Do you ever feel like you’re in a marathon when you’re trying to feed your baby? With their little fists knocking over dishes and fingers flinging food all over the floor, it can be a challenge. But don’t worry, as a parent, you don’t have to go it alone. The right high chair can make all the difference and help make feeding time go more smoothly. There are a lot of options out there, with different designs, colors, and configurations. Here we are covering everything about choosing the best high chair for your needs.
Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair
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- 6-in-1 convertible high chair adjusts to your growing child's needs
- Innovative infant high chair design allows you to seat 2 children simultaneously
- 6 height positions and 3 recline levels to allow the high chair to adjust for easy feedings
- One-hand removable tray with dishwasher-safe, pull-out insert
- Removable seat back insert helps position your growing child at the table
What to Consider When Choosing A High Chair?
High Chair Types
There are several types of high chairs available in the market. Here are some of the most common types:
- Traditional high chair: This is a freestanding high chair with a seat, tray, and sometimes a footrest. It is typically made of wood or plastic. It’s suitable for infants and toddlers of different ages and sizes to use at home as it can be adjusted to different heights.
- Booster high chair: This type of high chair is designed to be used on top of a regular chair. It’s suitable for toddlers who have outgrown a traditional high chair but still need a boost to reach the table.
- Convertible high chair: This is a high chair that can be converted into a booster seat or a toddler chair as your child grows. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a high chair that can be used for several years.
- Portable high chair: This type of high chair is designed for travel or on-the-go use. It can be attached to a regular chair or secured to a table and usually folds up for easy transport. They typically have a fabric seat and can be adjusted to fit different table or countertop thicknesses.
- Foldable high chairs: These are high chairs that can be easily folded up for storage or travel. They are typically lightweight and compact, making them a great option for families who are short on space or who need to take their high chairs with them when they travel.
- Hook-on high chair: This is a type of portable high chair that attaches directly to the table. It’s a good option if you’re short on space or if you’re traveling and don’t want to bring a bulky high chair.
When choosing a high chair, consider your needs and lifestyle. You’ll want to choose a high chair that’s easy to clean, adjustable, and safe for your child.
Seat Cover
Some high chairs may include foam or rubber seat covers which are both simple to clean and long-lasting. This will increase comfort by selecting a padded cover.
If you prefer a cover that is easy to clean, machine-washable options are ideal as they should be durable enough to withstand frequent washings. If a cover is not machine-washable, wiping it down after each use is necessary to maintain cleanliness.
If your high chair has a removable seat cover, having an extra one as a backup while you wash the other can be a useful option to consider.
It’s important to make sure that the seat cover fits securely onto the high chair and is easy to remove and put back on. This will make it easier to clean and maintain the high chair, as well as ensure that the cover doesn’t shift or slide around during use.
Some high chair seat covers may also come with additional features, such as adjustable straps or harnesses for added safety and security. When choosing a high chair seat cover, it’s best to consider both comfort and functionality to ensure that it meets the needs of both you and your child.
Crotch Post
According to the regulations of some areas, high chairs with fully enclosed openings (created by the seat, tray, and sides of the chair) must include a fixed crotch post. The placement of the crotch post may vary depending on the manufacturer, with some placing it on the seat and others on the tray.
Safety Harness
Most modern high chairs come equipped with a three-point safety harness as a standard safety requirement. However, if your baby tends to climb or move around a lot, you may want to consider a five-point harness for added security. It’s also important to ensure that the harness is easily adjustable to fit your child comfortably.
When selecting a high chair, it’s important to test how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fastener. If the fastener is difficult to operate, you may be tempted to skip using the harness altogether, which could put your child’s safety at risk. On the other hand, a harness that is easy to open and close will make it more likely that you’ll use it every time your child is in the high chair, ensuring maximum safety and security.
High Chair Trays
High chair trays are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types.
Detachable trays that are dishwasher-safe are the easiest to clean. Some high chairs feature non-detachable trays with removable inserts that can also be cleaned in the dishwasher. Other trays must be wiped down by hand after each use.
It’s important to choose a tray that is sturdy enough to prevent your baby from kicking it off or removing it on its own. A tray that can be adjusted closer to or farther away from the child is also helpful as your baby grows.
As your baby gets older, it may attempt to push the limits of the high chair’s safety features. Before feeding your child, it’s important to make sure that the tray is securely latched and cannot be opened by your child.
Adjustability
Adjustability is an important factor to consider when choosing a high chair for your child. There are a few key adjustability features to look for, including safety harness adjustment, seat height adjustability, and multiple reclining positions.
