Introducing Solid the Montessori Way

An approach that promotes independence and table manner

Purpose

A child learns to enjoy a meal as parents do. The Montessori approach promotes independence, self-control, and table manner during mealtime.

Descriptions

The Montessori approach of introducing solid starts with lap feeding a baby. When they can sit alone on a chair, the baby is then transitioned to a “weaning table” — an infant-size table — to foster independence and mobility. The baby learns at their own pace how to feed themselves, and how to respond to hunger cues. A “weaning set” which includes real dinnerware offers the baby an opportunity to learn table manners from the very start. Storing the “weaning set” on a lower shelf or drawer, so the baby can help you set the table when they start walking. During meal time, let the baby observe how you set the table, how you serve the food, and how you eat. Be patient, feed the baby with love and respect, and always model the way that you want your child to follow. It will get quite messy at the beginning, but trust your child and wait to be amazed and feel proud.

Materials

Table and Chair Set

A sturdy child-size table and chair set that allows the child to get in and out safely by themselves when they grow older, and supports the child to sit straight and comfortably without assistance.

At the beginning of introducing the weaning table, a child may not sit at the table through meal time, especially when they are not too interested in the the food served. Every time that happens, verbally explain to your child that leaving the table means the meal time is over, and the food will be taken away, and then do so. If you are concerned that your baby is still hungry offer the food again after some time. It may take some time for your child to understand the concept of “staying at the table”, but they will eventually sit through meals.

Flatware Set

Child-size flatware that looks similar to what parents use.

At the beginning, a child may prefer using their fingers to a spoon or a fork. That’s totally okay, and it is beneficial for the baby to feel different textures of a variety of food. However, always set up the table with complete flatware, and model to your child how you eat with a spoon and a fork. Let them pick up the spoon and fork when they feel ready.

Plate or Bowl

Small size, but real china, tempered glassware, silverware, or whatever parents use at home.

A child may be interested in playing with or chewing on dinnerware during meals, because they are curious about new things. When that happens, explain to your child what the dinnerware is for, and place them back to where they are on the table.

Glass

A small and durable glass made of tempered glass.

Start with serving a very small amount of water in the glass, and expect your child to tip over the glass many times at the beginning. Let them experiment and practice. Prepare enough towels. Gradually increase the amount of water and start to offer milk in a glass as your child gets comfortable with drinking from a glass.

Pitcher

A small ceramic or glass pitcher with a handle that the child will be able to hold it and pour water when they get older.

Your child may not be able to use the pitcher just yet, but model it to them how you pour liquid into a glass.

Placemat

A silicon or cloth placemat with outlines of a plate/bowl, a fork, a spoon and a glass embroidered. That allows the child to learn organization and table manners.

Napkin

A small size cloth napkin.

Bib

A bib that is comfortable for a child to wear, and allows the child to put it on and take it off by themselves. A pull-over bib and a bib with a velcro closure on the side are good options. Cloth fabric is usually more gentle and comfortable.

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