When it comes to baby gear, high chairs are often considered a staple item in many households. They provide a convenient and safe space for infants and toddlers to enjoy meals alongside the family. However, some parents may question whether high chairs are truly necessary or if they can get by without one. But what are the dangers and risks of not using a high chair?
Why Are High Chairs Important?
High chairs serve several crucial purposes when feeding infants and toddlers. Here are some reasons why they are considered essential:
Safety
High chairs are designed with safety in mind, providing a secure seating option for babies and young children during meal times. Without a high chair, children may risk falling or injuring themselves while sitting on adult chairs or laps.
Proper Posture and Positioning
High chairs promote proper posture and positioning during meals, essential for healthy eating habits and digestion. Sitting upright in a high chair encourages children to develop good eating habits and helps prevent choking incidents.
Convenience
High chairs make meal times more convenient for both parents and children. They provide a designated space for feeding, reducing messes and making clean-up easier. Additionally, many high chairs are adjustable and can grow with your child, offering long-term usability.
Socialisation
Meal times are an opportunity for social interaction and bonding within the family. High chairs allow infants and toddlers to join the rest of the family at the table, fostering a sense of inclusion and participation.
What are the Dangers and Risks of Not Using a High Chair?
While it may seem tempting to forgo a high chair and opt for alternative seating arrangements, such as booster seats or laps, doing so can pose several risks:
Falls and Injuries
Without the proper support and restraint provided by a high chair, infants and toddlers are more susceptible to falls and injuries while seated at the table. This risk increases as children become more active and curious during meal times.
Choking Hazards
Improper seating arrangements can increase the risk of choking incidents during meals. High chairs help keep children upright, reducing the likelihood of food lodged in their throats.
Mess and Clean-Up
Using makeshift seating options, such as laps or adult chairs, can lead to messier meal times and increased clean-up efforts. High chairs more effectively contain messes, making meal times more manageable for parents.
Lack of Engagement
Infants and toddlers seated in high chairs are likelier to engage in mealtime activities and interact with their surroundings. Children may become restless or disinterested during meals without a designated seating space.
DIY Hacks Online that Could Pose a Threat
Nowadays, parenting advice spreads quickly on platforms like TikTok. However, not all DIY high chair hacks are safe. Trends seen online highlight potential risks. From using shirts as safety belts to makeshift booster seats, let's discuss these DIY solutions with a focus on safety for your child.
Using a Shirt as a Safety Belt
While it may seem resourceful to repurpose a shirt as a makeshift safety belt to secure your child in a high chair, it lacks the durability and reliability of purpose-built safety harnesses. Improvised restraints like this may fail to adequately secure your child, increasing the risk of falls or injuries.
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Improvised Booster Seats
Crafting a booster seat using stacked towels, blankets, or cushions may seem cost-effective for elevating your child's seating height. However, these makeshift booster seats lack the stability and structural integrity of purpose-built options, potentially leading to instability or collapse.
DIY Tray Extensions
Extending the high chair tray with makeshift materials like cardboard or wood may appear practical for containing spills or providing additional surface area. However, these improvised tray extensions may not be securely attached or properly sanitized, posing hygiene and safety concerns during meal times.
Using Non-Skid Mats
Placing non-skid mats or rugs beneath a high chair to prevent sliding on smooth floors might seem like a simple solution to enhance stability. However, these mats can create tripping hazards for caregivers and may interfere with the proper functioning of adjustable high chair legs, compromising stability and safety.
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Improvised Footrests
Attaching improvised footrests using household items like boxes or books to provide support for your child's feet may seem practical for promoting proper posture. However, these makeshift footrests lack the adjustability and stability of purpose-built options, potentially causing discomfort or instability for your child during meal times.
Parents should exercise caution and prioritize safety when considering DIY high chair hacks or alternatives. It's crucial to choose professionally designed and tested products to ensure your child's safety and well-being during meal times.
