Nido Infant Program

Ages 3-18 months

Every parent wants to know their baby is truly cared for, not just watched over, but known, loved, and supported as the unique little person they already are.

At Meadow Montessori, Nido means “nest” in Italian, and that’s exactly what we’ve built. Our infant program in Richmond, Texas is a thoughtfully prepared, home-like environment where every detail is carefully chosen to support your baby through each stage of infancy. Experienced caregivers follow your baby’s individual care plan, speak in gentle tones, and provide activities that nurture natural curiosity and development. Your baby is known, loved, and learning from day one.

A baby learning in our Montessori Infant Daycare in Richmond, TX

Why the First Year Matters

A safe, loving environment is the foundation of everything we do in our Nido classroom. But at Meadow Montessori, we believe the first 18 months are far too important to stop there. These are formative years — babies are constantly observing, absorbing, and learning from the world around them. Our Nido classroom is language-rich and sensory-rich, designed specifically with infants in mind. You won’t find babies strapped in bouncy chairs or Bumbo seats. Instead, children have the freedom to move, explore, and discover — because the environment was built for them. This is infant care that goes beyond daycare — it’s your baby’s first Montessori experience.

Two Stages, One Continuous Journey

A 3-month-old and an 18-month-old are worlds apart developmentally. That’s why our Nido classroom is thoughtfully structured into two stages, each designed to meet your baby exactly where they are, while gently building the skills and confidence for what comes next.

Nido I · 3–12 months

A calm, nurturing environment built around your little one.

Nido II · 12-18 months

A growing environment that expands with your baby.

At a Glance:

Student Ages:

3 -18 months

Program Options:

Full Day only

Hours:

7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Montessori Certified Teachers

American Montessori Society Pathway School

Personalized Care Plans

Individual feeding, sleeping, and comfort routines

Procare App

Daily updates, photos, and feeding logs

Enrichment Included:

• Music & Songs
• Gardening (Nido II)
• Cooking (Nido II)

Family-Owned and Operated Since 2014

Serving families throughout Richmond, Harvest Green, Aliana, Long Meadow Farms, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, and surrounding communities.

What Your Baby Experiences Every Day

We Get to Know Your Baby Before Day One

Every baby is different, even siblings. Before your child’s first day, we ask you to share everything that makes your baby uniquely them. How do they like to be soothed? What are their feeding cues? What milestones are you working on together at home? This isn’t just paperwork, it’s how we make sure your baby feels known and comfortable from the moment they walk through our doors.

Our caregivers use this information to provide truly personalized care, following your baby’s individual routines, honoring your preferences, and keeping you informed every step of the way through the Procare app.

so we can learn about your baby and family.

A Day in the Nido Infant Classroom

No two days are exactly alike in our Nido classroom, because no two babies are alike. Each day follows your baby’s individual rhythm while weaving in the intentional experiences that support their growth and development.

Warm Welcome & Arrival

Each morning begins with a warm, consistent greeting. Caregivers connect with parents at drop-off, reviewing any updates to feeding or sleeping schedules and ensuring a smooth, reassuring transition for your baby.

Floor Time & Exploration

Babies spend meaningful time on the floor, the heart of our Montessori infant environment. Freedom of movement allows babies to reach, roll, crawl, and explore at their own pace using developmentally appropriate materials in a safe, prepared space.

Feeding & Nourishment

Whether breastfed, formula-fed, or eating solids, each baby's individual feeding schedule and instructions are followed carefully. Caregivers warm bottles, prepare foods, and support the transition to independent eating as babies grow.

Rest & Sleep

Naps follow your baby's natural sleep cues and individual schedule. We strictly follow safe sleep guidelines, babies sleep on floor beds or pack-n-play mattresses on their backs in a calm, quiet environment.

Songs, Stories & Language

Throughout the day, caregivers fill the classroom with language, singing songs, reading stories, and narrating daily routines. This language-rich environment builds early communication skills and creates joyful moments of connection.

Outdoor Time & Nature

Fresh air and nature are part of every day. Nido I babies enjoy a relaxing stroll in our 4-seat buggy along our covered walkway, observing our school garden and the world around them. Nido II children play and explore on their own age-appropriate outdoor playground, building coordination, strength, and a love of the outdoors.

Enrichment & Play (Nido II)

As babies grow into Nido II, enrichment activities are woven into the day, simple cooking projects, hands-on gardening, and music experiences that support coordination, curiosity, and early language development.

End of Day & Pickup

Each day ends with a warm handoff. Teachers share updates through the Procare app so you know exactly how your baby's day went, feeding times, nap times, milestones, and special moments.

What Meadow Montessori Families Are Saying

Hear from Richmond families who trusted Meadow Montessori with their youngest learners.

Our daughter has been attending since she was 8 months old. They have done a wonderful job teaching her different skills and are always very responsive to any questions or concerns. The school is always neat and clean, it's a wonderful school. Highly recommend!

