- Everyone in the family gets to be comfortable - everyone gets to be comfortably at the table together. The adults get spots that work for us, but our baby/toddler didn't have to eat alone or at a chair that didn't fit his size
- Language and bonding - he's been right up in the action at every family meal so he's getting to be a part of all the conversations, family time and bonding experiences.
- No more toddler fighting - I don't have to fight to put him in the chair, he can do it himself (starting around 13 months) so there aren't huge fights about sitting, something I struggled with a traditional high chair since it was so constraining.
- Grace and courtesy - Gus has gotten to be included in meal times from the start, learning grace and courtesy rules. While these can also be taught at a weaning table, they are more easily modeled when an adult is sitting properly
- Independent choice in amount of food - Gus can also get down from the chair when he is done eating, he learning self regulation over the amount of food, and the length of time he is eating
- Not ugly - the chairs are attractive and provide a nicer view than most traditional high chairs
- Resale value - they are more expensive but unlike regular high chairs, they can also be sold for when you're done and hold much of their value
- Natural consequences - these chairs are not designed to keep a child contained at all costs, so if a child is too wiggly, they find out. This natural consequence has been a powerful way to teach exactness, and care
- Natural climbing opportunity - toddlers love to climb, and this allows the climbing to be purposeful. And, for a child like Gus where climbing doesn't come naturally, it's good confidence boost and practice for those times when he encounters more difficult climbing challenges
Have you used a Montessori friendly high chair? Do you like it?
---