The most important part of the Montessori environment is the adult who is responsible for preparing this special environement. The adult is constantly observing the infant based on a broad knowledge of infant and toddler development. When the child is ready to take on new challenges, the environment can be adjusted to meet that need. At the core of every decision is a respect for the child's ability and desire to achieve independence. If a child can walk, he is not carried, if she can stand, she is diapered standing.
Any achievement is considered preparation for the next step.
Particular care is also given to avoiding overstimulation of the infant's senses. In these early months of life, everything is new and the abililty to tune out distractions is still developing. The adults in a Montessori infant classroom respect the infant's ability and need to follow her own curiosity without being interrupted. The effort is focused on observing the child and ensuring that the enviroment offers challenges that are developmentally appropriate. When a child masters a new skill, the adult may introduce new materials that build upon that skill and increase the challenge.