When it comes to your child’s development, you want what is best for them no matter what.
The Montessori method focuses on your child’s development, ensuring they are well stimulated and correctly developing cognitive abilities.
A Montessori chair allows your child to get in and out of the chair themselves and is used for weaning and helping them sit up independently.
They are a great addition to your home and help your child with its weaning and feeding process.
But which one is the best? There are a few different Montessori chairs and a wide range available, all ranging in price. Choosing the right chair for you can be a daunting task.
But fear not, we are here to save the day! We have found the best Montessori chair on the market, added a handy buyer’s guide and FAQ section so you can shop with ease!
In a hurry? Check out our top pick to grab your chair and go!
OUR TOP PICK
For those after a set for weaning or children to use as desks, this three-piece set from ECR4Kids could be the one for you!
The set comes with two chairs and a long bench, converted to a table for weaning or other purposes. The set is versatile; the seats can be converted to stools, side tables, or even shelves depending on your preference!
The compact set comes with built-in handles, which allows you to transport the pieces easily, and makes flipping them and converting them a dream!
The seats also come with two heights allowing the set to grow with your children. Not only can it be used for weaning, but as a desk as they grow older and carry out independent activities.
ECR4Kids’s set is also Greenguard Gold certified for minimal chemical emissions into the indoor air, so you know it’s a great and safe addition to your home. The set edges are also rounded to ensure they are safe to be used by your children.
The set even comes fully assembled, making it super easy for you and your children to get started. The entire set is easy to clean with a damp cloth and warm water, ensuring you will get plenty of use out of it.
ECR4Kids recommends the set for any child aged 2-9, although customers did note that they used the set for children aged 12 months and over. Of course, this is down to you as a carer when you introduce this set to your child.
Customers raved about how much enjoyment their children got from this set, allowing them to freely develop their independence.
The lightweight design makes it easy to move the set from room to room, so you never have to worry about lugging chairs around.
Despite the higher price tag, the versatile and durable set is excellent for anyone looking for a Montessori chair and table set.
Pros
- Three-piece versatile set
- Built-in handles make it easy to carry
- Two-seat heights allow the set to grow with your children.
- Arrives fully assembled
- Rounded edges for safety when in use
Cons
- Expensive
More time to browse? Check out our other great recommendations below.
EDITORS CHOICE
For those after a chair that can double as a handy stool or step, the B. spaces chair could be the one for you!
The stool can be flipped from a chair into a stool or step for your child at an affordable price as they get older.
It comes ready built too, so there is no assembly needed. Simply take it out of the box, and you are good to go!
The seat is wide enough for your child to sit on and stand on as a step without you worrying about their feet slipping. The edges are rubberized, too, providing a sturdy feel to this step.
The chair has a maximum weight of 154lbs, too, so you might find yourself using it to reach the top shelf on time!
Some customers did have concerns about this step’s sturdiness and how long it will last, but at such a low price, you won’t mind replacing it if you need to!
The chair comes in mint green or ivory color, making it a stylish addition to any home. The chair is designed for children two years and over, great for them at meal or playtimes!
Customers enjoyed this chair’s versatility and how lightweight the chair is, with children being able to move it on their own.
An excellent option for those on a budget looking for a chair/stool combo for their children!
Pros
- Affordable
- The versatile chair that doubles as a stool
- Solid construction
- Rubberized edges for worry-free use
- No assembly required
Cons
- Some customers did not think it was overly sturdy.
BEST VALUE
For those after an eye-catching chair that will entice your child to sit on it, Children’s factory might have the chair for you!
Available in five bright colors, the cube chair is a versatile piece of furniture to have in your home.
The chair is made from a durable yet lightweight LLDPE, which can be used indoors and outdoors, making it the perfect all year round chair! The chair comes ready-made, so you don’t need to worry about assembling it either.
Not only is this chair suitable for weaning and feeding, but an excellent option for homeschooling or activities! Simply place the chair next to a small table, and you are good to go!
At an additional cost, you can purchase Children’s Factory edutray, which will turn the chair into a desk quickly! This can also be collapsed in seconds, giving you endless options!
What’s great about this chair is that it comes with a five-year warranty, so you don’t need to worry about anything going wrong!
The chair is suitable for children 12 months and over, although there is no maximum weight listed on the product description.
