5 Montessori Activities for 1-Year-Olds: Stimulation with Love and Autonomy
During the first year of life, babies go through a key stage of sensory, motor and cognitive development. The Montessori approach proposes to accompany this process from respect, observation and the promotion of autonomy. Montessori activities do not require expensive materials or complex environments: the essential thing is to prepare an environment that is safe, adapted, and full of opportunities to explore. Here are 5 simple activities, based on this approach, ideal for babies around 12 months old.
1. Basket of treasures: discovering the world with the senses
The treasure basket is a classic Montessori activity that stimulates baby's touch, sight, smell and natural curiosity. It consists of offering a basket (preferably wicker or fabric) with everyday objects of different textures, shapes and materials, as long as they are safe and supervised.

The treasure basket allows the baby to explore autonomously and sensorially.
You can include a wooden spoon, a natural sponge, a soft cloth, a large metal lid, a thick ball of wool, among others. Avoid plastics, small or fragile objects. Place it at its height, sit close, and watch: the baby will take care of the rest!
2. Transfers with large objects: coordination and concentration
By 12 months, many babies enjoy moving objects from one container to another. It's a fun and natural way to train hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. Offer two bowls or baskets and large objects such as wooden balls, cork stoppers or safe fruits.
Invite them to move objects from one bowl to another. At first it will do it randomly, but little by little it will repeat the action with more intention. Remember that the goal is not to "learn" quickly, but to explore freely.
3. Practical life activities: imitating and participating in everyday life
One of the pillars of the Montessori method is to include the child in daily life. At this age, they love to imitate and feel useful. You can let them help you put clothes in the washing machine, water plants with a pitcher, wipe with a sponge, or put objects in a box.
Adapt the environment so that they can do it themselves: place utensils at their height, give them real but safe objects and accept that the important thing is not perfection, but the process.
4. Cloth or board books: language and emotional bond
Early reading does not seek for the baby to "learn to read", but rather to become familiar with language, images, rhythm and, above all, to create a moment of emotional connection. Choose books with real or simple illustrations, with few words per page and resistant to their little hands.
You can point and name, let it turn pages, repeat key phrases, or just let it explore at its own pace. This activity enhances attention, language development and emotional bonding.
5. Free Movement Circuit: Motor Exploration with Safety
Free movement is vital in Montessori. By 12 months, many babies are crawling, standing up, or even starting to take their first steps. You can create a simple circuit with cushions, tunnels, mattresses, large boxes and soft surfaces for them to move, climb or hide.

Free movement helps physical development and body safety.
Allowing this exploration strengthens muscles, improves balance, and promotes independence. It accompanies without directing, and only intervenes if there is a risk.
These Montessori activities are designed to promote the integral development of the baby in a respectful and natural way. Remember that each child has their own rhythm and the most important thing is not to do many things, but to accompany with love, presence and trust.
Guidance information