Open-ended play with wooden blocks

Wooden Blocks: 5 Questions You Want Answered

When it comes to early childhood play and development, a simple set of blocks can open up a world of possibility. In this post, we’ll explore five key questions about wooden blocks — their safety, how they relate to Montessori principles, how to care for them, and how to maximise their potential for open-ended play.

1. Are wooden blocks safe for babies?

Safety is always the first concern for parents, especially when children are in the early stages of exploration and mouthing toys. The answer is: yes, wooden blocks can be safe — provided they meet certain criteria.

First, the material matters. High-quality wooden toys made of solid hardwoods or responsibly sourced wood, finished with non-toxic paints or finishes, avoid many of the chemical risks associated with cheaper plastic alternatives (e.g., formaldehyde, heavy metals, or toxic paints). Wooden toys are also less prone to breaking into many small pieces that might become choking hazards, especially if they are designed for younger children.

However, “safe” does not mean “completely risk-free” in all cases. For babies (under around 12 months), blocks must be large enough to avoid choking, have very smooth edges (no splinters), and have finishes that are safe for mouthing. 

From a toy-safety regulation perspective, always check that the blocks meet relevant standards and ensure finishes are labelled as non-toxic. Also inspect regular use for wear and tear (cracks, chips, small parts coming loose) which can introduce new risks over time.

In short: Wooden blocks are a very good choice for babies when quality materials and finishes are used, and when supervision and age-appropriateness are ensured.

2. Are wooden blocks Montessori?

The term “Montessori” is often used to describe many toys, but what does it truly mean, and do wooden blocks fit in?

Montessori education emphasises open-ended, hands-on materials, natural materials, and opportunities for the child to explore, choose, and engage in meaningful activity. Wooden blocks align beautifully with these principles: they are open-ended (you don’t need a specific outcome), tactile, durable, and invite creativity and problem-solving.

Research further confirms that block play (of all types) is correlated with cognitive development, spatial skills, early math competence, and even interest in STEM fields. When you choose wooden blocks that are minimalist (no loud graphics, no many plastic connectors), you lean even more into the Montessori ethos of simplicity and purpose.

That said, not all wooden blocks are “Montessori” by design. A truly Montessori-aligned block set will have some key qualities:

  • Natural, non-toxic, preferably unfinished or lightly finished wood.
  • Open-ended shapes, sizes and minimal colour distractions (so the child focuses on the material and the process, not the gimmick).
  • The freedom for the child to lead the play rather than following a prescribed pattern or instructions.

3. Can wooden blocks get wet?

One of the practical questions families face: “What if the blocks get wet? Can I wash them? Can the child play with them outside or in humid conditions?” The short answer: You should avoid allowing wooden blocks to remain wet or submerged for extended periods.

Why? Because wood is a natural material that absorbs moisture. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to warping, swelling, splitting, or peeling of finishes.

However, that doesn’t mean they can’t ever come into contact with water—just that you should treat them carefully. Most advice suggests you can give them a quick dip or wipe, but not soak, then dry promptly. For example, a sink with a 1:4 soap-to-water (or vinegar) solution can be used for a quick dip, followed by immediate drying.

From a play-perspective, outdoor use is fine if the blocks are brought back inside and dried; but leaving a set of wooden blocks outside overnight in rain or high humidity without drying can damage them and shorten their lifespan. For your Saha collection, communicating this to parents helps preserve the quality and longevity of the toys.

4. How to play with wooden blocks?

Now to the fun part: how to get the most out of wooden blocks. For children up to age 7 (your target age bracket), wooden blocks offer a rich palette of open-ended play that supports creativity, motor development, spatial thinking and more.

Here are some ideas:

  • Simple stacking and building: The most fundamental play is simply stacking blocks, making towers, knocking them down, rebuilding. This develops fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and introduces early concepts of balance and gravity. According to Montessori-style resources: “Montessori building blocks … help children improve their fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and creativity as children stack, sort, and build various structures.” 
  • Free construction and storytelling: Invite children to build a “village”, “forest”, “castle”, or “animal world” out of blocks. Encourage them to narrate what they’re building, which supports language and imagination (MontessoriHollywood, 2024). 
  • Math and spatial play: As children grow older (4-7 years), you can integrate counting blocks, patterns, symmetry, and even simple fractions (e.g., one block equals one unit, two blocks equal two units). Research shows block play is associated with later math competence.
  • Collaborative and social play: Block play is not only solitary — children can play together, negotiate whose block goes where, share ideas, rebuild after collapse, manage frustration and joy — all valuable socio-emotional learning. 
  • Sensory and exploratory play: For younger children, blocks can be used in sand trays, water tables (with caution), or alongside natural loose parts (pine cones, stones, shells) to encourage multi-sensory play and nature connection.

Tips for parents and educators:

  • Keep the set simple; fewer but well-designed blocks are better than large flashy sets with lots of connectors.
  • Let the child lead; avoid preset instructions or pictures they must replicate.
  • Rotate block sets or combine them with loose parts for renewal of interest.
  • Provide space (both physical and mental) for block play — a clear floor, a soft mat, and minimal interruptions.
  • Encourage narrative: ask open questions like “What are you building? Why? What if we added…?” rather than imposing.

5. How to clean wooden blocks?

Last but very important: care and maintenance. Because you’re emphasising sustainable, high-quality wooden toys (for example your use of water-based finishes, natural dyes, hardwoods like European beech or mango wood), showing parents how to care for them helps extend their lifespan and preserves their beauty.

Here are recommended cleaning and maintenance guidelines:

  • Avoid soaking or submerging: As noted earlier, wood absorbs moisture, which can cause warping or finish damage. 
  • Cleaning solution: Use a mild soap or castile soap diluted in water, or a vinegar-water mix (for example 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) as a gentle disinfectant. Apply with a soft cloth or a quick dip (not a soak). 
  • Wipe and rinse: After cleaning, if you used soap, wipe again with a damp clean cloth to remove residue. Then air-dry thoroughly, preferably away from direct sunlight (which can fade colour or dry out the wood).
  • Dry immediately and fully: Make sure the blocks are fully dry before re-using or storing. Moisture left in the wood can lead to mould or mildew, or degrade finishes.
  • Periodic maintenance: Because wood is a natural material, it may benefit from occasional conditioning (especially if un-finished or lightly finished). Some sources recommend polishing with beeswax or food-safe oil to nourish the wood and protect it.
  • Storage: After play, store blocks in a dry, cool place away from excessive humidity or direct sunlight. Avoid stacking them in a humid bathroom or outdoor area overnight.

Conclusion

Wooden blocks are much more than simple toys — they are tools for growth, creativity, resilience and connection. When made from natural, sustainable materials with safe finishes, and offered in a way that honours children’s agency and imagination, they become a meaningful part of childhood. They fit beautifully within the Montessori-inspired, minimalist, mindful play environment that Saha is creating.

By ensuring they are safe, compatible with open-ended play, well cared for, and deeply integrated into a child’s environment rather than simply being “another toy”, you help children up to 7 years of age flourish — with simplicity, respect and joy.

References

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