How to Montessori your kitchen, by @BringingUpBabe

What we do every day in the kitchen may seem common and redundant to us, but it’s new and exciting to your two-year-old 🙂 The idea of setting up a toddler-friendly Montessori kitchen might feel overwhelming: Do I need new furniture? Do I need to reorganize my kitchen? 

Keep in mind that these are only suggestions and are meant to help your child, not make your life harder. You can decide to implement all of these or only a few.

Here’s how to set up your kitchen for your toddler the Montessori way:

• A tall, safe step stool: Sometimes called a learning tower, this stool can provide the boost your child needs to prep food at your kitchen counter. It also helps them reach the sink for washing hands or rinsing dishes. A chair or step stool—with close supervision—can serve as an alternative.
• Cleaning supplies: Designate a few kitchen towels; a small dustpan, brush, and trash bin; and a spray bottle filled with water for your child, so they can help clean up spills and crumbs. 
• Child-sized utensils: Kitchen tools designed specifically for children fit nicely into their hands and are easier for them to use. Try a child-sized spoon, measuring cup, whisk, spatula, and rolling pin. 
• Low storage: Store whatever your child uses regularly—like plates, cups, silverware, cleaning rags, and kitchen tools—in a drawer or on a shelf they can reach. 
• Water station and snack area: Setting up a daily snack station will allow your child to serve themselves or get a glass of water.

• Seating: Instead of a high chair, consider setting up a small table and chair just for your child. Here, they can have a snack, practice napkin folding, and maybe even prepare food. A space-saving alternative is a high chair (without a tray) that can be pulled right up to the family dining table.

• Functional toddler kitchen: The Lovevery Real Life Play Kitchen is the ultimate Montessori-inspired kitchen shortcut. It provides a functional food prep area, storage for kitchen tools and a real water source for rinsing dishes and washing hands—right at your child’s level.

The Real Life Play Kitchen

Go beyond pretend play with a play kitchen that really works.

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Placemat & Utensils, inspired by Montessori

Empower independence during family meals with this helpful silicone placemat and utensil set.

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