Since Augustus is almost 6 months old {how did that happen?!} I have weaning on the brain! I have started to gather all the supplies to make weaning as Montessori friendly as possible, and one of the first places I went to do this -- IKEA! There are so many amazing Montessori baby weaning essentials at IKEA. And, at the right price!
If you are looking to introduce solids the Montessori way, here are a few products you may want to consider:
- Weaning Table: This table is a wonderful size for weaning, but it is too tall. However, the legs can easily be cut down to the proper size. We will cut our table down to 12" tall.
- Stool: Typically, a Montessori weaning chair will be supportive for the baby so this doesn't work awesome for the child. But, this is a great stool for the adult! An adult often needs a small stool to sit at the table with the child as the child eats. This one could easily be used for that purpose. Or, if you wanted to go a little more RIE the stool could be cut down and used by your baby, since they advocate a stool not a chair. We will personally use a supportive chair, not found at IKEA.
- Plant: We want Montessori spaces to include a touch of natural and beautiful elements, a small plant can do just that! A plant or vase would be the perfect decoration for the weaning table.
- Vase: Again, just a small way to add some beauty to the space.
- Place mat: Typically, a place mat is used for Montessori meals to maintain order and as a beautiful touch. An adult place mat, like this one, is typically too large to work for an infant. But this one could easily be cut in half and hemmed to a good infant size.
- Spoon: While weaning, we offer real utensils from the start. It's not only a sign of respect -- the child has the opportunity to feed themselves -- but it's one of the first practical life tasks that a child gets to practice! These 4" spoons are a wonderful size for baby hands, while being a real proportionate spoon.
- Glasses: Real and natural materials are given to children to use in Montessori from birth! This includes a glass weaning cup! This glass is the perfect size and shape for little baby hands, and is nice and sturdy.
- Serving/Storage bowls: These are a great size for serving or storing baby food. Whether you choose to use purees or do baby led weaning, these bowls can help to store small meals and eventually be used by the child to serve their own food to their plate.
- Dishware: These tiny dishes are wonderful for babies! They are a great size for small amounts of food, while still being real.
- Bibs: I like these bibs because they are a great weight and a really soft fabric in fairly pleasing patterns. However, I do wish the closure was either on the side or closer to the front so the baby could help open or close it. But, for the price, it is not a bad option.
- Washcloths: These are such a great size! And, I love that they have a small loop that can be used on a low hanger for the child to access! That way a baby could start to become active in the cleaning up process!
I'm sure there are probably some other great Montessori friendly choices at IKEA for weaning too! Just, a note about weaning, when I say that, I am referring to the introduction of solids, not stopping breastfeeding! We will breastfeed on demand for as long as Gus would like.
Have you used the Montessori method to start weaning? Have you created a weaning table? What are your weaning essentials?
