The Montessori approach is more than just a teaching method – it’s a way of understanding and supporting a newborn’s development.
This approach is all about treating your newborn as an individual with their own unique needs and capabilities. It’s creating an environment where they can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
Now, let’s delve into the Montessori philosophy. It’s founded on 8 fundamental principles that are designed to enhance your newborn’s development, without any force or coercion.
In the following article, we’ll take a closer look at these principles and how you can apply them in your everyday life with your baby. It’s all empowering your newborn to become an independent, confident learner right from the start.
1) Follow the child
One of the key concepts in Montessori education is the idea of following the child. Instead of dictating what a newborn should be doing and when, we’re encouraged to observe their natural rhythms and interests.
You might be wondering, “How does this work with a newborn? They can’t even talk yet!” Well, even though they can’t communicate verbally, newborns are constantly sending signals about their needs and interests.
For instance, a baby who’s staring at their hand isn’t just zoning out – they’re exploring their sense of touch and discovering their own body. As parents or caregivers, our job is to facilitate this exploration.
This doesn’t mean we let them do whatever they want. It means we provide a safe and stimulating environment that allows them to make discoveries on their own terms.
In essence, “follow the child” is about respecting the individuality of each child and allowing them to develop at their own pace. It’s the polar opposite of a one-size-fits-all approach to newborn development.
Every child is unique, so why not let them lead their own learning journey right from the start?
2) Prepared environment
A cornerstone of the Montessori approach is the notion of the ‘prepared environment’. This is an environment that is designed to encourage exploration and allow the child to learn at their own pace.
Let me share a personal example. When my son was a newborn, I took this principle to heart and set up our living room with various sensory experiences. From a mobile with different shapes and colors to a soft mat with different textures, each element was chosen to stimulate his senses.
I also made sure everything was safe for him to explore. Sharp corners were covered, outlets were secured, and anything potentially harmful was out of reach. The goal was to create an environment where he could explore freely without constant “No’s” or restrictions.
Over time, I noticed that he became more curious and engaged. He’d spend hours examining the mobile or feeling the different textures on his mat. This environment fostered his natural curiosity and gave him the freedom to explore his world.
Creating a prepared environment is more than just safety. It’s creating a space that nurtures curiosity and development – all while giving your newborn the freedom to discover on their own terms.
3) Sensorial experiences
The Montessori method places a lot of emphasis on sensorial experiences. This approach recognizes that newborns learn a great deal about their world through their senses, even before they can move around or talk.
Rotating mobiles with different colors and shapes stimulate a baby’s visual senses and tracking skills, while soft rattles and musical toys engage their sense of hearing.
But here’s something you might not know: The sense of touch is the first sense that a baby develops in utero, as early as eight weeks. Even before they’re born, babies are starting to explore their world through touch.
By providing a variety of textures and materials for your newborn to feel – from soft blankets to textured toys – you’re helping to stimulate this crucial sense. This sensory exploration not only helps them learn about their world but also develops their motor skills as they reach for and grasp different objects.
4) Respect for the child
Respect is a fundamental principle in the Montessori approach, and it applies even to newborns. This means acknowledging their individuality and treating them as fully-fledged human beings with their own feelings, needs, and rights.
In practice, this could mean talking softly to your newborn while changing their diaper, explaining what you’re doing. It’s about demonstrating patience as they try to grasp a toy or turn their head towards a sound.
You might think, “They’re just a baby, they won’t understand.” But the truth is, these actions send a powerful message that their feelings matter and that they deserve to be treated with respect.
Respect is a two-way street. When you respect your baby, you’re teaching them to respect others too. It’s a crucial lesson they’ll carry with them throughout their life.
5) Freedom within limits
The Montessori method promotes the concept of ‘freedom within limits’. This means providing an environment where your newborn has the liberty to explore and learn, but within safe and defined boundaries.
Imagine a play area with toys that are just right for your baby’s developmental stage – not too easy that they get bored, but not too challenging that they get frustrated. This is their domain, where they’re free to touch, grasp, look, and explore.
At the same time, you ensure that this environment is safe and free from hazards. It’s about creating a balance where your baby feels secure yet stimulated.
This principle of ‘freedom within limits’ fosters independence and self-confidence in your child. It also encourages them to become active learners rather than passive recipients from an early stage.
6) Emphasis on observation
It can be incredibly touching to see your newborn discover new things about their world. Maybe it’s the first time they follow a mobile with their eyes or their first successful attempt at grasping a toy. These might seem like small feats, but they are monumental in your child’s world.
By observing and engaging with your child in this way, you’re not just promoting their development. You’re also building a bond with them that’s based on understanding, respect, and love. And there’s nothing more beautiful than that in the world of parenting.
7) Role of the adult
The Montessori method emphasizes the role of the adult as a guide, not a director. This was a concept that took me some time to fully grasp.
When my son was born, I had this idea that I needed to teach him everything, that I had to be in control of his learning journey. But as I delved deeper into the Montessori approach, I realized my role was not to control but to guide his exploration and learning.
I learned to step back, to resist the urge to intervene unnecessarily. Instead, I started to observe him more, providing help only when he needed it. It was a humbling and eye-opening experience to see him navigate his world independently.
This shift in perspective didn’t just change the way I interacted with my daughter; it also changed me. It taught me patience, humility, and the beauty of letting things unfold naturally. It reminded me that sometimes, the best thing we can do for our children is to step back and let them lead the way.
8) Practical life skills
The Montessori method places a high importance on practical life skills, even from a very young age. This involves activities that allow your child to take part in everyday tasks and develop a sense of self-reliance.
Now, you might be thinking, “How can a newborn participate in practical life activities?” While they obviously can’t help with the dishes or laundry, there are numerous ways to involve them in daily routines.
For example, during feeding or changing, you can talk to your baby about what you’re doing. This simple act familiarizes them with daily routines and helps them feel involved.
As they grow older, these interactions will pave the way for more hands-on involvement in practical life activities. This early exposure makes them feel competent and capable while fostering a sense of belonging and contribution to the family unit.
Final thoughts: It’s about nurturing potential
The Montessori approach to newborn development is more than just a set of principles; it’s a profound respect for the immense potential that lies within each child.
Think about it. Your newborn, as tiny and dependent as they may seem now, is brimming with potential. They have an innate curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, and a unique personality waiting to unfold.
As parents or caregivers, our role is not to mold them into our idea of who they should be but to nurture this potential and help them discover who they are.
Maria Montessori once said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” By following the Montessori approach, we are honoring this hope and promise. We are giving our children the space to explore, to learn, to grow – at their own pace, in their own way.
So as you embark on this beautiful journey of raising a child, remember this: Every moment is an opportunity to nurture their potential. And there’s nothing more rewarding than watching them flourish in their own unique way.