TOP PICKS: 6 Recommended High Chairs for Your Little One
Here are our top picks for high chairs that combine safety, functionality, and convenience, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for your little one. These recommended high chairs have been carefully selected based on their quality, durability, and popularity among parents.
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair - $485
Buy Now Pay Later options are available under 0% installments of 3-4 months under Grab and Atome
The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair is renowned for its ergonomic design and longevity. It can be adjusted to accommodate children from infancy to adulthood, making it a truly versatile seating option. The Tripp Trapp's sleek Scandinavian design and premium materials make it a stylish addition to any home. While it comes with a higher price tag, its durability and longevity justify the investment for many families.
Bugaboo Giraffe High Chair - $449
Buy Now Pay Later options are available under 0% installments of 3-4 months under Grab and Atome
The Bugaboo Giraffe High Chair combines sleek design with practical functionality. It features a height-adjustable seat and footrest to grow with your child, ensuring optimal comfort and support during meal times. With its premium materials and innovative design, the Bugaboo Giraffe is a stylish addition to any modern home.
Oribel Cocoon Z Highchair - $329
Buy Now Pay Later options are available under 0% installments of 3-4 months under Grab and Atome
The Oribel Cocoon Z Highchair offers a unique blend of style and functionality. Its modern design features a comfortable, easy-to-clean seat with a five-point harness for safety. The Cocoon Z also boasts a compact fold for convenient storage and transport, making it an ideal choice for families on the go.
Stokke Nomi® High Chair - $485
Buy Now Pay Later options are available under 0% installments of 3-4 months under Grab and Atome
The Stokke Nomi® High Chair is designed to bring your child closer to the family table. With its sleek Scandinavian design and adjustable features, the Nomi® promotes healthy posture and encourages independence during meal times.
Moji Yippy High Chair - $399
The Moji Yippy High Chair offers a practical and stylish seating solution for your little one. Its compact fold and lightweight design make it perfect for small spaces or on-the-go use, while its adjustable features ensure a comfortable and secure fit for your child.
Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair - $315
Buy Now Pay Later options are available under 0% installments of 3-4 months under Grab and Atome
The Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair is a sleek and minimalist solution for mealtime, designed to grow with your child from 6 months up to 3 years. With its easy-to-clean surfaces and tool-free assembly, it provides convenience for parents while ensuring a comfortable and secure seating experience for little ones.
Products Comparison & Takeaway
| PRODUCT | PRICE | AGE RANGE | WEIGHT LIMIT | MATERIAL | FOLDABILITY | ADJUSTABILITY |
| Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair | $485 | 3 yrs to life | 110 kg / 242 lbs | Natural Wood | Not Foldable | Adjustable |
| Bugaboo Giraffe High Chair | $449 | 0 mos to 3 years | 100 kg / 220 lbs | FSC® certified European beechwood | Not Foldable | Adjustable |
| Oribel Cocoon Z Highchair | $329 | 0 mos to 3 years | 20 kg / 44 lbs | ABS and POM Plastics, steel, EVA foam | Yes | Adjustable |
| Stokke Nomi® High Chair | $485 | 0 months to life | 150 kg / 330 lbs | European oak / beech, oak or walnut wood | Not Foldable | Adjustable |
| Moji Yippy High Chair | $399 | 6 months - 3 years | (with Starter Set attached) up to 15kg (by itself) up to 90kg |
High-quality oak wood for the designs: Oak, Cashmere, Espresso, Pearl. Hard-wearing rubberwood for the designs: Cotton, Stone, Snow, Cloud | Yes | Adjustable |
| Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair | $315 | 6 mos to 3 years | 15 kg / 33 lbs | European beech wood, Plastics: PP-TC/PA | Not Foldable | Adjustable |
While high chairs may seem like an additional expense. However, their benefits far outweigh the risks of not using one. From safety and convenience to proper posture and socialisation, high chairs support healthy eating habits and foster family bonding during meal times. So, the next time you debate whether you need a high chair, remember the importance of prioritising your child's safety and well-being.