Montessori environments aim to allow children to develop as much independence as possible. For babies and toddlers, having the right sized piece of furniture can often make all the difference in allowing them to move independently throughout their home. When we think of small chairs, we often think of weaning. But, the right small chair in a Montessori home can actually be really helpful in a variety of situations.
In particular, the right small chair can be used to assist in dressing, reading, putting on shoes, working at a table, and of course eating! It really does open up a completely new world when can move around a space without needing adult help or intervention. Just imagine how difficult life would be if you always had to climb up to get on the furniture or had to ask for help every time you wanted to sit down.
1. 5" Chair 7" Chair | 2. Bench | 3. Cube Chair | 4. 8" Chair | 5. 6" Chair | 6. 5" Chair | 7. Low Chair | 8. Highback Chair | 9. Cube Chair | 10. 12" Taller Chair | 11. RIE Style Stool | 12. IKEA stool
There are a few things that I look for when I'm picking out a chair for my kids. One, I want something sturdy. I want something that isn't going to tip or fall if my kids are climbing into it. I also want it to provide the right amount of support when they are leaning around on it. Two, it needs to be the right height. Many of these chairs come in a variety of heights to fit a child. My children are really small so we have smaller chairs in our house. But you want something where they can get in and out on their own, and sit with their feet flat on the floor.
"In the home, the ideal environment for the child should also contain child-sized furniture, and utensils which he can handle himself." Maria Montessori
We, personally, have several of the number 1 brand chairs. I really like them because they have a wider seat (which fits older but shorter children), they have nice arms for support, and they have great handles to move around. They are also a great price! We've gotten them for around $40 each (although the price fluctuates on Amazon quite a bit so wait for the supply to go up).
Do you have a toddler or baby chair that you love? How do your children use it?
