One of the top essentials parents must have on their to-buy list is a high chair. Is it really necessary for babies to be in a high chair whenever they are ready to eat? Let’s discover when can baby use high chair and what features to look for in buying one.
What can you read in this article?
- When can baby use high chair
- How to keep baby safe in a high chair
- Features to look for in buying a high chair
When can baby use high chair
Photo by Vanessa Loring from Pexels
A baby is developmentally ready to sit in a high chair once he or she can sit upright without assistance. When seated, they should have adequate stability and control It is also necessary for them to be able to hold their heads up. However, because good highchairs provide additional support, this stability does not have to be completely self-sufficient.
Each high chair will come with an age guideline from the manufacturer. Most experts advise against using a high chair until a baby is 6 months old. This is a terrific place to start, but make sure your infant is ready first. After all, each child grows at his or her own pace. You don’t want to rush it and risk your baby’s safety.
How to keep baby safe in a high chair
When picking a high chair, the most important factor to consider is your child’s safety.
If you’re purchasing a new high chair, you may trust that it has undergone extensive testing and certification. If you’re taking a hand-me-down, double-check that everything is still in good working condition and that no sharp or damaged components or screws are missing.
Also, keep in mind the following things:
1. Make sure it is sturdy and balanced.
Your high chair shouldn’t be tipping over when your child gets bigger and starts wriggling like crazy! If the legs have rolling wheels, make sure they’re fastened in position before putting your infant in it. Adults and other children should not be able to trip over the high chair, no matter where it is placed.
2. Do not leave your child unattended.
A young toddler could easily choke on food or even tip the chair over. You’ll also want to make sure your child is strapped in their high chair at all times so they don’t stand up or slip out.
3. Keep your child away from hazards.
Children can twist and reach out of their chairs with ease. High chairs should never be used near hot surfaces, sharp utensils, lit candles, or other potentially dangerous items.
4. Whether baby too small for high chair or too big, follow the weight limits.
Factors to consider in buying a high chair
Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels
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1. Space
If you’re tight on room, instead of the more classic stand-alone alternative, consider a chair that hooks onto an adult chair or the table.
2. Cleaning ease
Some high chairs feature specially constructed trays that are easier to remove or have pockets to store drinks or plates more securely.
3. Long term use
Some chairs are specifically intended for infants and toddlers. Other options include convertible models that will grow with your child.
4. Comfort
If your child is always moving and active, an uncomfortable high chair will be the last place they want to be. You also would have to find a high chair that fits your baby. You don’t want a baby too small for high chair.
The perfect amount of cushion, leg room, and even proper back support may make a great difference.
5. Portability
If you’re traveling with your child or need a high chair that can be moved around your home, consider the weight of the chair, whether it has wheels, and whether it can fold.
Features to look for in a high chair
Photo by Vanessa Loring from Pexels
Here are the most important features to look for when buying a high chair.
1. Baby’s position
Check your baby’s position when trying out a highchair. Their hips, knees, and ankles should all be at a 90-degree angle (right angle). If you’re not sure what this means, take a look at this diagram. Many of the less expensive, all-in-one, wipe-clean plastic highchairs lack this amount of support.
2. Tray
The table top or highchair tray should be positioned halfway between your baby’s belly button and nipple level, and as near to their body as possible.
They won’t be able to completely examine foods provided to them if the tray (or tabletop) is higher than this, and if it’s lower than this, they’ll have to slump forwards, losing their stable posture and placing pressure on their stomach, which could cause pain when eating.
3. Footrest
Many highchairs don’t have a footrest at all, or if they do, it’s so far down that your child will be celebrating their fifth birthday before they can reach it.
A footrest provides something for your baby to push against or ‘brace herself’ against so that they can focus on the abilities required for eating. This is why, while babies are having milk feeds, they will occasionally ‘lock’ their legs by pressing their feet against the arm of the chair or you.
4. Backrest
When your baby is in the early stages of weaning, the backrest of their highchair should reach straight up to their neck. Some highchairs only go halfway, but babies who are just starting solids require full back support.
There are so many brands, features, styles, and options to choose from when buying a high chair for your baby. However, as long as the chair you select is safe and correctly used, you should be able to breathe a sigh of relief as you and your baby move on to another stage of development – eating!
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