Teaching Good Table Manners with a Floor Table: Montessori for Babies

New parents can consider introducing a floor table to their baby between 6-9 months in part to teach teach good table manners. With a floor table, the baby has total freedom of movement; is better able and more free to imitate adult behaviors (coming to the table when hungry, getting up when finished); does not feel stressed out by physical restraints, but happy, welcomed, and competent - an willing, active participate in his own mealtime.
The floor table is a great alternative to the "weaning table and chair" of the Montessori environment, as some weaning tables and chairs can constrain baby's movement.
The floor table has many benefits:
• Allows total freedom of movement
• Baby is invited to participate willingly in mealtime
• Baby stays to eat his fill then simply leaves when he is done (doesn't throw food or cry to get out)
• Promotes executive functioning (cognitive control of behavior)
• Baby adopts goods manners
For more information about the benefits of the floor table, see this great blog written by Janet Lansbury:
Janet Lansbury Blog: Baby Table Manners (With Video)
www.janetlansb...