Arrangement and Safety of the Room
Before I begin discussing toys that enhance the development of the senses, I need to explain the arrangement and safety of the room. If you have not read the introduction to this book, I would like to ask that you do so in order for you to better understand the importance of why and what I am teaching.
In my evaluation, I have discovered the book Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three explains many areas on how to arrange the room properly for the infant to see and move safely.
The ability of an infant to move and explore is very important because he/she may become bored or depressed if restrained.
Keep blankets, toys or stuffed animals out of the sleeping area. The Halo SleepSack may be used in lieu of blankets to keep the infant safe and allow him/her to move (see Swaddling, Pacifiers, and Tummy Time).
For safety reasons, place a gate in the doorway so when the infant begins to scoot, he/she stays in the room.
Bolt windows closed if windows are not at a safe height.
Keep cords away and out of reach of the infant.
Place a large (two to three feet) square mirror made of safety glass by the infant’s bed so the baby can see himself or herself and their room. The mirror should be secured safely to the wall so the infant cannot pull it off or so it doesn’t fall.
Soothing colors and simple patterns on the wall are best. Too many busy patterns could over stimulate the infant.
One rattle can be placed in a wicker or safety-type basket.
At six months, three toys can be placed in the wicker basket. A suggestion would be a rattle, ball, and wooden ring or other toys of interest to the infant.
SWADDLING, PACIFIERS, AND TUMMY TIME
Don’t bundle or tuck the infant so tight with blankets or swaddling that he/she cannot move. Also, this can over stimulate the baby before sleep.
Many parents use the Halo SleepSack for their newborn baby. One is called Halo SleepSack Swaddle for the newborn. Using this sack allows the infant to move and place his/her arms outside of the sack. This sack also helps to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Don’t place heavy clothing under the SleepSack. This could overheat the infant. A lightweight sleeper or, in summertime, a onesie may suffice. There are also a variety of Halo SleepSacks for older infants.
NOTE: As the infant begins to roll (this can be as early as two months), he/she should not be swaddled due to an increase risk of SIDS when the baby tries to move. If you are using the Halo SleepSack Swaddle for the newborn, I suggest placing the infant’s arms outside the sack very early on. Follow the directions for the Halo SleepSack Swaddle. You can purchase the Halo SleepSack at www.halosleep.com.
Pacifiers prevent the infant from babbling; consequently, the baby has difficulty producing sound. Some articles say that there may be speech and language delays from using pacifiers. Also, there is some evidence that middle ear infections can occur, which can cause hearing loss. However, other articles say infants can use a pacifier at nap or sleep time to help prevent SIDS. Some babies may need the pacifier to help with the development of sucking such as a preemie baby. Ask your doctor or nurse.
For an older infant and if you are using a pacifier during the day, instead of putting the pacifier in the baby’s mouth, you might want to try giving a toy of interest to the infant instead. My own two children did not like pacifiers. They would spit them out. Therefore, I did not force the pacifier upon them. Additionally, I am grateful I did not have the worry of weening them off pacifiers. Yet, you as a parent have to decide what is best for your infant in determining the use of pacifiers.
Allow some time for the infant to lay on his/her stomach during waking time so the baby can practice lifting his/her head.
When dressing an infant, dress him or her in the exact order every time. See Chapter 3 for the importance of sequencing.
For new parent(s), having a newborn can be overwhelming, exhausting and can lead to miscommunication due to the extra workload. I have come across this issue many times and hope this suggestion will clarify communication. Create a list as to which parent will do what chore. For example, who will wash bottles, cook, clean, or do laundry? Will you both take turns feeding the baby and changing diapers? Both parents may need to take a 45-minute break in the evening to refresh themselves. If you are a single parent, I suggest having a grandparent, relative, or friend give you a break a couple of times a week. If they are willing to help out with laundry or cooking, that would be helpful as well. I truly hope you will take the time to rest and communicate.
NOTES
1 Lillard, P. P., & Jessen, L. L. (2003). Montessori from the Start. New York: Schocken Books (pp 32–33).
2 Lillard, P. P., & Jessen, L. L. (2003). Montessori from the Start. New York: Schocken Books (pp 165)
3 Jones, S. (January 8, 2015). Does Sucking on a Pacifier Harm Speech Development? - www.nspt4kids.com
4 Mayo Clinic Staff. (July 22, 2017). Pacifiers: Are They Good for Your Baby? - www.mayoclinic.org
5 Lillard, P. P., & Jessen, L. L. (2003). Montessori from the Start. New York: Schocken Books (pp 75)
6 Lillard, P. P., & Jessen, L. L. (2003). Montessori from the Start. New York: Schocken Books (pp 147–148)
