This means that instead of using traditional methods such as "cry it out" or other forms of sleep training that may involve leaving a child to cry alone, the Montessori approach encourages parents to support their child as they learn to fall asleep on their own.
In Montessori we use a low bed or a floor bed which is a mattress on the floor, on a carpet, or on a base which is only slightly higher than the floor. Eventually baby moves to this bed as they transition to independent sleeping. The sleep area is should be in the darkest, quietest part of the room.
Because the crying may signify that the baby is experiencing stress, opponents of the method consider it harsh and potentially damaging. Research suggests that excessive stress-induced crying may be linked to brain changes during a critical growth period.
In my opinion and in my experience the co-sleeping can fit perfectly with the Montessori philosophy if we consider two things: respect and independence. We have to try to respect the needs and preferences of all family members.
Does the cry it out method work? Yes. The short-term goal of cry it out is to help the child learn to fall asleep without caregiver assistance, i.e., to change sleep onset associations that can disrupt sleep. The long-term goal is to reduce night wakings and decrease bedtime resistance.
It's OK to let your baby cry if the baby doesn't seem sick and you've tried everything to soothe your baby. You can try to leave your baby alone in a safe place, such as a crib, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Many babies need to cry before they can fall asleep. And they'll nod off faster if you leave them to cry.
When should you start sleep training? Dr. Schwartz recommends to begin sleeping training when your baby is about four months old. At this age, babies are typically old enough to learn to self soothe, and may no longer require night feedings.
The Montessori method has some drawbacks including the lack of consistent quality implementation, difficulty in transitioning to higher education, and high tuition.
You may or may not already know, but Montessori schools discourage the introduction of fantasy to young children (children under the ages of 5 or 6). This means we do not use play kitchens, have a dress-up area in the classroom, or rely on books with dragons and fairies.
Why don't Montessori families use cribs? It all comes down to freedom and independence. The protective railings around the crib restrict a child's movement. Children are dependent on an adult to determine when they get in and out of the bed, and dependent on them to place them in it or remove them from it.
The concept fosters comforting and bonding as your child learns how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. “Gradually let them cry a little longer,” says Dr. Szugye.
How long to let a baby cry it out? For the cry-it-out method, you let your baby cry until they fall asleep, and rest assured they will. Some babies may protest for 25 minutes, others 65 minutes, and some even longer. It's important not to put a time limit on it (that's a different sleep-training method).
Montessori suggested that babies use a floor bed for sleep. This large and low bed allows for babies to move more freely, see their entire environment in an uninterrupted way, and make steps toward independent sleep by being able to get in and out of bed on their own.
The Montessori bed is suitable for children from 0 to 12 years of age, although it is most popular between 0 and 6 years. In addition, the resting space is adapted as the child grows. This is because it aims to meet the needs of the child, taking into account the infant stage.
In addition to promoting independence and healthy sleep habits, the Montessori floor bed also fosters a sense of security and comfort. Because the bed is low to the ground and has no barriers, the child is able to see and interact with their surroundings more easily.
Why are there no plastic toys in Montessori? Montessori favours toys made from natural materials like wood, metal, cotton and glass for a few reasons. Unlike plastic, these materials inspire a connection to nature and the real world, while the different textures offer a sensory experience and encourage exploration.
Montessori at home doesn't restrict color; it reminds us not to restrict natural beauty. It is more often the case that color is used to overstimulate and distract the child. Our world is beautiful, and we don't actually need to buy so much extra stuff in order to inspire our children.
What is the opposite of Montessori? The opposite of Montessori education is a more traditional, teacher-centered approach to learning. The direct-instruction method in which the teacher is the primary source of information and the curriculum is rigidly structured could be considered the polar opposite of Montessori.
Some critics say that Montessori's emphasis on allowing students to explore their environments for themselves and work on their own projects discourages social interaction. Some go so far as to say it hurts children's social development. But a Montessori environment doesn't isolate students.
Kids with special needs, such as learning or physical disabilities, often thrive in a Montessori setting. 3 Materials used in Montessori settings engage all the senses. Students are free to move about the classroom, which is an advantage for those children who require a lot of physical activity.
One of the other key benefits of Montessori for ADHD is that it allows children to learn at their own pace. Often, children with ADHD thrive when they are able to focus their education on one thing or one concept at a time.
If your baby is fed, has a clean diaper and isn't showing any signs of illness, you let them cry until they fall asleep. This can be hard on parents, but it could be the quickest way for your baby to learn to sleep through the night.
3-4 Months
By 3 to 4 months, infants are forming a nighttime sleep cycle. They're more sociable, don't usually suffer from separation anxiety, and start snoozing better. However, most 3- and 4-month-olds aren't developmentally ready to self-soothe, so sleep training may be difficult.
Moms on Call sleep training uses assisted and self soothing techniques to help babies fall asleep and stay asleep on their own. This method isn't exclusively a cry-it-out technique, but it does have small bouts where you will have to hear your baby cry. Soothing rounds are the backbone of this sleep training method.