Small Moments, Growing Independence: Montessori for Babies and Toddlers

A little hand reaches for a cloth. A toddler carefully returns a bowl to the shelf. A baby stretches toward an interesting object.

These everyday moments can be easy to overlook, but they offer meaningful opportunities for children to participate, explore, and discover what they can do.

At Nido Natural, Montessori and RIE guide our approach to caring for babies and toddlers. We value a thoughtfully prepared environment, respectful relationships, and time for each child to explore at their own pace.

Supporting independence begins with small invitations woven into daily life.

Create opportunities within reach

Consider your home from your child’s perspective. Can your toddler reach a few suitable books? Is there an accessible place to return a favorite activity?

A low shelf with a small selection of materials can make choosing and putting things away more manageable. For a baby, an uncluttered, safely prepared floor space offers room to move and explore while an adult supervises.

The American Montessori Society describes the infant and toddler environment as a place designed for safe exploration and growing independence. You can bring that principle home through simple, thoughtful arrangements.

Invite your child to participate

Daily care offers many opportunities to do things together.

You might invite your toddler to place a napkin on the table, put clothing in a basket, or help wipe a small spill. Choose tasks and materials suited to their abilities, and stay nearby to help.

With a baby, participation may begin with your words and a pause: “I’m going to pick you up now.” During dressing, explain what you are doing and make room for their movements.

The purpose is connection and participation. A crooked napkin or an imperfectly wiped table is welcome.

Offer simple choices

A toddler does not need unlimited options to have a voice.

“Would you like this book or that one?”

“Would you like to carry your hat, or wear it?”

Offer two choices that you can comfortably accept. Keep necessary boundaries clear: going outside may require a coat, while your child can choose between two suitable coats.

ZERO TO THREE explains that manageable choices give toddlers opportunities to exercise independence within adult guidance.

Give time before stepping in

When a child encounters a small challenge, pause and observe.

Are they still exploring? Trying another way? Looking toward you for support?

You can remain available without immediately completing the task. If help is needed, offer a small amount: steady the container, demonstrate one movement, or ask, “Would you like some help?”

Respond when your child becomes distressed. There is no need to turn an everyday activity into a test of persistence.

Make familiar routines an invitation

Repeating a simple sequence—washing hands before eating, returning materials after using them, or putting shoes in their usual place—gives children familiar ways to participate.

Predictable routines help babies and toddlers know what to expect, while still allowing adults to respond to individual needs.

Some days, your child will want to try everything. Other days, they will need more help, closeness, and reassurance.

Both belong in early childhood.

At Nido Natural, we make room for these small beginnings: time to try, support when needed, and a caring adult close by.

With warmth,

Maria Eugenia Millan

Nido Natural