MariaandMontessori]

We are working to wean off ours😅 We did naps outside so she is used to lighter surroundings for that but night sleep is still dependent on the curtains 😬

[@lakliams]

I get in the shower with my baby, we get skin to skin time, eye contact and is way more relaxing for my babies, at least with my two, a toddler and a 4m baby, it is. Thank you for your great tips, always appreciate them.

[@aleksandrastojanovic3172]

This video could not have come at a better time for me as my due date is this Saturday :) Thank you for great, useful content that makes me feel less anxious and prepared to take on this new role

[@MariaandMontessori]

How exciting!! Congratulations! 👏

[@HapaFamily]

Ahhh best wishes for a speedy recovery and all the newborn snuggles! 🥰

[@mckenziet1021]

This video is perfect timing! I started Montessori at home with my toddler when he was about 4 months old, but baby brother is due any day now and I’m excited to start from day 1 with him:)

[@MariaandMontessori]

The best thing to NOT buy were all the baby swings. I really attribute all the independent play time we get now to how used is to her movement area and actively exploring it. We also spent time outside in the shade and it was a great way to calm her if she was fussy.

[@HapaFamily]

YES! I think you've just inspired me for a new video... ;) lol

[@MariaandMontessori]

@@HapaFamily I was sure you already had it ready to go! 🤣

[@relentlesslyawesomer]

@Maria and Montessori I love coming to the comment section of Ashley’s videos to see what you have to add, and I couldn’t agree more about the swings/bouncers/etc. We had a very minimalist bouncer for my first that was purely powered off of her own movements, and I did use it when I showered. But we got it because everyone insisted we absolutely needed one. I’m just glad we avoided one with lights/music. I am so excited for this second baby to not have one. I was so scared of germs with my first that she never came in direct contact with our floor (without a blanket) until 9 months old when I first learned of Montessori. My newborn has been on the floor since day one playing with his sister, and it’s so freeing to not feel the need to contain him or guard him against the world. It can be challenging with a big dog, but that’s what baby wearing is for 😅 Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for the encouraging comments all the time.

[@MariaandMontessori]

@@relentlesslyawesomer That's so sweet, thank you! 🥺 Yeah, it was definitely challenging to not have a place to put her that would entertain Stella for me while I got anything done. But after a couple months of investing that time into helping her navigate her play space, we are rewarded with a toddler who can comfortably entertain herself a lot of the times! And even though I knew from day 1 we would be applying Montessori in our home, I already have things in mind that I'd change if we are lucky enough to welcome a second one in our lives!

[@alisongreene4586]

Thank you! I had my 3rd child 1 week ago, so your timing is great. Even for baby #3, there's something new to think about and learn 😊

[@AllThingsLydia]

We dont have a bath tub so we bought a Shnuggle baby tub works so well for newborns.

[@asmaaelhofy5169]

I'm so lucky to be a subscriber at your lovely channel, greetings from Egypt

[@joanclaytonjohnson3630]

I loved the sleep sac. We are in the north east and it can be cool at nite 8 mos of the year.

[@phae2518]

Lol funny you say that as I'm currently nursing and watching this video. Oops 😬

[@HapaFamily]

Hey, I definitely did it on occasion, too! No judgment here. ;)

[@JanaeCrawford]

Same 😂

[@aurorapermacultura]

Thanks for the amazing videos you make!! They are soooo useful 😍 greetings from Argentina ☺️

[@toriwiebe8085]

My first will be here any day now! Thanks for the tips!!

[@sistersantiago5357]

Hi Ashley, could you do a montessori at home video about grace and courtesy? How to teach manners, etc.?

[@p90pdack68]

That’s so funny, I def very quickly made an essentials area in the living room for when I nurse. Pillows for my arms, water (BF makes you so thirsty!), those cloth inserts are great spit cloths, packaged snacks, charger, tc remote etc! 😅

[@jessicaGarcia-qn5oy]

ASHLEY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS MAKE MY DAY ❤

[@alexlg9521]

Aw that sounds so beautiful about the way you bathe your newborns! I could even sense a softer newborn Mama tone when you were talking about it 💞 I would definitely use your method if I bathed my newborns with soap 😍

[@aliclendaniel]

Are there any videos explaining how to bathe newborns without a baby bathtub in the way you've described?

[@woodyfired]

Great list to follow esp when everything is totally new to a mom-to-be! Just like everything is totally new to a newborn! Thanks Ashley! I wish I could get your book earlier so that I could better prepare for my baby's arrival.

[@alexlg9521]

I never used a burp cloth! Not once! Never even thought about it. Never needed one 🤷‍♀️

[@HapaFamily]

Really??? What did you use to wipe up all the spit up and milk dribbles?! I'm genuinely curious! 😂

[@MariaandMontessori]

And here we are, regularly purchasing more and more because our girl spit up SO MUCH

[@HapaFamily]

@Maria and Montessori Some babies are incredible producers, haha! (or NOT haha, that's never fun for anyone)

[@homegrownchildmindingsenmu7552]

I never did either 😃, mine are 17, 14 and 4 and i never knew they were even a thing. I just used bibs x

[@itsphoebedykstra]

Bless You Sister!!

[@balesshippolova]

I guess I was pretty minimal even by montessori standards, never had a sleep sack, noise machine or even burp cloths with either of my kiddos.

[@5palomar5]

Hi, this video is a nice recap but I have a question: how is it possible to set up a safe baby movement area on the floor when there is a toddler (2.5 y) running around the place all the time with little or no concern for the safety of things and people around her?

