Weaning Chair: Adjustable Height (13 To 16 cm)
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
A chair for an infant from around six months, sitting low to the ground with a seat deep enough for crossed legs, which is what gives a baby who can sit but not yet balance well enough somewhere stable to eat. Height adjusts between 13 and 16 cm so it keeps pace over the months where a child grows fastest. Weaning is one of the first times a baby joins the table as a participant rather than being held, and a chair they can get into themselves is most of that. Plywood with metal hardware, seat 13 to 16 cm.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'”
The Weaning Chair represents a fundamental shift in how we view the infant's journey toward independence.
- Develops trunk stability and core strength through unsupported sitting
- Builds spatial awareness through climbing in and out independently
- Strengthens fine motor control during self-feeding activities
- Establishes mealtime routines and social eating behaviors
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This adjustable-height chair (13-16 cm) acknowledges that weaning encompasses far more than nutrition, it marks the child's first experiences of autonomous choice and self-regulation. The chair's low profile and armrests create a secure environment where infants can practice getting in and out independently, developing crucial motor planning skills. Unlike high chairs that position children as passive recipients, this weaning chair places them at their own small table, recognizing them as active participants in family life. The adjustable height feature respects the rapid physical growth during ages 0-3, ensuring the chair continues to provide appropriate support as legs lengthen and trunk control strengthens. Through daily use of this specially-designed chair, children develop not only physical coordination but also psychological readiness for self-care, experiencing themselves as capable individuals who can manage their own bodies in space.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the weaning chair at a low table (ideally 20-25 cm high) in a quiet corner of the dining area. Set the initial height to match your child's measurements: feet flat on floor, knees at 90 degrees, table at elbow height when seated.
- 1
Introduce the chair during a calm moment, demonstrating how to approach it from the front
Let the child explore the chair with their hands first, feeling the armrests and seat - 2
Support the child's first attempts to climb in by placing your hands on their hips for stability
Resist the urge to lift, let them experience the effort required - 3
Once seated, offer a small portion of food on an appropriately-sized plate
Start with foods they can manage independently, like banana slices or soft cooked vegetables - 4
Allow the child to leave the chair when they signal completion, even if food remains
Respecting their communication builds trust and body awareness
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
In classrooms
Around the world
European brands
Nienhuis, GAM, Educo
Weaning Chair: Adjustable Height (13 To 16 cm)
