Skip Hop Montessori Toys Review
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If you’ve ever found yourself Googling "Montessori toys for babies" at midnight, welcome to the club! Understandably all parents want to give their little ones the best start to life, including access to toys that will help them to learn and discover the world around them.
Today, we’re excited to dish on a brand that totally gets us: Skip Hop. Their line of Montessori-inspired toys is functional and developmentally rich — a double win!
Let’s dive into why these toys are making waves in the parenting world.
Who is Skip Hop?
Before we get into these educational toys, let’s chat about the brand behind the magic.
Skip Hop is a modern baby gear brand that blends thoughtful design with real parenting solutions. Founded in New York City, they've been making products that are equal parts practical and stylish for over two decades. From diaper bags to bath toys, they’ve always had a knack for turning everyday essentials into something a little more... fabulous.
Now, with their Discoverosity Montessori-Inspired Collection, they’ve outdone themselves!
What Are Montessori Toys (& Why Are Parents Obsessed?)
Montessori toys are rooted in the Montessori method of education — a child-led, hands-on learning philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.
The idea is to empower children to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace using natural materials and open-ended play.
Here’s why Montessori toys are so beloved:
Simplicity is key: No flashing lights or loud noises — just thoughtful, purposeful design.
Encourages independence: Babies learn by doing and figuring things out themselves.
Supports key developmental milestones: From grasping to crawling to cognitive skills.
Natural materials: Think wood, cotton, and other baby-safe materials that feel just right.
Sounds dreamy, right? Now let’s look at how Skip Hop brings this to life.
Discoverosity Montessori-Inspired Play Gym
Let’s start with a showstopper.
The Discoverosity Montessori-Inspired Play Gym is basically the play gym of your dreams.
Designed with input from actual Montessori educators (we love an expert collab!), this play gym creates a calming yet stimulating environment for your little explorer.
Here’s what makes it a standout:
- Sustainably-sourced wooden arches add an earthy aesthetic that looks chic in any room
- Plush, Oeko-Tex-certified playmat is gentle on baby’s skin and safe for all that tummy time
- Five nature-inspired toys include crinkly sounds, a wooden ring, a rainbow rattle, a mirror, and more - each one designed to engage a different skill
- 27+ developmental activities (yes, 27!) to keep baby busy, curious, and learning
- Three play modes: overhead play, tummy time, and seated play
One of our personal favourite features? The six Parent Guide Cards that walk you through milestone-driven play. Because sometimes you just need a little help figuring out what to do with your baby during playtime!
Discoverosity 3-in-1 Montessori-Inspired Stroller Toy
Next up is something every parent needs: an on-the-go toy that actually does something beyond just dangling cutely.
The 3-in-1 Montessori-Inspired Stroller Toy is a genius multitasker.
Like the name says, you get three ways to play: the soft rattle ball, a smooth wooden ring teether, and both pieces connected together for double the fun.
Why we love it:
- The high-contrast patterns on the rattle ball are perfect for newborn vision development
- The wooden teether ring is easy for tiny hands to grasp (and chew on, obviously)
- It promotes visual and tactile stimulation, while also supporting those early motor skills
- It’s lightweight and easy to toss in your diaper bag or attach to your stroller bar
Bonus: It matches perfectly with the rest of the Discoverosity collection, so your play gear looks coordinated and cute (yes, that matters to a lot of parents!).
Discoverosity 3-Stage Activity Center
Last but absolutely not least, we have the Discoverosity 3-Stage Activity Center.
This piece is a total investment item that grows with your child from 4 months to toddlerhood. If you want something that gives you major bang for your buck while still delivering on Montessori principles, this is it.
Here’s the breakdown:
Stage 1: Sit, swivel, bounce, and play! Baby gets 360 degrees of fun while building leg strength and coordination.
Stage 2: Cruise & interact. Once your baby starts standing, the activity centre becomes a cruising station.
Stage 3: Converts into a toddler play table with hidden storage — hello, craft corner!
The Montessori-inspired toys featured in this activity centre are thoughtfully designed for different stages of play and discovery.
There’s a Rotating Sundial Mirror, which not only captivates baby’s attention but also includes a slide-out panel where you can pop in a family photo to encourage self-recognition. The Mountain Mover features textured wooden rings that are perfect for little hands exploring different sensations.
There’s also the Paddle Spinners, Mushroom Pod, and Rolling Teether, each offering their own mix of tactile feedback, motion, and fun sounds to promote grasping, batting, and coordination.
Oh, and did we mention it also has a Discovery Window so your child can watch their feet move? It’s a great way to teach cause and effect, which is such a big concept at this age.
Where Style Meets Smart Play
Montessori doesn’t have to mean minimal (or boring!) and Skip Hop proves that with its Discoverosity collection.
These toys blend natural materials and thoughtful design with all the practical features parents need. Plus, they look gorgeous in your home — no need to hide them when company comes over!
So, whether you’re looking for a beautiful play gym, a stroller toy that keeps your little one engaged on the go, or an activity centre that actually grows with your child, Skip Hop’s Montessori-inspired line makes playtime a little more enriching (and gives you five extra minutes to finish your coffee while it's hot!).
For more educational toys, click here.