[@ase2129]

Considering I’m going to have a winter baby in the northern US, socks will have to be necessary. 😂 but I’m here for digit exploration

[@yahamo2598]

Thank u 🙏 very much I’m going to have my second on April.already forgot a lot ❤️

[@MarcusGrey]

Maybe creating a flip book for your baby by printing out pictures of other kids faces? It sounds a bit easier than searching for basic books that only contain children’s faces. Or family member faces 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@thoughtsoftheheart]

Thanks for this video!! I am currently 22 weeks pregnant, a first time mom, and brand new to Montessori. Do you have any intro videos to Montessori or recommendations on how to learn as a beginner? Also, is this method effective for someone who is currently unemployed and does not have a huge budget to purchase items? Thanks soo much!!

[@anyamuenchgrieser8686]

I changed my son on top of the washing machine. The farthest warm place out of Dad and Sister's earshot :)

[@therealityofdani6533]

I’m blind and also 10 weeks pregnant. I am very interested in this way of living. Is there any tips that you can give on Montessori parenting with a blind parent? I don’t know if it would be much different but just thought I’d ask.

[@kait1291]

Wonderful video, Ashley! (As always!)

[@philippapay4352]

I was flummoxed to hear that you were no longer trying for another child and then here comes a video on newborn necessities. LOL. This is a good prep for infants. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@chelseaarnold9292]

I found your blog and KZbin channel by your DIY Munari Mobile which I did make for my daughter! Ready to use again for baby # 2 when/if that happens.

[@MinhDaoVan-wk5mq]

thank you very much. i like video

[@anna-katehowell9852]

Does a Montessori approach allow for babywearing?

[@HapaFamily]

Yes! :) I did it quite often and found it to be super helpful, but I don't think it's for everyone, which is why I left it off my list. Also, it could be easily "overused" during times when it actually would be better for baby to have some floor time.

[@serenamcdiarmid4802]

Hi Ashley, thank you for sharing your expertise! You mentioned putting a mirror in baby's movement area. What are your thoughts on having a mirror beside the floor bed as well?

[@HapaFamily]

Some Montessori families do (we did), but it’s preferable to keep the mirror in the movement area, so the baby can focus on going to sleep in the sleeping space. If I had another baby, this is the way I would do it. :)

[@serenamcdiarmid4802]

@@HapaFamily thank you for sharing!

[@mimmyrose2970]

This video is good soup.

[@MariaandMontessori]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 🍲

[@tannazafshar5107]

It would be helpful if you had timestamps....I noticed no baby monitor on your list. Is there one you recommend for a Montessori style room (no crib)?

[@marie-louiseweerheim4224]

Must be a difference between countries but I didnt understand your point about the bath at all... where you in the bath with the baby? I found it very hard on my back to bathe our baby in a regular bath sitting on my knees on the floor bending over the edge of the bath. I did it al lot with our second so both children could bathe at the same time. With our first I always used the baby bath. I didnt like the filling and emtying, but the actual bathing was very nice because I could just stand and hold her in my arms.

[@HisGraceNote]

I am with you. In my country, a bathtub is seen as a dangerous, slippery threat for moms.. so we don't really use it. Postpartum body might have difficult time to sit in the bathtub or bend down? So I can't picture accurately what Ashley is talking about regarding bath time. I hope you find a way to bathe the baby that fits your situation!

[@claudiajade624]

Would it be possible to do a kind of combo of the 2 bathing methods? I don't have a bathtub (just a shower, but quite a large walk in one) so was anticipating using some sort of little baby tub, but what u described defs sounded preferable 🙂

[@linneawestberg6435]

i love this so much! a tip for future editing: please leave the images included on screen for a lot longer. we stare at your face for all 30 minutes of the vid and something different is a welcome distraction and keeps us more engaged in the content. and if we drift off looking someplace else and just listen we need more than a few seconds to realise theres a picture to look at and to do so before its gone.

[@wychen9687]

My baby is 16 weeks. Is it still suitable to introduce the mobiles?

[@roosvandijk5395]

Hey! Thanks for this video, really helpful. I have a question about the movement area. I live in Holland and our houses are much smaller than houses in the US. Our designated movement area is very very small. The Lovevery play mat fits, but that's about it. Right next to it is our couch, so the sight is quite limited... Do you think it's too small?

[@laureno8750]

Is it ok to turn music on for babies? Like kid songs?

[@jaimemackin8299]

Hi Ashley, with the Gobbi mobile, I have seen them being sold in a variety of colours on websites including blue and red. Is it best to purchase the green or are other colours ok too?

[@coppersulphate002]

Did you do the Montessori training?

[@WVgrl59]

It is easy to wash a small baby in the sink when they're small but not when they are 17 lbs. 😊

[@cara5324]

I’m really not a fan of watching a mom sit and talk… I need visuals, examples, demonstrations to get on board, lol. Having 30 years experience in Montessori, I ff through and hit your links. Many of the products are no longer connected to the link, which is frustrating and sends me elsewhere, however, I am subscribing because you’ve put in the work and there so few Mmoms out there. My goal is do help my pregnant daughter get on board without doing more than making the info available in a format she subscribes to.

[@raqueltravincas7455]

I love your videos and I follow you since a long time. However, please do not advice people to let babies taking naps on topponcinos. There is no safer place than a fitted sheet for a baby to sleep. SIDS is sudden and silent, with no signs of suffering. Even the topponcino company which you reccomend a while ago explicitly write in their website that their products are not recommended for naps.

[@anna-katehowell9852]

Okay, I don't have (living) kids so I'm ignorant but like... I have a potentially stupid bathtime question. When you bathe a baby the way you were talking about, how do you not, like, get diarrheaed on?

[@HapaFamily]

I've never experienced a baby deciding to poop in the bath, actually, and I don't think it's very common. :)