A safety harness that is easily adjustable is crucial for your child’s safety. As your child grows, you’ll need to make adjustments to ensure a secure fit. Look for a high chair with a harness that can be adjusted quickly and easily.
Seat height adjustability is another important feature to consider. Starting with a higher seat position can make it easier for you to access your child, while a lower position can allow your child to sit at the same height as others at the dinner table as they grow.
Multiple reclining positions are also helpful, especially for younger babies who haven’t yet mastered sitting on their own. A more reclined position can be more comfortable and secure for them, while an upright position may be necessary as they grow stronger.
When choosing a high chair, consider which adjustability features are most important for your child’s age and developmental stage. A high chair that can grow and adapt with your child can be a worthwhile investment.
Foldability
If you want the convenience of a foldable high chair, choose one that can be easily collapsed with one hand. It should also have a locking mechanism that prevents it from collapsing when your child is seated in it. Additionally, some high chairs have a locking mechanism that prevents them from opening when folded, ensuring extra safety.
Easy Cleanup
When it comes to high chairs, keeping them clean is crucial due to babies’ ability to get food in every nook and cranny.
When choosing a high chair, consider models with removable trays and seat covers, as these make cleaning a breeze. High chairs that are designed as one continuous piece are also ideal, as they eliminate seams where food can get stuck and make cleaning difficult.
Plastic high chairs are another excellent option, as they are easy to wipe clean and won’t rust if you accidentally leave a little bit of food on them.
However, it’s important to check for any sharp edges at the seams of high chair seats that have a plastic or vinyl cover, as these edges could potentially scrape or cut your child.
Wheels
If you need to move your high chair around frequently, consider getting one with wheels. However, make sure that it has a locking mechanism to keep it securely in place when needed.
Can I Put My 5 Month Old In A High Chair?
It is generally not recommended to put a 5-month-old baby in a high chair as they may not have developed enough neck and head control to sit upright without support.
High chairs are designed for babies who can sit up on their own and are usually recommended for use from around 6 months of age. However, there are some high chairs on the market that offer recline positions suitable for younger babies.
If you are considering using a high chair for your 5-month-old, it is important to choose a model that offers a suitable recline angle and provides adequate support for your baby’s head and neck.
Additionally, you should always supervise your baby closely while they are in the high chair and use the safety harness to prevent falls or injuries. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the use of the high chair.
Is It Necessary To Have A Footrest On High Chair?
Having a footrest on a high chair can be beneficial for babies, as it helps to support their legs and feet, promoting good posture and alignment. When a baby’s feet are dangling without support, it can cause discomfort and even lead to circulation issues. A footrest can also help to prevent the baby from sliding forward in the seat, which can be a safety concern. However, not all high chairs come with a footrest, and it is not an absolute necessity. If the high chair does not have a footrest, you can use a pillow or a rolled-up towel to provide support for your baby’s feet.
How Long Can A Baby Sit In The High Chair At A Time?
Babies should not be left unattended in a high chair for any length of time, even if they are strapped in. As a general guideline, a baby’s feeding time in a high chair should last no more than 20-30 minutes to avoid discomfort and prevent the baby from becoming fussy. It’s important to keep a close eye on your baby during mealtime to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
What Comes After A High Chair?
After a high chair, the next step in terms of seating for a child is usually a booster seat. A booster seat is designed to provide a bit of elevation for a child so they can sit at the same height as adults at a table.
There are two main types of booster seats: backless and high-back. Backless booster seats are typically less expensive and are suitable for older children who are able to sit up straight on their own. High-back booster seats provide more support and protection for a child’s head and neck and are recommended for younger children or those who still need a bit of extra support.
Once a child outgrows a booster seat, they can then move on to using a regular chair without any additional support. However, it’s important to ensure that the chair is appropriately sized for the child and that their feet are able to touch the ground to provide stability and prevent slouching.
When Can a Child Transition From a High Chair to a Booster Seat?
Typically, a child can transition from a high chair to a booster seat once they are able to sit up unsupported and can climb in and out of the booster seat on their own. This is usually around 18-24 months of age.
It’s important to note that booster seats are designed for use with a regular chair and should not be used on their own as they do not provide the necessary support for a young child. Additionally, booster seats should always be used with a lap and shoulder belt to ensure proper safety and protection for the child in the event of an accident.
It’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific booster seat being used, as some models have different weight and height limits. It’s also important to always supervise children when they are seated in a booster seat and ensure that they are buckled in properly.
