It is always so much fun to see our sweet babies and toddlers empowered through those self-driven Montessori experiences, and getting involved in their environment by cleaning (learning to take care of their space) is definitely one of those opportunities!
So here’s how to start with babies and toddlers.
1. Model Clean Habits
I will tell you that the main way that we can begin implementing those cleaning habits from day one is by being proactive and modeling to keep their environments clean.
One example would be the goal of teaching our babies to returning toys to their shelf. If we model returning items (any items not just theirs) to their place in the home or school, our babies and toddlers will see that as a part of their environment.
Then once we offer the lesson and set that expectation for them to return their toys, it will be much easier to learn. (And you can also say “Mommy puts the remote away, the dishes away, etc. And you put your toys away!”)
Another example is whenever you see that you see your child put a toy in their mouth. Perhaps once they are done using it, put it in a “cleaning bucket” or on the counter to clean. Then clean it before it goes back into their play area and sportscast or explain why you did that. Remember, your baby is absorbing everything!
2. Sportscast/Explain As You Model
When your baby observes you doing these cleaning steps, talk to them about it! Discuss how when you clean a toy that went in their mouth, that you are making it fresh for them. Let them know that you are cleaning the door handles because many people touch door handles and so you are cleaning off the germs.
And if you can, try incorporating some cleaning into your daily routine! (Or at least collecting to get the mouthed materials up and out of reach) You got this! Once you get into the routine of cleaning, it will just become a part of your day rather than an extra step. Play some music and enjoy my friends!
3. Get Your Babies Involved in the Cleaning
There are so many ways to get your baby or toddler involved in this process! When you notice that your child begins to grasp and put toys or materials inside of something (most commonly blocks in a basket or shapes in a shape sorting bucket,) you can encourage your child to put a material into your family “cleaning bucket.” Getting them involved in the process from infancy helps them feel like a contributor to the space but also helps them make mental connections about cleaning.
For our walking infants and toddlers, it might be fun (and developmentally beneficial) to have a cleaning routine with them as well!
For example in the world of Montessori, we encourage our infants to learn how to care for their environment in an age appropriate way from day 1.
Try having them collect their toys and put them in a bin before, for example, bath time. To get them started in this routine, start by modeling how to collect for them a few times, and then gently assist them. Keep giving them opportunities to try on their own. You’ll be surprised how quickly they learn to love their new routine!
Fun Little Story…
I got my babies involved in the cleaning processes in a developmentally appropriate way from the time their grasping allowed. Because they want to! Have you noticed how they’ll reach for your broom, try to grab your rag, dive for the spray bottle, etc.?
My walking babies would help collect materials, wipe tables, pack bags, strip beds, and more! Because they wanted to! They love to do what their trusted adults are doing… and showing them that we believe they are capable is a great way to give them those empowering opportunities!
4. What to Clean With
Now what to clean with is definitely a personal choice. And definitely do research about how cleaning products, scents, and chemicals affect babies.
Although I will say that after my years of research and using different types of cleaning products, I personally choose to be chemical free with my babies and use a vinegar cleaning solution.
This is because infants are so sensitive and put their mouths on just about everything. Another reason is that infants exhibit severe sensitivities at all different stages and to be safe I use the vinegar solution.
Vinegar Cleaning Solution:
1/2 Water
1/2 Distilled White Vinegar
Couple Drops of Essential Oils of Your Choice is Optional (I personally like to use a couple drops of lemon and peppermint to dilute the smell of the vinegar)
5. Teacher Tip: If Your Child is in Care or School During Flu Season
And finally, for all of you parents who have your babies in care, illnesses (especially during flu season) are definitely a real thing. Believe me, as on top of the cleaning as the teachers are, and as much as we want to keep the children happy and healthy, illnesses do happen.
And although every ounce of our being wants to protect our babies from getting sick, they most likely will at some point as they develop.
The Good News Is…
Studies show that children who start care in infancy miss much less schooling in elementary school! So the fact that they are exposed to more children and environments mean that their bodies are building up antibodies and will be ill less frequently later on! Yay!
Anyway…
I hope you found these 5 Tips helpful to your practice with your Baby or Toddler! Let me know if you try any of these out in the comments below!
Xoxo,
Bianca, Your Baby Tour Guide