From colourful and entertaining to massively cute, toddler mealtimes are a lot of things. They’re also messy, which is why kids’ placemats have become the sanity-savers mums can’t do without. Start by placing the placemat flat on the table, ensuring that all its different sections are clearly visible. Once it’s laid out, take a moment to guide your child through the process. Show them where each piece of tableware belongs on the placemat. It’s essential to let them try to position each item in its designated spot, as this hands-on approach reinforces learning. Ensure that any sharp or breakable items are handled with care. Guide younger children when placing knives or glass items.

Setting the table is a practical life skill that we can introduce to our children from a young age. As soon as we start introducing solids we can use a Montessori Weaning Set (pictured two below). As soon as the child can walk they can begin to take their placemat and put it on their table followed by their fork, spoon, plate or glass. Spread out the Montessori placemat printables or stencils on your base material. This helps visualize where each tableware item will be placed, ensuring adequate spacing and organization. The best kids’ placemat is one that’s easy to clean, made of non-toxic materials and big enough that it captures most spills and splats. A raised edge, or lip, is particularly handy for feeding bubs and young tots who are new to the food game. And don’t forget, a placemat should also be fun and lovely to look at – because mealtimes are supposed to be enjoyed. Using a Montessori placemat is a simple yet effective way to teach children about table setting and etiquette. Now that we have outlined the key factors to consider when choosing a Montessori placemat, let us explore some popular styles and designs available on the market.These kids' silicone placemats are super easy to store and use, making breakfast, lunch, and dinner a breeze. Simply wipe the placemat clean with a damp cloth when food messes are made. With our easy-to-clean silicone toddler placemats, even the kids can learn to simply wipe clean the placemats themselves! Vinyl placemats are an affordable and practical choice for many families. They are easy to clean – simply wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use. Additionally, vinyl placemats tend to be lightweight and can easily roll up for compact storage. However, some parents may be concerned about potential exposure to harmful chemicals sometimes found in vinyl products. Education: Beyond fostering independence, the placemat serves as an educational tool. Children naturally become familiar with different tableware items, understanding not just their names but also their specific uses. This isn’t knowledge confined to the home; it’s something they can carry with them, applying it in various dining situations outside their immediate environment. Additionally, the placemat introduces them to the basics of dining etiquette. They begin to grasp the importance of placing items correctly, a skill that will stand them in good stead in more formal dining settings as they grow older. A Montessori placemat is more than just a mat for meals. Rooted in the Montessori method, it’s structured to teach children about table setting and etiquette. The Montessori school of thought emphasizes independence, and this placemat, as a Montessori practical life material, is a perfect tool to foster that. The Importance of a Montessori Placemat

A kids’ placement is a tabletop accessory that catches spills and protects surfaces. Designed from silicone or BPA-free plastic, they absorb heat, capture food that didn’t make the mouth and keep dinner debris contained. And from dreamy half-moons to lovable animals, contemporary styles take the family dinner game interstellar. If using fabric, ensure it’s clean, ironed, and free from any wrinkles. For cardboard, ensure it’s smooth and without any bends. At ages two (nearly three!) and seven one chore that both girls are able to help with is setting the table for the evening meal. To help them achieve a greater level with independence with this task I decided to create a set of printable placemats to help them remember which side of the plate each cutlery item should be placed.Above is the Montessori Placemat and Utensils by Lovevery, it comes with two organic cotton napkins (with stitching to guide the child on how to fold them). We've teamed our placemat and utensils with a 250ml glass pitcher and small REKO Ikea glass. This is one of my favourite placemat sets because it comes with utensils, the napkins and it's nice and large. This placemat also shows the child where to put the napkin. Without saying a word, simply by presenting the materials on the placemat, we are teaching the child where everything goes. By the time the child is a toddler, they may be able to set their entire place setting or set the entire table! Montessori Kids Silicone Placemats are the perfect tool for promoting independence and a sense of community in children while also giving parents a moment to relax and enjoy family mealtime. Our placemats come in a colourful rainbow array of colours, allowing you to create a fun and personalised eating experience for your child or toddler. The colourful and educational silicone placemat is a favourite among kids, making mealtime a fun learning experience.

For families concerned about their environmental impact, eco-friendly placemat options such as cork and bamboo are available. Cork placemats provide a natural feel and are resistant to mold and mildew, while bamboo placemats offer a lightweight and durable alternative. Both materials are biodegradable and sustainable, making them an environmentally conscious choice. How to Use a Montessori PlacematAvailable in a choice of adorable minimalist designs, We Might Be Tiny award-winning Placies not only look sensational on the table but also save your sanity when it comes to spills. Made with toxic-free silicone, they’re oversized, durable and dishwasher safe. A large, plain placemat or a piece of sturdy fabric/cardboard (typically around 12×18 inches, but adaptable to your preference).