When is your baby ready for a high chair?

Isn't it fantastic when your little one can finally safely sit upright in a high chair?  

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Just imagine the future when they’ll be sitting at their school desks, all grown up, and you’ll get teary-eyed—but hey, you’ve still got a few baby years before that.

High chairs can free up your hands (yay!), and you can watch your child socialise with the rest of the family while dining or doing other tasks.

Plus, finding the right high chair offers convenience, encourages independent sitting, and supports your child’s development.

Choosing the right high chair

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When choosing a high chair for your little one, remember a few things. You’ll want one that’s easy to clean (let’s be honest, who has time for a high-maintenance chair? Not us!), safe, durable (especially if you plan to use it for future bubs), the right size, and maybe even wheels for extra convenience (easy to keep an eye on them while you’re in the kitchen). Oh, and versatility is always a plus!

So, after keeping these features in mind (and probably on your shopping list), it’s time to shop!

When you visit the store, look for high chairs with a removable tray or a washable cover. From one parent to another, this feature will be a life-saver when your little bean constantly drops something on the high chair tray. High chairs with minimal areas to trap the crumbs and liquids are also highly recommended.

Height adjustments and footrest options will be a game-changer as your little one grows, and the high chair can easily keep up with their development.

If you’re considering having another baby soon (how exciting!), consider opting for a high chair with multiple height settings and foot support.

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High chair safety essentials

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Safety is of the utmost importance when shopping for baby items.

High chairs need to meet safety standards and have features like a secure harness and stable base to keep your little one safe. Check out these important baby high chair safety features every parent should look for.

Preventing accidents and injuries

Before you buy your baby’s high chair, though, it’s always a good idea to check the owner’s manual. While at the store, look at the high chair to make sure everything looks in good shape. And don’t forget to check for safety straps or the safety harness – they’re essential for keeping your baby safe.

Ensuring proper fit and adjustment

Always place the high chair where you can easily see your baby and reach them quickly. As your baby grows, they’ll become more active, so it’s important to check on them and the chair to prevent accidents. Also, don’t forget to check that the chair and tray are at the right height.

Ongoing safety checks and maintenance

Don’t forget to check your high chair regularly for any damage, and make sure the locking mechanism is secure. If you think a part needs maintenance, reach out to the manufacturer.

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Signs your baby is ready for a high chair

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Your baby should be ready to sit in a high chair once they can sit upright independently, try to grab items and eat solid food.

Typically, this occurs when babies between 4 and 6 months old. When watching them sit, keep a close eye on their posture.

Your baby is likely ready for a high chair if they’re able to eat solid foods while:

• Sitting independently
• Keeping their head steady
• Maintaining good neck control

If in doubt, check with your GP.

Benefits of using a high chair

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There are plenty of perks to your baby using a high chair, including:

Encourages independent sitting

Helping your baby sit up and feed themselves encourages independence and makes cleanup a whole lot easier. The convenient tray on the baby’s high chair makes it easier for them to sit independently and enjoy mealtimes without struggling to hold utensils, which can further enhance their fine motor skills.

Supports your bub’s development

Family mealtimes are terrific for helping babies grow socially and linguistically! During mealtimes, babies have the opportunity to observe social interactions, listen to conversations, and pick up language cues.

Convenient for mealtime

Family meals with older babies are far more enjoyable with a high chair. You and your baby can sit down together, share meals, and bond as a family.

High chair positioning for feeding

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Choosing the right high chair for your baby (and their safety) is crucial, as is obtaining the correct position for feeding.

The 90-90-90 rule

Follow the 90-90-90 rule to ensure that your baby is in a good position throughout the entire meal, with the back seat upright (important for reclining high chairs), the tray at the right height, and their ankles and knees at 90-degree angles.

If there is a gap between the baby’s back and the back of the high chair, you can use a rolled-up or folded towel to fill that gap. Also, ensure that there is proper foot support.

Head, neck, trunk control

This brings to mind the “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” song, right? For this tip, ensure your baby sits still and has good head, neck, and trunk support. Let your little one practice holding their head up and sitting upright with strong trunk stability.

Potential risks for your baby

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Like any other item, there are potential risks if you don’t monitor your baby when sitting in a high chair.

High chairs can tip over

High chairs can tend to tip over if placed on uneven flooring, you do not lock the wheels, or you locate the or near an object.

So, whenever you use a high chair, make sure that you lock the wheels. This is especially important when you’re cooking or cleaning.

Pinched fingers

In general, high chairs feature security latches and joints. When securing your baby into the chair, make them sit properly to keep their fingers from the fasteners.

Injuries from snatching objects

When your baby is in an elevated sitting position (such as in a high chair) they can get curious and want to grab everything around them. That’s perfectly normal for most babies, but it also means they may grab things that could be dangerous for them.

Ensure all baby equipment in the area is baby-proofed (put away all the sharp objects) and that anything risky is kept out of their reach to keep them safe and sound.

Standing in the chair

Did you know that many falls associated with high chairs result from a child standing up? Hence sitting upright is important, along with fastened safety straps.

Tips for a smooth transition

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Getting your little one used to the high chair is essential. Here are a few quick tips for when your baby is starting out:

• Let them play with a plate, cup, and spoon before they upgrade to a high chair.
• When setting up the high chair and dining table, ensure your baby can see you easily but can’t grab things off the table.
• The tray should be positioned about halfway between your baby’s belly button and chest.
• Don’t forget to use a five-point safety harness for extra security.

Good luck, and use a high chair to savour those sweet moments with your family and little one.

Sources

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Cleveland Clinic, 7 Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe in a High Chair, November 2020.
CNet, When is your baby ready for a high chair?, May 2022.
Ashtonbee, Top 6 Benefits of A Baby High Chair For Your Growing Bundle of Joy, June 2022.