As a parent, you’ve probably noticed the word Montessori everywhere. Montessori toys, daycares, beds, and kitchens. Because Montessori is now attached to everything, it is fair to wonder: Is Montessori just a trend? Is it a marketing tactic to sell more products?

The short answer: Montessori has gained a lot more visibility lately, but it’s not new. And when it’s done well, it’s not about aesthetics or labels at all.

Montessori is a Philosophy, not a product category

Montessori may feel trendy right now, but the philosophy itself was founded over a century ago. Because Montessori is a philosophy and not a product category, it isn’t about buying the right things. It focuses on the adult's mindset and creating an environment that respects the child and supports their natural development.

You can practice Montessori without a perfectly curated home or a long list of specialized materials. At its core, Montessori is about:

• Trusting children’s capabilities
• Encouraging independence over convenience
• Designing spaces that say “you belong here” to a child

Products can absolutely support these values, but they aren't the primary purpose. Learn about the method here. 

Why Montessori feels trendy right now

Why do we think it is getting so much more visibility?

• Parents are overwhelmed 
• Families are craving simpler routines and more meaningful play
• Social media has amplified beautiful, minimalist children's spaces, often labeled Montessori
• Child development research is more accessible than ever
• Parents want to be intentional 

All of this has pushed Montessori mainstream, and that comes with both benefits and challenges. More visibility means more families learning about the Montessori Method. From the beginning, it was meant to be attainable. Dr. Montessori first developed her method while working with children who were considered the poorest in Italy, proving that this philosophy was never about privilege or perfection.

The challenge is that when Montessori is used loosely as a marketing label, its meaning gets diluted. This can create confusion and distrust, especially for families who are genuinely trying to understand and apply Montessori principles.

How to tell if something is Montessori

So, with all of that in mind, it’s important to remember that not everything that says Montessori in the title truly aligns with the philosophy.

Think of these questions as a lens you can use anytime you see the word Montessori. This can be on a product, a social post, a company, or really anything that you're wanting to question a little deeper:

1. Does it support independence?

True Montessori materials help children do things for themselves. They reduce the need for adult intervention and build confidence through feeling capable.

2. Can a child use it on their own (is it truly child-appropriate)?

Montessori environments are designed from the child’s perspective. If a child can’t use it or do it without help, it may not be supporting independence in a meaningful way.

3. Is it open-ended? 

Most Montessori materials invite exploration, different possibilities, and trial and error, rather than one possible outcome or performance.

4. Is function prioritized over appearance?

Something can be beautiful, and Montessori, but beauty should never be the primary goal. If the focus is on how it looks rather than how a child benefits from it, that’s a red flag.

5. Does it have a clear purpose?

Montessori materials serve a clear developmental purpose. They aren’t decorative or solely for entertainment. They’re tools for real work and real learning.

6. Is it calm rather than overstimulating?

Montessori environments are intentionally calm. Materials that light up, make noise, or overwhelm the senses can stop a child from focusing deeply. 

Remember: Not everything in your home needs to meet every one of these criteria. Montessori isn’t about perfection- it’s about being thoughtful and intentional.

Sprout and the Montessori Method

At Sprout, Montessori isn’t a marketing buzzword or an SEO keyword- it's the foundation of how we design.

We consult Montessori educators, have had Montessori consultants on our payroll, and keep Montessori experts on speed dial. We don’t reference the philosophy lightly. It’s something we actively learn from, question, and return to as we grow.

That commitment shows up even in how we build our team. When we interview for our marketing team, we talk openly about how important it is to understand Montessori before speaking publicly about it, and that a willingness to learn is essential to joining Sprout. We take the trust of our audience seriously.

We work closely with educators and schools, listening to what’s working and learning how we can better support their spaces. Their insight keeps our designs grounded in real needs.

Montessori may be popular right now, but it’s not going anywhere.

It has lasted for over 100 years because it respects children as capable human beings, and that is a concept that doesn’t expire or follow a trend.