Parents who are eager to share mealtimes with their little ones ask, “When can my baby sit in a high chair?”
Life becomes a little easier once your infant can sit in a high chair, so we understand your desire to get it done as soon as possible. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to keep your baby safe and comfortable in their high chair.
In this article, we’ll go over the indicators that your baby is ready to sit up, as well as some safety guidelines for transferring to a high chair.
When Can Baby Sit in a High Chair
Every baby is unique, but most parents can anticipate that their child will be ready to sit up in a high chair at around 4 to 6 months.
Many parents look forward to this time since shifting into a chair allows you to free up some space in the kitchen and at the table. It also allows your baby to participate in some of the family’s activities, which is beneficial for social development.
Signs of high chair readiness in babies
There are some critical developmental milestones to look for before placing your baby in the high chair in order to determine when the time is perfect. Sitting up without assistance and beginning to consume solid meals are both signs that your baby is ready for a high chair.
- When a baby can sit upright without assistance, he or she is developmentally ready to use a high chair. When sitting, they should be fairly stable and controllable, with only a small bobbing about.
- It is also necessary for them to be able to control their heads. Ensure that your baby’s head and neck are very stable, without the need for pillows. Babies can do this for a minute or two early in this developmental stage, but they tire if they are not yet ready to sustain the position independently.
- If you notice their head flop to the side or their body scrunching down when sitting, they are too unstable, and the time has not yet come.
- Your baby’s shoulders should be straight when seated, and their arms should be able to move independently. This capacity to sit upright with little support helps newborns to freely use their hands to acquire food and explore without using all of their energy attempting to stay upright.
If your baby is unable to maintain this upright position without assistance, continue to let them practise in a safe area with your full attention. It won’t be long until their strength improves and you can tell your baby is ready.
Which High Chair to Buy
The best high chairs are available in a number of styles and sizes. We’ll look at two distinct types:
Reclining High Chairs
Depending on the form of your high chair, your kid may be able to join you at the table sooner rather than later. When newborns are as young as a few weeks old, reclining high chairs can be employed. However, keep in mind that these chairs are not intended for serving solid meals to infants.
Reclining is more for lounging or bottle feeding (though it is always best to hold your baby in your arms when feeding). To begin taking baby food, they must be able to sit in a more upright position.
Upright High Chairs
You can use any classic or space-saving high chair if your kid is sitting up properly and you are ready to start with the upright posture. Look for a high chair with a large base that is robust, stable, and easy to clean. You’ll be using it for a few years, so look for a long-lasting, safe, and comfortable high chair.
How to Choose a High Chair
When choosing a high chair, make sure to consider all of your alternatives. Consider the following characteristics to assist you in making the best option for your lifestyle, space, and personal preferences.
In choosing high chairs, there are numerous alternatives. Which is the best option for your family? Here are some things to think about:
- How effortlessly can you set and remove the baby from the chair? A mobile tray, for example, can help with this.
- How safe is the baby in the seat? Is there a seat belt on the chair? Straps on the shoulders?
- Is the chair accredited by the highest level of product safety for infants and children?
- Do you require the chair to have wheels or to be foldable? These can be useful features if you need to store the high chair when not in use or if you want to be able to transport the high chair effortlessly. Keep in mind that if it contains these functions, they must be checked and secured every time the chair is used.
- Is the chair’s fabric detachable and washable? Because babies will be getting their hands dirty with their meal, you may want to be able to wash them.
- Does the chair have a setting that can be changed as the infant grows? Children will grow significantly in the year or so that they utilise their high chair.
- Is there a footrest on the chair? It may help to keep infants more secure in the chair as they develop.
High Chair Safety Tips
When placing a high chair near a table or counter, an important safety tip to remember is to be cautious. It makes sense if you want to dine with your kid, but keep in mind that they can push up against a table or counter and possibly tip their own high chair.
Place the chair so that the baby is close enough to talk to, help with, and watch, but far enough away from countertops and tables that they cannot push against them.
When using a high chair, keep the following in mind:
- Make certain that the high chair cannot be easily tipped over.
- If the chair folds, make sure it’s locked each time you use it.
- Use the safety straps, especially the crotch strap, whenever your child sits on the chair. This will keep your youngster from falling, which could result in serious harm or even death. Allowing your youngster to stand in the high chair is never a good idea.
- Place the high chair away from a counter or table. Your toddler may be able to push against these surfaces hard enough to tilt the chair over.
- Never leave a young child alone in a high chair, and don’t let bigger kids climb or play on it because this could topple it over.
- A high chair that attaches to a table is not a suitable substitute for a standalone chair. If you want to use this type of chair when dining out or travelling, search for one that can be locked to the table. Make certain that the table is heavy enough to support your child’s weight without tipping. Check to determine if your child’s feet can rest on a table support. If your youngster pushes against the table, the seat may become dislodged.
Remind any other children in the house not to climb, lean on, or play with the high chair. If you have pets that might run into the chair or try to climb it, keep an eye on them or keep them away from the high chair while your baby is using it.
Children grow out of their high chairs at varied rates—some are ready at 18 months, while others remain in their high chairs for longer. There is no right or wrong time, but once your child reaches a particular size, they will struggle to use the high chair.
When to Stop Using the High Chair
Although there is no specific age, your kid should be ready to move away from the high chair between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.
During this range, they’re stable enough to stay upright for longer lengths of time, but they may still be a little wiggly. Don’t be concerned if they aren’t totally sturdy or tall enough to reach the table; booster seats can help bridge the gap and smooth the adjustment.
When your kid is old enough to sit in a high chair, mealtimes become much less stressful for mum and dad. For a change, you could even be allowed to finish a meal. Just be certain that you and your baby are prepared for this huge step.
Cute baby Sitting in a high chair waiting for to eat dinner
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