In the Montessori philosophy, the role of the adult is just as important as the environment itself, especially when it comes to infants. The Nido environment—Montessori’s approach to infant care—thrives because of the delicate balance between a thoughtfully designed space and the prepared adult who guides and supports the child.

So, what does it mean to be a prepared adult? How do we observe our babies and provide the support they need to become independent and confident? And why is our role so important in nurturing the sensory development of our infants?

Today, we’ll answer all of these questions as we explore the role of the prepared adult in the Nido environment.