Babies are more capable than we realize. In the first few years of life, they form over 1 million new neural connections every second! From birth, babies are deeply aware. They absorb their surroundings through their developing senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste—they build connections and communicate in subtle but meaningful ways, such as crying, each tone indicating a message about why they are crying. Some common messages are they are wet, they have gas, or they need to feel your touch. Montessori education recognizes this innate capacity, viewing even the youngest infants as active participants in their learning journey.

A child’s brain develops rapidly. Their brain doubles in size by their first birthday and reaches 80% of adult capacity by age 3. Their personality begins to form, and their sense of safety and self takes root.

From birth, babies are deeply aware and capable. They absorb everything in their surroundings through their developing senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste—they build connections and communicate in subtle but meaningful ways. Montessori education recognizes this innate capacity, viewing even the youngest infants as active participants in their learning journey.

As authors Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike note in The Montessori Baby:

Babies know a lot that we don't know. When we look into a baby's eyes, there is a lot of mystery waiting to be discovered. They are saying to us, if you want to learn about me, watch me. Observation becomes a form of respect.

Babies transition from the security of the womb to an unfamiliar world filled with new sensations. At Kindernest Montessori, we create a prepared environment that supports this delicate shift:

Through consistent, gentle care, infants learn to trust their environment and caregivers, laying the foundation for curiosity and discovery.