

Can we have a weaning table and still have meals at the family table?

They became something the whole family looked forward to.

Mealtimes were far more pleasant when we switch from a high chair to a weaning table. This was my personal experience, as well. Many parents are pleasantly surprised to find that if a child is given a higher level of freedom and involvement in meal times, they are happy to sit at their small table and they actually stay seated to finish their meal.
MONTESSORI CUBE FLIP CHAIR HOW TO
How to get a toddler to sit for meals at a small table The children are happy and enjoying the process and the teacher is simply tasked with assisting where needed. In Montessori toddler classrooms, you will find children gathered at a small table for snack and meal times. Many parents find that involving their children in the meal preparation and giving them independence with serving and eating helps stave off picky eating, in addition to all the other benefits. Helping to prepare the meal, serve it, then enjoy it independently is a respectful way to approach mealtimes.

In Montessori, even the youngest children are involved in meals from start to finish. This means that instead of introducing purees when a baby shows all the signs of being ready for solid foods, a baby is introduced to finger foods and utensils. Montessori parents often choose a method of weaning called ‘ baby-led weaning‘. This “early” independence leads to increased enjoyment of activities often considered by children to be tedious.Įnjoyment of meals and the sense of pride and self-worth should be introduced along side of a child’s first finger foods. Montessori encourages developmentally appropriate independence in all things. Small furniture and the Montessori approach to weaning The benefits of using a high chair for babies and a booster for toddlers are that the child is kept safely in one place with no chance of falling and that parents have more control over mealtimes less redirection. Ultimately, each individual family will choose the best way for them. The choice between using a weaning table and a weaning chair instead of a high chair is a personal preference. Many Montessori parents choose to utilize their small table and chairs for activities during the time they are not being used for eating.Īfter a child has outgrown the weaning table or outgrown the desire to eat at the weaning table, it can take its permanent place somewhere else in the house. carrying food to and from the table without spilling or dropping anythingĪn additional benefit of Montessori weaning tables is that they can be easily repurposed, even between meals.Weaning tables also provide the opportunity for early Control of Movement activities: making a flower arrangement for the table prior to a meal.Here are some Practical Life activities that can be done at a weaning table: Not only does a weaning table allow for independence at mealtime as it relates o being able to independently get in out of their seat, but it also affords children added opportunities for Practical Life activities. Child-size furniture helps fulfill this desire. Young children have an innate desire to be able to do as much as possible independently. Purchasing from these links costs you nothing extra, but sends a few cents our way for website upkeep.) Why choose a weaning table instead of a high chair?