Customers enjoyed the bright colors and how diverse the chair is, with children being able to climb into it without assistance.
For those after a chair that will promote independence and catch your child’s attention, you need to look no further than this chair!
Pros
- A choice of five bright color options
- 3-in-1 versatile piece
- Can purchase additional edutray to turn the chair into a desk
- Five-year warranty
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- A little expensive for one chair
RUNNER UP
Slightly different from the others on the list, this adjustable chair from Fornel will see your child right through to adulthood!
It’s a little pricey, but for those looking for a lifetime investment, it could be the one for you!
Available in six stunning colors, the chair is made from sturdy wood. You can easily adjust the height, with the seat wide enough to be used as a seat and footrest for smaller children!
It’s a great way to bring children up to table height without purchasing a small table as you would with the usual Montessori practice.
The chair is FSC and CARBS certified, EPA TSCA Title V compliant so that you can use this with ease.
It is also effortless to clean; simply wipe down with a damp cloth. The chair has also been painted with a low VOC plant-based lacquer finish making it safe for your children to use.
The vertical positioning of the chair is excellent for developing and supporting your child’s posture too.
It has an impressive maximum weight of 200lbs and is perfect for children or adults alike. The footrest can also be adjusted or removed as the child grows too, making it a fantastic addition to your home.
Some customers did note that they would have liked straps for younger children to stop them sliding or wriggling out.
Straps are generally not used for Montessori chairs, so we recommend waiting until the child is a bit older or ready for independent sitting before using this chair.
Customers enjoyed how diverse and versatile the chair was and the enjoyment children were getting from as young as 15 months.
The depth of the seat, in particular, was enjoyed, and how difficult it is to topple the chair. You won’t need to worry about flying children with this chair!
For those with the budget and looking for an alternative chair, this is the one for you!
Pros
- Six color options
- Easy to assemble for a wide range of ages.
- Solid construction that is difficult to topple over
- 200lb maximum weight capacity
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- Expensive
RUNNER UP
This cube chair from ECR4Kids is excellent for anyone after a versatile piece of furniture for their toddlers and children!
It is a little pricey for one chair, but if you are after a diverse and high-quality chair, this is the one for you!
The cube chair can easily be converted into a stool or small table, just by flipping the chair, allowing your child to use it how they see best.
Its high sides are great for keeping children in the chair while also being able to slide under tables if needed.
It comes in three colors, natural, grey, and white, so there is bound to be a color that matches your home! The chair is made from wood with rounded edges to ensure there are no injuries!
The wood is also Greenguard Gold certified and made with non-toxic and lead-free materials, so you know it will be a safe addition to your home.
The chair can be wiped clean with warm soapy water and is great for children over the age of weaning or looking for more independence.
The chair has a maximum weight load of 50lbs and built-in handles, making it easy for toddlers to carry themselves too!
Customers were pleased with the chair and found that their children, no matter the age, loved it and gave them independence! They were impressed with the chair’s quality and how much use they could get out of it.
For those with a bigger budget looking for a cube chair, look no further!
Pros
- Versatile 3-in-1 chair
- Weight limit of 50lbs
- Made with non-toxic, lead-free materials
- Three color options
- Great for toddlers and children
Cons
- Expensive for one chair
Best Montessori Chair Buying Guide
Not too sure what to be looking for? Our buyer’s guide will help you through the process!
Type
When it comes to Montessori chairs, there are a few different types that serve different purposes.
Identifying the type that will best fit your needs is crucial. Let’s look at these in closer detail.
Cube Chair
A cube chair is, you guessed it, cubed and is a versatile one to have.
It can be used as a stool for older children or adults or a seat for younger children. They generally have a deep seat and high sides, so your child will be secure in there.
The high sides are great for keeping your children secure but mean that it is often difficult to get the chair to slide under a table.
They are available in lots of different heights allowing you to get the right size for your child. You can get some cube chairs with adjustable heights so that the seat can grow with your child, which is an option to consider.
Me-do-it Chair
A me-do-it chair usually has a shallow seat where the child will reverse into it and sit down instead of climbing in as they do with other seats.
Generally, the chair is best for 12 to 18-month-old children due to how low they are to the ground. They can use this chair for weaning, and the arms will usually slide underneath a table nicely.
