Imagine this – A running baby and an exhausted mother, running behind with a plate in one hand and a bite of food in the other. Does this sound familiar? For many parents, mealtimes can become this challenging race rather than a simple feeding routine, especially when your baby discovers their newfound moving abilities. Now that they are becoming more active and curious, there is no stop to their crawling, walking, and running away. That’s where the high chair comes to the rescue, offering a much-needed solution to make feeding time a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.

In this blog, we will cover

Appropriate age for a high chair

High Chair

When it comes to introducing a high chair, it’s all about your baby’s readiness to sit up independently and begin solid foods, which is around 6 months of age. Do not rush the process. Try to wait until your little one shows signs of being ready. Now you must be wondering what are these signs. For physical milestones, the readiness signs are: 

  • Sitting up with support 
  • maintaining stability while seated
  • holding their head up confidently

The second thing to consider is your baby’s readiness to start solids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your baby is ready to begin eating solid foods when they can:

  • Control their head and neck
  • Shows interest in your food
  • Grasp small objects
  • Open their mouth to a spoon
  • Sit up on their own or with support
  • Swallow food

These are some good signs that your little one is ready to transition to their new seat at the table. Once you observe all these signs and milestones, it’s time to introduce the high chair!

Types of High Chairs

With so many options in the market, it’s normal to get confused in knowing which one would be the best fit for you. So let us know about the three most common types of high chairs:

Traditional High Chairs

These are the classic option, great for everyday use at home. They’re available in a range of styles and price points, but keep in mind they don’t usually fold up or travel easily. Yes, they are sturdy and reliable, but they can be super bulky. If you’re looking for a high chair that stays put and offers long-lasting durability, this is a solid choice, though it may not be the most space-efficient.

Multipurpose or Convertible High Chairs

These chairs are super versatile, converting from a high chair to a booster seat as your baby grows. They can be easily transformed into different forms to meet the changing needs of your little one. As your baby grows, this convertible high chair can even be turned into a toddler chair or a regular chair for older kids. They’re designed to last through multiple stages of growth and offer great value for money. But a small limitation, they may be slightly more complex to adjust and assemble.

Hook-on High Chair

When you go to a restaurant or someone’s house, you might have wondered how nice it would have been if you had a chair that could connect to the table just so your little one could sit and eat with you independently. For this purpose, we have the hook on chairs. These are designed to securely attach directly to a tabletop. They create a safe dining spot for your baby whether you are at a restaurant or on a trip. Hook-on High chairs are lightweight, compact, and portable. They can be folded when not in use. These are perfect for saving space and keeping your baby close during meals, wherever you are.

So these were some classic options for high chairs that are easily available in the kids’ world of essential accessories. Understand your needs and then only choose the best option that fits your requirements.

Types of High Chair

What to Look for in a High Chair?

High Chair

We understand that there are so many adorable options available, but choosing the right high chair isn’t just about picking the prettiest one on the shelf. Here are some features that you can consider while buying the best high chair for your little one:

Easy to Clean

We all know how messy the feeding time can be, and trust us you’ll be cleaning the high chair a LOT! So pick the high chair with smooth surfaces, removable trays, and minimal gap areas where food can get stuck. Don’t buy chairs that are super complex to assemble. We don’t want you to get frustrated. 

Comfort

This is one of the most important things to consider while buying a high chair. You buy a high chair wishing that your baby stays put, at least till the time they finish the meal, so make sure it’s comfortable. Padded seats and footrests can make a big difference.

Adjustable Features

As your baby grows, you’ll want a chair that grows with them. For this look for high chairs with adjustable features, such as adjustable seat heights, reclining options, and removable trays. 

Durability

High chairs get a lot of use, so choose one made from durable materials that can stand up to daily wear and tear. 

Safety features to consider in a high chair?

High Chair

When choosing a high chair, safety is key. Let us provide you with some important considerations to keep in mind while buying a high chair for your little one:

Five-Point Harness

This harness is a must-have, securing your baby at five points – shoulders, waist, and between the legs. This is to keep your little one safe and prevent accidents during mealtime.

Stability

Look for a high chair with a wide, sturdy base. This ensures the chair won’t tip over if your child wiggles or leans over while experimenting with food and movements. If you are buying the one with wheels, make sure the wheels can be locked to keep the chair stationary while feeding.

Proper Placement

Always position the high chair away from counters or tables to prevent tipping. It should not be placed near hot items, sockets, and electrical wires. And never leave your baby unattended while they’re in the chair.

Regular Cleaning

Keep the high chair clean for your baby’s health and regularly check for its wear and tear. 

Features to look out for in High Chair

Benefits of a high chair

High Chair

Promotes Proper Posture and Alignment

A well-designed high chair helps to support your baby’s posture, ensuring that your little one is sitting comfortably with their head held up and their back straight. This is super important when they’re starting solids, as proper posture will help your baby focus on eating and reduce the risk of choking. 

No more running after your little one

With a high chair, you can keep your baby in one spot, making it easier to feed them without chasing them around the room. High chairs are super safe for your little one. They come with secure straps, a stable and sturdy base, and easy-to-clean surfaces, all designed to keep your little ones safe while they explore new foods. 

Encourages Independent Feeding

One of the best things about it is helping your baby become independent. When your baby is securely strapped into a high chair, they’re in a safe, contained area where they can focus on their food and experiment with it. At first, your baby might just touch and play with food, but over time, they’ll start trying to bring food to their mouth, making them become confident and independent eaters. 

Encourages Family Time

When your baby sits with you during mealtime, they do not feel alone. They get a sense of togetherness. It also allows them to observe and learn from family mealtimes, like how you are eating, how you are behaving, etc. The high chair becomes their personal dining space where they can learn and mimic behaviors that are important for your little one’s social development.

Benefits of High Chair

Final thoughts

High chairs can be of big help during mealtimes, making them less of a struggle by keeping your little one put. It can be an important part of your baby’s routine and a place where many food experiments will take place. Consider your space, your lifestyle, and your baby’s comfort. A good high chair should make mealtime easier, safer, and more enjoyable for both you and your little one. Happy feeding!

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