On the Road to Baby Independence!

The guide to first gestures and how to encourage them 

At Charlie Crane, our products are much more than children's furniture. They transform, they are designed to be durable and intelligent. In fact, we have dedicated a selection focused on independence for toddlers from 12 months!

 

Why encourage your baby's independence? 

From birth, babies begin to absorb their environment unconsciously, and from the very first years of life, toddlers will try to replicate what they see in their daily lives to "be like the grown-ups" or, alternatively, "do it all by themselves." This happens through play but also through everyday actions.

 

How to encourage independence as a parent?

At this age, children are far from being able to understand a simple verbal instruction, so it is crucial to show them. It is indeed through imitation that these first gestures of independence will gradually take shape… 

It is of course equally important to: 

• Doing all these steps with kindness: parents should move neither too quickly nor too slowly, avoid over-explaining the action, and repeat it if needed so your child has time to break it down.
  
  
• By letting them observe: Yes, babies need to see an action several times before taking action themselves!
  
  
• By verbalising: gestures are important, but you can also use simple words to explain what you are doing in the moment.
  
  
• By respecting their pace: every child is different — take your time, don't rush them, and you'll see that little by little everything will fall into place.

Adapting their living space 

Around 12–18 months, your baby gradually begins to explore and gain independence, little by little. Let's see how to encourage them, room by room, by adapting the environment to their level! 

• In the bedroom 

Having a floor bed allows the child to get up safely and also to go to bed when they feel tired (let's dream a little!) Do you know our YOMI and KIMI beds? We've put together an article summarising all the theory behind the Montessori bed right here: 

We also think of shelves at toddler height, accessible mini bookshelves (the passion for pulling out books!), as well as low coat hooks so your baby can put away their bag, jackets, and coats… 

In terms of play, the timeless wooden toy kitchen is a must that delights little ones (and older ones too) — we also think of our Levo Doll doll bouncer which is an essential when children want to play at being mummy or daddy.

• The bathroom 

At this age, it's the perfect time to invest in a Montessori wooden learning tower or our HIBO stool so they can reach the sink and wash their hands with soap, brush their teeth, clean their face… Our HIBO stool is multifunctional: a step stool, a footrest, and of course a stool — a true ally for independence! 

 

• In the kitchen 

Here too, a Montessori learning tower or our HIBO stool is useful for watching the grown-ups cook and, later on, joining in at mealtimes! But not too fast! At this age, your baby can now sit in their high chair — like the Tobo for example — and grab and drink from their cup (without a lid), pick up their cutlery or food to perfect their baby-led weaning! 

In everyday life, we teach babies the gestures that will help them grow while having fun! As an adult, it is important to stay attentive, watch over them, and encourage them. Then, little by little, your baby will be able to wipe up small spills on the table with a sponge, throw away their nappy, put their toys away… For clothes, opt for elasticated trousers, zip fastenings… 

 

 

Finally, dear parents, a few pieces of advice: 

- Your child will take much, much (much) longer than an adult to complete small everyday tasks — this is perfectly normal and an oh-so-important stage in their development. It is important to breathe, despite the morning rush or the exhausting evening stretch… 

- Who said we get it right on the first try? Sometimes your child will fall, spill, tear… That's all part of the process! Encourage every small victory by being matter-of-fact. 

- We avoid rushing to help when they fail or get impatient… 

 

Ready to support your baby's first steps?
Discover our selection of products on this theme: