Preparing Your Infant for Montessori

A Parent's Guide to a Smooth Transition...

Embarking on the journey of early education with your infant can be both exhilarating and a bit daunting. At Eden Prairie Montessori, we understand the mix of emotions you may feel as you prepare to entrust your little one into a new environment.

To ease this transition and make the most of this formative phase, here are some tips on how you, as a parent, can prepare your infant (and yourself!) for joining the Montessori family...

1. Start with the Montessori Mindset at Home

Before your infant starts at Eden Prairie Montessori, begin introducing some Montessori principles at home. Create a safe, engaging space for your baby where they can explore independently. Simple adjustments like placing mirrors at their level, providing a low shelf with age-appropriate toys, and ensuring a clutter-free environment can mimic the nurturing setting they will find in our Nido rooms.



2. Establish Routines

Routine is comforting for children of all ages, especially infants. At Eden Prairie Montessori, we maintain a structured day that includes playtime, nap time, and feeding times. You can help your baby adjust more easily to this new setting by gradually introducing a similar schedule at home. This consistency between home and school can significantly reduce any potential stress for your baby.



3. Visit Eden Prairie Montessori Together

Familiarity breeds comfort. Arrange a visit to Eden Prairie Montessori South (we will be enrolling infants soon!) with your infant. Spend time together in the infant room, allowing your baby to explore the new space while you are nearby. This can help them feel more secure when they see the environment again on their first day. We encourage such visits as they are crucial in building a sense of security and familiarity for both parents and infants.



4. Talk About the New Experience

Even infants benefit from hearing your voice discussing new adventures. Talk to your baby about the school, their new teachers, and the friends they will meet. Mention the fun activities they will engage in, like listening to gentle music or enjoying tummy time with new friends. Your positive tone and excitement can help set a joyful expectation for the new experience.

5. Trust Your Intuition and Their Capabilities

Remember, children are incredibly adaptive. While the adjustment period varies from child to child, infants often surprise us with their resilience. Trust your instincts and your child's ability to adapt. Our staff at Eden Prairie Montessori are experts in infant care and are deeply committed to making your child's experience both comforting and enriching.

6. Encourage Independent Play

Montessori education emphasizes independence and self-directed learning from a very early age. Begin encouraging your infant to engage in independent play at home. Set up a safe space with a few select toys that stimulate exploration and sensory experiences, like soft blocks, textured balls, or simple musical instruments. By allowing your infant time to play independently, you help them develop confidence in their abilities to explore and learn, which aligns perfectly with the Montessori method.



7. Normalize Parting Moments

Partings can be challenging, particularly at the start. To help ease separation anxiety, practice short separations with your baby. Leave them with a caregiver for brief periods while you step out, then gradually increase the time. This practice helps your infant learn that you will return after leaving, fostering a sense of security. At Eden Prairie Montessori, we understand these moments and strive to make hellos and goodbyes as calming and positive as possible, ensuring that both you and your baby feel secure and supported.

Incorporating these tips can make the transition into Montessori education a more positive and enriching experience for your infant. At Eden Prairie Montessori South, we are dedicated to partnering with you in nurturing your child's love for learning right from the start!

Starting Montessori is a significant step for your little one, but it's also the beginning of a beautiful adventure. At Eden Prairie Montessori South, we are excited to be a part of this journey and look forward to welcoming you and your infant to our community where we nurture the potential in every child. If you have any concerns or need further assistance in preparing for this new chapter, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to ensure that this transition is as smooth and joyful as possible for your entire family.

We are now enrolling in our Infant Room in Eden Prairie Montessori South!   Book your tour today!