Baby high chairs, Wooden, and Modern
High chairs are a required accessory for any parent.
Mealtime would be very difficult without one. There are a large number
of high chairs on the market and finding one that is safe and functional
can be overwhelming. Many parents feel lost and aren’t sure where
to start.
Babyhighchairs.org is a site designed to provide information
to parents on the features and designs they should be looking for when
selecting a high chair. The site does not endorse any brand or specific
product, giving unbiased advice on a confusing subject.
Babies don’t usually need a high chair until they
are ready to start solid foods, around six months but some parents opt
to buy a high chair right away. This can be a good idea especially if
the baby is breastfeeding and the introduction to solid foods will be
delayed. The high chair gives the baby the ability to take part in meal
times even if they aren’t eating.
The first thing to look for when selecting a high chair is a stamp of
approval from the JPMA (juvenile products manufacturers association.)
This seal ensures the makers of the product met the high standards set
for child safety and quality. Products lacking this seal should be carefully
scrutinized.
High chairs can be full sized independent models or they
can be small portable versions that are set up on an existing chair.
Some of the portable models even convert into a booster seat with the
removal of the tray for toddlers. Those looking to save space should
consider a portable high chair or a full-sized high chair that has the
ability to fold flat.
If the parents have room for a full-sized high chair they
should look for one with a wide base and low center of gravity. The
wide base provides stability and makes it easy to clean under. Wiggle
the chair to see how wobbly it may be, babies can be quite the wiggle
worms and they need a chair that can endure all the movement.
One convenient feature that’s new to high chairs
is the option to recline. The reclining back on a chair allows infants
to relax without their heads bobbing to and fro. The recline is also
good for sleepy eaters who fall asleep at the end of their meals. Baby
can nap blissfully on a full belly while mom cleans up.
Locking mechanisms are important. A foldable chair should
have locking mechanism to prevent the chair from folding while in use.
If the back reclines that should also have a lock, and if the chair
has wheels they need a braking mechanism.
When baby is eating the seat belt should always be used. The seat belt
or harness needs to securely hold the child and should also be washable.
Avoid chairs with just a single waist strap; the baby can easily slide
out of the chair with these straps. A t-bar also helps hold the child
in place. The T-bar is the portion of the seat that comes up between
the baby’s legs and keeps him from sliding forward.
One of the most crucial aspects of the high chair is the
tray. A tray that is difficult to remove or does not stay secure will
only cause frustration. Today’s high chairs often have easy one-handed
releases and are dishwasher safe. Many models have a tray that has a
snack insert so that one surface can be used, with another clean one
underneath for the next course.
The cushions on a high chair obviously need to be washable. If the cushions
are vinyl then the parents should make sure that the edges won’t
cut the baby’s legs or arms. Ideally the cushions should be nice
and thick so that the child can be comfortable (maybe even comfortable
enough to catch a nap!)
Many high chairs have extra features designed to make
life easier for the parents. A toy bar gives baby something to occupy
his time while the food is being prepped. Adjustable heights can help
ease the strain on the arm while feeding, and another favorite feature
is a lower helper tray that is out of reach from the baby but provides
mom or dad an extra working surface.
Continue exploring this site for more information and
additional resources; check back often as the site is updated periodically
with the latest news in the world of high chairs.