Mahira

Meadow Montessori Parent

My oldest has been attending since she was 3 months old and we have loved every single teacher she has had. This school has the perfect balance of caring teachers, a structured but fun environment, and a great education. I can't say enough positive things about this school.

Rachel

Parent of Nido & Early Childhood students

Our children have been attending Meadow Montessori since they were 3 months old and it has been instrumental in their development. They often come home with a new skill that surprises me. The teachers are caring and very approachable.

Lan

Parent of three Meadow Montessori students

Is Meadow Montessori Right for Your Baby?

See why families trust Meadow Montessori with their youngest learners. Schedule a tour and we’ll show you around, answer your questions, and help you find the right fit for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age do you accept infants into the Nido program, and is it full time only?

We welcome infants beginning at 3 months of age. Our Nido program is designed for children through 18 months, divided into two stages, Nido I (3–12 months) and Nido II (12–18 months). Nido is full time only, with school hours Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., giving families flexibility to drop off and pick up within those hours.

How do you help my baby adjust when they start at Meadow?

We know that leaving your baby for the first time is a big step. Before your child's first day, we invite you to visit the classroom, meet the caregivers, and ask questions. We also ask you to complete our "Getting to Know Your Baby" intake form so caregivers understand your baby's unique personality, preferences, and routines before they arrive. You can also leave essential supplies in your baby's cubby ahead of time to make the first day as smooth as possible. We're here to support the whole family through this transition.

How does the Nido program differ from a traditional daycare?

Our Infant program is rooted in Montessori philosophy, meaning every detail of the classroom, from the materials to the layout to the daily rhythm, is intentionally designed to support your baby's development. Rather than keeping babies in bouncy seats or swings, we prioritize freedom of movement, language-rich interactions, and sensory-rich experiences that support brain development from the very start. This is infant care that goes beyond daycare, it's your baby's first Montessori experience.

What does a typical day look like for my baby in the Nido classroom?

No two days are exactly alike because no two babies are alike. Each day follows your baby's individual rhythm, caregivers follow your baby's personal feeding and sleeping schedule, provide floor time and exploration, enjoy outdoor time, and weave in songs, stories, and language-rich interactions throughout the day. As babies grow into Nido II, enrichment activities like music, gardening, and cooking are introduced. You'll receive updates throughout the day through the Procare app so you always know how your baby's day is going.

How do you handle feeding in the Nido classroom?

Every baby's feeding schedule and preferences are different, and we follow yours. Whether your baby is breastfed, formula-fed, or eating solids, caregivers follow your individual instructions carefully and update them monthly as your baby grows. Breastfeeding mothers are always welcome to visit and nurse during the school day, we have a comfortable space available for you. Detailed feeding guidelines are provided upon enrollment.

What safe sleep practices do you follow?

The safety of your baby is our highest priority. We strictly follow "Back to Sleep" guidelines recommended by the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics, all infants under 12 months are placed on their backs to sleep, even if they can roll over. Babies sleep on floor beds in a calm, quiet environment.

Do I need to provide diapers and supplies for my baby?

Yes, parents provide diapers, wipes, and all feeding supplies for their baby. We will notify you when supplies are running low. Detailed supply lists for both Nido I and Nido II are provided upon enrollment so you know exactly what to bring on your baby's first day.

How do you keep parents informed throughout the day?

We know how hard it is to be away from your baby, especially in those early months. That's why we use the Procare app to keep you connected throughout the day. Caregivers log feeding times, nap times, diaper changes, and special moments so you always know exactly how your baby's day is going. Daily communication is also shared at pickup, and any concerns are addressed promptly by our administrative team.

When does my baby move up to the Toddler classroom?

Children typically transition to our Toddler classroom around 18 months, but we never rush this process. Every child develops at their own pace and we work closely with families to determine the right time for each individual child. When the time comes, we make the transition gradual and supportive so your baby feels confident and ready.

Do you accept babies who aren't on a schedule yet?

Absolutely. Many babies come to us without an established schedule, and that's completely normal, especially in the early months. Our caregivers follow your baby's natural cues for feeding, sleeping, and play rather than forcing a rigid routine. As babies settle into the Nido environment, consistent routines naturally develop. We work closely with families to stay aligned at home and at school.

How do I enroll my baby in the Nido program?

The first step for families looking for infant daycare in Richmond, TX is scheduling a tour so you can see our Nido classroom and meet our caregivers. From there, we'll walk you through enrollment forms, required medical records, and getting to know your baby before their first day. Our team is happy to guide you through each step, just reach out to get started.

Learn more about our enrollment process → (link to Admissions page)

What does it mean that your teachers are Montessori certified?

Our caregivers are trained and certified in the Montessori method, meaning they understand not just how to care for your baby, but how infants learn and develop at each stage. This training equips them to prepare a classroom environment that supports natural development, follow your baby's individual needs, and provide care that goes beyond supervision.