Infants develop naturally in their own way and at their own pace, and therefore, the prepared environment is essential in infant care. Both the Montessori and Gerber methods stress observation of the infant by the educarer. By means of this observation, the educarer really learns the needs of the individual child - social, emotional, and developmental. As infants change continually, so must their environment change in appropriate ways. It is through careful observation that the caregiver knows how to make these changes.
Respect is fundamental when working with infants.
This is the central point of both Maria Montessori's and Magda Gerber's approach to infant care. Educarers need to be reminded that infants are little people learning to be big people. Babies need to be included in everything that concerns their care. This means telling them what is about to happen and inviting them to participate. Even newborns need this kind of inclusion in their care.