5 Montessori Essentials (That Are Actually Worth It!)
There are so many toys, gadgets, and household items marketed to parents as must-haves for a Montessori home.
Guess what? You don’t need most of them.
After more than 14 years of Montessori parenting, I’ve been reflecting on the items that were truly worth the investment—things that supported our values, lasted through all three of my children, and didn’t cost a fortune.
These are simple, practical items that make it easy to start (or strengthen) your Montessori practice at home from the baby/toddler years on up.
1. A Floor Bed and a Safe Bedroom Setup
We skipped bulky furniture when our kids were little, especially in the baby and toddler years and opted for an age-appropriate floor bed and low shelving that grew with them. Keeping their rooms simple and evolving as they grew supported both independence and aligned with what was developmentally appropriate.
2. Accessible Clothing Storage
After some trial and error with my oldest, we settled on a clothing system that worked for everyone: a seasonal capsule wardrobe stored in bins or baskets inside the closet. Each bin has a picture label so the kids can easily find what they need. I check the bins periodically to make sure everything fits and is actually being worn. All three kids still use a version of this system today.
3. A Step-Stool (or a couple! 😉)
This one is so simple but so essential. We’ve had both a learning-tower-style stool (definitely better for the toddler years)
and regular IKEA step-stools. Over time, I much prefer the basic, space-saving ones over the bulky learning tower. We have a short step stool, a foldable one (great for travel!), and a taller one - each used almost daily.
4. A Chair That Pulls Up to the Table
We use the Keekaroo chair, a sturdy and slightly more affordable alternative to the Stokke Tripp Trapp. All three of my children have used the same chair, purchased before my oldest was born, and my youngest (almost 6) still uses it for every meal. In the baby/toddler years, you can add a high chair tray and a booster seat. There’s also another platform that can slide in for their feet to rest on. Both the booster seat and tray are removable, so your child can sit right at the table using the same chair as soon as they’re ready.
5. Child-Sized Tableware
This includes cups, utensils, plates, and bowls. Many of our sturdy favorites have come from IKEA and World Market.
Yes, I have offered my kids real glass for years. The key is choosing sturdy pieces that if (when) they break, will break in larger pieces instead of shatter into lots of tiny pieces.
Thrift stores are another great source for affordable, child-sized pieces if you have time to browse. If you have the space, storing these in a low drawer or cabinet can support both accessibility and independence for your growing child.
