As an IDME and tutor, I’m very curious about all perspectives on education and development. Since Montessori is a household name for many families, I often field questions about how IDME relates to the Montessori approach. As I’ve dug into the pedagogy of Montessori, I was struck to organize what I’ve learned and apply it to my work as an IDME. So much of it overlaps and complements.
Maria Montessori’s approach to infant development stands out for its respect for the infant as an autonomous learner and active participant in their growth. This philosophy acknowledges that, from birth, infants are driven by an intrinsic motivation to explore and master their environment, not by direct instruction. In Montessori's view, the first year of life—the stage from birth to walking—is a sensitive period of discovery and rapid development, where foundational skills for movement, communication, and independence begin to emerge. Immediately the parallels to IDME are so evident!
The Absorbent Mind
Montessori famously described the infant’s mind as “absorbent,” likening it to a sponge that soaks up every element of its surroundings. This absorbent mind is especially active in the first year of life. Infants are innately attuned to their environment, and even before they can speak or walk, they are absorbing language, emotions, and movement patterns around them. In this period, every interaction, sound, and experience contributes to their neural development.
To foster a supportive environment, Montessori encourages caregivers to be mindful of creating a peaceful, rich atmosphere, free from excessive noise or overstimulation (often a challenge in IDME playgroups, when the gathering of babies and caregivers create quite the cacophany!) Montessori prioritizes calming tones, natural light, and gentle, consistent interactions help support an infant’s cognitive and emotional well-being during this formative period.
Supporting Movement and Exploration
From birth, infants have an innate drive to move and explore, and Montessori’s approach places a strong emphasis on creating a safe, open space for them to do so. Instead of containment in bouncers, walkers, or high chairs, Montessori environments allow infants the freedom to move independently, explore textures, and practice rolling, reaching, and eventually crawling and standing. Totally aligned with the IDME approach.
Also like IDME, Montessori discourages propping infants into sitting or standing positions before they’re ready. This respect for the infant’s natural progression encourages gross motor development at their own pace, enabling stronger muscle coordination and balance as they work toward their first steps.
Practical Tips for Movement Support:
1) Provide a safe, clean floor space for unrestricted movement.
2) Introduce simple, age-appropriate toys that encourage reaching, grasping, and hand-eye coordination.
3) Avoid pushing infants to hit milestones; instead, allow them to achieve each step naturally.
Montessori and IDME are so aligned here!
Fostering Independence through Hands-On Exploration
Montessori recognized that even infants have an innate desire to engage with their environment and build independence. By offering simple, purposeful objects—like soft balls, scarves, or wooden rattles—infants can explore their senses, developing an understanding of cause and effect and gaining control over their movements.
Once they begin to pull up and practice standing, a low, child-safe mirror can be added to the environment, allowing infants to observe themselves. This mirror aids in self-recognition and spatial awareness, empowering them to explore movement, make connections between their bodies and their environment, and build self-identity.
Language and Communication Development
Montessori emphasized that language begins not with speaking but with listening and observing. From birth, infants are “absorbing” language, tone, rhythm, and inflection. Montessori recommended that caregivers speak clearly, calmly, and directly to infants, using rich vocabulary to explain the world around them, from naming objects to describing daily routines.
Consistent interaction and naming help infants form the building blocks of language, even before they can vocalize. Reading aloud and singing simple songs can enrich this process, exposing infants to new sounds and language patterns.
Nurturing a Sense of Security and Trust
According to Montessori, the first stage of development is also an emotional one, where infants need a strong sense of security and attachment. Responsive, attuned caregiving forms the foundation for trust and confidence in the world. Montessori valued routines, gentle caregiving, and attuned interactions as they help infants feel safe, understood, and valued.
Creating predictable routines around feeding, changing, and sleeping supports an infant’s sense of safety and autonomy. Montessori caregivers are encouraged to approach these routines with mindfulness and respect, seeing each interaction as an opportunity to connect and nurture.
The Impact of the Montessori Perspective on Infant Development
Much like IDME, Montessori’s approach to infant development from birth to walking is rooted in the belief that, with respect and support, infants will reach each milestone with confidence and joy. By creating a safe, rich environment, allowing freedom of movement, fostering independence, and providing consistent, caring interactions, caregivers can support infants in their natural developmental path. This respect for the infant’s autonomy not only fosters physical and cognitive growth but also lays the groundwork for a secure, resilient, and curious child.
As Montessori put it, “The child’s development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behavior toward [them].” For infants, this means creating an environment where they are free to explore, absorb, and move toward independence at their own pace, knowing they are fully supported on this journey.