Breastfeeding and weaning
The whole notion of Montessori approach is to follow the needs of the child. Since orderliness is built into the infant, and the mammalian mother is the nature intended prepared environment, breastfeeding is naturally dedicated to the needs and desires of the newborn to sucking. It’s part of the evolutionary program to re-establishing the relationship of the internal pregnancy, in a different and even more satisfying way.
Breastfeeding not only provides the best nutritional food, you also won’t need any of the diet pills, it’s a natural way to lose pregnancy weight gain! It enables you to nurture the baby in an intimate way and provides a repeated experience of a renewed and special attachment. When the baby has the urge to suck, there is a breast to suck on. When the baby looks up from the breast, a smiling face shines upon him. When the infant is cold, a pair of loving arms envelops him with love. When wet, he is changed. When he cries, somebody picks him up and comforts him. To the baby, this will be a wonderful, orderly world that has a responsive answer to his every need.
Weaning is the process when a baby moves from breastfeeding to non milk solid food. The sensitive periods for weaning are about 5-6 months. You can start to prepare the baby for this process starts at age of 3-4 months by introducing different flavors to the baby. You can let the baby have a taste of fruit juice from a tiny spoon. It’s important that you do not force the baby to open his mouth but wait for him. You want to make this an exciting activity for him. The same rule of “follow the child” applies here, if the child isn’t interested then the chances are he is not ready for solid food. If you are breastfeeding rather than relying on formula, then you don’t have to rush into solids, you can contact a local branch of La Leche League for that re-assurance.
You can find every possible products from spoons, bowls and bibs to cups and beakers for feeding your baby. Other than care and feed your baby with love, you do want to be selective about the wares you use. In your effort to facilitate independence, there may not be feeding in the bath, sippy cups and all the gimmicks you usually find in the parenting magazines. In general, the Montessori approach is aimed at supporting growing independence and autonomy, it’s not based on rules and control, which may aim at making your life as parent easier. However, the end result of your effort will be a child who is confident and competent.
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