Solids got you torn between baby-led weaning (empowering!) and traditional spoon-feeding (convenient!), or confused about what gear to choose for this stage? Are you afraid of choking and allergies?
If you have a picky toddler who’s refusing food, or has a propensity to throw it everywhere at mealtime… or you want to make sure you start the process off right with your baby, I can help!
Montessori feeding is ultimately about letting babies and toddlers explore a variety of foods with all their senses, and feeding them in a respectful way that keeps them in touch with their bodies’ signals. It’s also about teaching them table manners and the ways of your culture. Babies need a lot of exposure to foods in a low-stress environment to develop healthy eating habits and a broad palate. In this sense, strict methods matter much less than being attentive as they explore foods - meaning weaning can be as chill as you want.
Here are some quick tips:
- Offer resistive foods that they can grab and chew on, for the development of oral skills.
- If you want to occasionally spoon feed, learn how to do so responsively.
- Show them how to use utensils by modeling and offering them opportunities.
- Teach open-cup and straw drinking from an early age to avoid sippy cups.
- Try a low weaning table for snacks, and a high chair that grows with your child for family meals.
As an AMI-certified Montessori 0-3 guide and your parenting sidekick, I can guide you through this messy stage with more confidence and a balanced approach that fits your life. Book a free 15-min call with me, share your challenges, and let’s create a custom plan together.