When we started our journey as parents together we knew we had two goals:

• 1) To create a minimalist, Montessori at home environment because of our budget and lack of space.
• 2) To foster a loving, calm and supportive environment for ourselves and our new baby.

That first month of bringing home your little one is full of so much new. New world to them, new life situation for you. And truly not very much sleep in between. A good friend told me that during this time your baby is “like a package” meaning you place them in one place and they stay there… they make sound and have lots of needs… but they’re not going to roll over or crawl away. So your role as a new parent is to prepare their environment, here are some of those new things we can help you with; things we make, things our friends make and what was helpful for us. The caveat is that this list is minimal and what worked for us. Something else might work for you and your family, and that’s ok, too!

Month 1: For the baby

• High-contrast mobiles
• Soft, textured blankets or cloths
• Rattles with gentle sounds

Our 0-3 Month bundle is perfect for getting you started. The black and white cards serve as an easy high-contrast mobile. We taped several above the changing table, by the couch, tucked one in my bag, anywhere we were it was easy to pull out a black and white card and they were mesmerized. To be one month old again.

The crinkle papers from Willow & Pine are soft and textured and make soft sounds as well! We love gifting these alongside our own handmade Montessori materials. They make such a great gift to a new family just starting off.