The chairs’ sides are nice and high, keeping smaller children in the seat and providing security; we don’t want any babies toppling out!
Weaning Chair
The weaning chair often comes with a matching table ready for when your child will need to use it.
The size of tables and chairs varies depending on the age and size of the child using it. You can get adjustable height chairs, which are handy for those looking for a long-term investment.
The seats are generally deep like a cube chair, but with arms that can slide under a table for neat storage and keeping the child secure during the weaning process.
For more information on the different types of seats and where to find them, check out How we Montessori for some more advice! They are sure to help with any concerns you might have.
To set or not to set?
Some options of Montessori chairs will come with a small table as well. These are usually a more expensive option, but one worth considering if you do not already have a small table at home.
A table is generally recommended with the Montessori method, and often purchasing them together can make it a more straightforward process.
The table is excellent to use for weaning with younger children or introducing them to eat at the table. It can also be handy to put in your child’s room for them to use as a desk for drawing or other activities.
Sets will often come with more than one chair, too, great for larger families or those who will have children a similar age over frequently.
It’s worth considering how you will be using the chair and whether a set will be a better option for you. For example, if you plan to have another child, buying the set now could save you money in the long-term.
Materials
When looking for a Montessori chair for your child, considering what it is made from is essential.
The chair must be sturdy enough to support your child’s weight and last a long-time to provide you with excellent value for money.
Wooden chairs are common and will provide excellent durability for your child. Sometimes they will come pre-assembled, too, so you won’t need to worry about any screws!
Be sure to check reviews and product descriptions to ensure the chair is durable. Most chairs will have their maximum weight listed too, and it is essential not to exceed that to avoid any harm coming to your child.
Plastic is also used for children’s chairs, although it is not always as durable. Depending on the thickness and durability of the plastic used, it could crack or snap, especially if your child is prone to some rough-housing.
At what age?
When it comes to a Montessori chair, you want to make sure it is age-appropriate and your child is introduced to it at the correct age.
A good idea is to order the chair as soon as possible, so it is in the house ready for when you want to start using it.
You can introduce a small table and chair from a young age to show children how capable they are, but sure they are ready. You know your child better than anyone, so the judgment call is yours to make.
Introducing the child too soon could lead to frustration and backward steps in their development. If you are unsure, you can start gradually or consult a professional in child development for further advice.
You can introduce a child as young as six months to a chair, especially if they are already sitting up independently.
For older children, perhaps 12-18 months, the chairs can be used for their meals or any activities and is an excellent way to get long-term value for them.
Don’t worry too much about a set in stone number; you will know when your child is ready! KATANABANA has some great tips around the age for chairs and the types you can use, be sure to head over if you have any concerns!
Safety
When it comes to placing your child in anything, you want to be sure that they are safe.
Chairs with high sides and deep seats are the best for smaller children as it will be harder for them to wriggle out or topple over the sides.
Ensure that the seat is still low to the ground, so the child doesn’t have far to fall if there is an accident.
Look for chairs that come with smooth or rubberized edges, too, especially when buying wooden furniture. This will reduce the risk of any splinters or injuries from hard corners or rough surfaces.
Make sure that children are supervised when in the chair, especially small children and babies. During weaning, it is also essential that the child is not left alone with food in the chair in case of choking.
When it comes to safety, considering the correct table and chair height is very important. Depending on the type of chair you opt for and a table, there will be different age and height requirements that need to be met.
Check out manine-Montessori for an excellent conversion chart and helpful tips!
How Much
Chairs can be expensive, and the Montessori chair’s price can range dramatically depending on the brand and type of chair.
Remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good quality chair for your child. It’s worth setting a budget and sticking to it as closely as possible.
Consider how much use your child will get out of the chair so you don’t spend too much on something that won’t often be used.
Be sure to keep an eye out for any sales, too, to grab a bargain!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your last-minute questions answered here!
Do Montessori use high chairs?
Generally, no. Families using the Montessori method will skip the high chair step entirely.
Instead, a weaning table will be used, or a low table and chair. The child learns how to sit usually on a firm backed chair until they are old enough to sit at the dining table.
It is, of course, a personal choice and ultimately yours to make. It’s worth considering whether your child has already used a high chair and if you could transition them into a Montessori chair instead.