The imbucare box with a sliding lid is a Montessori classic that has been redesigned to serve multiple tasks. The main aim of the toy is to help children develop their sense of object permanence – the understanding that objects exist even if you can’t see them. The Montessori imbucare box contains two compartments and a sliding lid. The baby inserts the cylinders into the holes and slides the lid to expose them.

Recommended age period

10 months and above.

How to introduce the activity to my child?

While introducing this activity, start with dropping one cylinder into the hole and sliding the lid to retrieve the cylinder. Make sure while presenting the activity to the child, your movements are done in a very calm manner and in slow motion, without explaining vocally. Give your child the space to explore and exercise as many times he/she wants but make sure to stay close and observe their actions.

When your child is proficient with one cylinder, introduce the rest.

What will my child learn?

The size of the cylinders is perfect for those little fingers and helps in enhancing the developing Pincer Grasp. Repetition of this exercise provides the child with an opportunity of exploring the use of the hand, hones finger and wrist movement, as well as the experience of fitting objects into holes.

Sliding the lid to retrieve the cylinders is great for building fine motor skills, body balance, and hand-eye coordination. It develops and strengthens visual perception skills. It also teaches the child object permanence or the concept that something can disappear and still exist.

What is included?

The Montessori imbucare box contains two compartments with a sliding lid and 6 wooden cylinders to satisfy the child’s need for repetition.

What is it made of?

The puzzle box is with birch ply and the cylinders are handcrafted from ivory wood.

Dimensions

Care instructions

Wooden toys are beautiful and durable. Toys made of natural materials bring your little one a little closer to the nature by nourishing the child’s senses.

Wood has natural anti-bacterial properties, so keeping them clean is simple and you can even get your kids involved in the process. Here are some tips that can come handy while taking care of the wooden toys –

1. Wooden toys can be wiped with a dry cloth for daily maintenance and cleaning.
2. No Soaking. Never submerge wooden toys in the water; to clean or otherwise. The wood can soak up the water which can gradually lead to cracks.
3. Instead, a slightly damp cloth or sponge can be used to remove dirt or dust and then the toy should be air dried.
4. While drying the toys, do not leave them in a direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the colors to fade and long exposure to the sunlight and air might damage the wood.
5. Every once in a while, you may want to moisturize wooden toys when it starts to look dry or dull. Coconut oil or olive oil can be applied sparingly with a washcloth. Then let it dry.

Note

• During its lifetime, a tree is subjected to many natural forces that cause variations in wood grain, color, knots, splits, and stains. These variations are not defects. They enhance the beauty of the wood and add to the characteristic of the handcrafted toys making each toy unique.
• As with any baby toy or accessory, please use only under adult supervision.
• Always inspect for damage prior to use.