Why Fewer Toys Are Better: The Power of Free Play in Toddlers
What if giving your child fewer toys was actually a gift for their development?
At a time when baby lists are overflowing and toy boxes are filling up in the first few months, it may seem counterintuitive to say that a baby needs little to grow well. And yet, this is exactly what many early childhood specialists, including Maria Montessori, advocate.
At Noor & Koala, we believe that play is a sacred moment of learning, and that it benefits from being simple, free, and thoughtful. Here's why.
1. Too many toys, a hindrance to development
Having too many toys available at the same time can lead to:
- Sensory overload, which tires the baby's still immature brain
- A decrease in concentration, as a toddler's attention is easily diverted
- Rapid disinterest, as the baby moves from one toy to another without exploring in depth
Result: the baby becomes frustrated more quickly, less independent and may end up getting bored surrounded by dozens of objects.
2. Free play in the Montessori approach
In Montessori education, the child is at the center of their own learning. The environment is designed to nourish their curiosity without overwhelming it.
We favor:
- A clean space to allow the child to concentrate
- Limited quantity of quality toys, adapted to their stage of development
- Moments of free play, where the adult observes without intervening, to let the child experiment at their own pace
This approach promotes autonomy, self-confidence and active exploration.
3. How to create a stimulating play space?
You don't need a huge playroom. A few simple steps can transform your baby's daily environment:
- Provide between 4 and 6 toys, clearly visible and distinct from each other
- Alternate the available toys: this is the rotation of toys, to be done approximately every 10 to 15 days
- Choose evolving objects, which can be explored in different ways depending on age
- Offer only one toy at a time during playtime with you, to encourage concentration and exploration
4. Why do Noor & Koala boxes respect this philosophy?
Each box is carefully designed to meet the real developmental needs of babies month by month:
- A few toys, but well thought out: wooden, sensory, evolving, and tested with children
- A bilingual book with a story that evolves at the same pace as baby , for a natural immersion in English
- A clear parental guide to help you get the most out of each toy, without overstimulating
We don't offer you "more", we offer you better !
5. Less, but better: a gift for the child and the parent
Fewer toys also means less storage, less stress, less noise.
It's more time spent observing, sharing, understanding what really makes your child tick.
Offering less to play better is making a conscious choice: that of a gentle awakening, centered on the essential, and conducive to fulfillment.