For many Montessori babies, their first meals are often served at a weaning table. This table serves as a transition from nursing/bottles to starting solid food. The tables provide an area for independence, even with eating. Instead of being isolated to a high chair that he/she may not be able to get in or out of, a weaning table gives a child the opportunity to choose when to eat and when to be done eating. I also see many other benefits to using a weaning table.
I have mentioned our weaning table many times before -- we also used one with Nora -- and I want to remind everyone that this ISN'T the only place Augustus eats. We also enjoy family meals together at our regular adult table. Also, while he appears to be alone in these pictures, I always eat sitting next to him, and he is frequently joined by his older siblings.
Our Montessori Weaning Table
A weaning table can look a variety of different ways. It really will depend on the family's space constraints, budget, aesthetic desires, and style. We have personally chosen to DIY-ish our weaning table. I don't think it's really worth it to invest a ton of money into a table that will only be used for a short time. But, I think it's important enough to have.
For us, the table is an IKEA LACK side table. While not specifically made for eating, it is a great size and very sturdy. We do however, cut the legs down with a saw. We made the table height 12 inches from the ground.
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I do however, think that investing in a solid chair is a good idea. This chair needs to help provide stability to the baby, and can be re-purposed long after a weaning table is done. We use this chair. I have several of them in my house and have been impressed with the quality for the price. They also have a nice wide seat which makes it easier to keep using as your baby gets bigger.
Our weaning table also includes a small tray. This tray currently serves as a way for me to get his things to the table all at once. Eventually, Augustus will use this tray to get his own weaning cup, pitcher, spoon, and place mat to the table for meals.
Lastly, the little vase of fresh cut flowers serves as a beautiful and interesting object at his table. It's just a little touch to show we respect him, and believe he should also live in an environment of beauty. I'm still looking for the perfect little wall art for this area, but I haven't found it yet!
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