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To see your baby eating at the dinner table with your family is one of the best sights for a mom. This makes one question, “When can a baby sit in a high chair?” Should you wait a little longer before placing them in a high chair or can you do it now?
It is essential to know that sitting in it requires preparedness, a proper position, and safety. Understanding the right time will keep them comfortable and safe as they learn new things and become familiar with it. Deciding on it ensures your baby is ready for a high chair, making mealtime safe and full of memories.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know.
The Best Age to Use a High Chair
Babies are at a stage where they can sit in a high chair when they begin the process of weaning. It is when they show a strong interest in solid foods and eating independence. Usually, this is common at six months for most babies.
However, age is not the only factor to consider when thinking of letting your baby use a high chair. There are several factors to consider to determine when your baby is ready. And understanding these factors will help ensure safety and comfort during family mealtimes.
When Can Baby Sit in High Chair
This will depend on your baby's physical capabilities. It is when the baby can sit with no support, can control their head and neck, and remain stable for a few minutes. If they could do all of these, then they are ready to use a high chair.
This moment typically occurs during developmental phases, approximately four to six months. Regardless, it will still depend on each child. To be safe, parents must pay strong attention to the indicators of readiness and not just age.
How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Ready to Sit Up in a High Chair?
These are the signs that your baby is ready to sit up in a high chair:
- Interest in food
In situations where there are people around the babies, they tend to imitate some physical movements like chewing. Babies will probably be ready to sit in a high chair, especially when they are very interested in food.
- Can move arms and grab food
Another good sign that shows babies' readiness in using a high chair is when they develop coordination for eating solid foods. Babies tend to sit, extend their arms, and bring items to their mouths using some control. This is a good indicator that your baby can now sit in a high chair.
- Sit upright unassisted
When babies can sit upright unassisted, then they can surely use a high chair when eating. They must be able to hold their head and neck in a stable position for extended periods. If in any case their head drops or their posture drips, you must still wait to be able to let them use a high chair.
If you saw these signs in your baby, you can now decide to transition to using a high chair during mealtimes.
When to Stop Using a High Chair
High chairs are great for infants and toddlers, but most children outgrow them by the age of three. While there are factors that state when your baby is ready for using a high chair, there are also factors that show when to stop using it. This includes when your child attempts to climb out of it, avoids sitting in it, and when they show stability when seated in an independent chair.
Switching to an ordinary chair helps promote self-reliance without losing mealtime safety.
High Chair Safety Tips
High chairs also pose safety risks for babies. So to assure parents that babies are safe when in high chairs, they must know these tips to apply to their babies.
- Use a harness and belt to prevent babies from falling
- Ensure that the chair is firm and sturdy to avoid falls from unexpected chair damage
- Keep close to your baby and never leave them unattended
- Don't place high chairs close to counters or tables to prevent tipping
- Just like cleaning baby bottles regularly clean the high chair to prevent bacteria and food buildup
The Momcozy High Chair is one of your best options. It is made with durable materials and designed with your baby’s safety and comfort in mind.
Potential Risks for Your Baby
Although high chairs are designed to simplify the process of feeding your baby, they can still pose dangers when used improperly. Commonly, these are the risks of using high chairs:
Falls and tripping over
Babies do certain movements that can cause them to slide out or bring the chair over without a safety harness. These actions can result in injuries such as a bumped head or broken bone.
Choking hazard
When babies are allowed to use high chairs by parents even without proper control of their heads, they may bend forward or to one side. This improper posture exposes them to the danger of choking while eating, as they are unable to maintain an open airway.
Pinching or trapping
Most high chairs must be assembled first before use. These high chairs have cracks between them, which can pinch small fingers, arms, or legs by mistake. Unless straps are properly secured, it is also possible that babies might attempt to slide down and get trapped in awkward positions.
Overuse
Babies often use high chairs during mealtime. Babies left strapped up in their seats may have less time to crawl, roll, and do other important motor skills. Overusing can interrupt physical movements and result in frustration, especially amongst hyper babies.
Reaching hazards
If high chairs are placed too close to counters or tables, babies may be exposed to hot objects or foods, sharp knives, or sharp edges. Babies love to hold on to anything around them, and pulling down unsafe objects could lead to burns, cuts, and severe injuries.
By understanding these risks, parents can avoid them and take necessary measures to ensure that their baby is safe in a high chair. It will also assure them of the baby’s comfort during mealtime. Parents also need to be aware of many other potential risks in daily life, especially concerning a baby's sleep safety.
The Necessity of a Good High Chair
A high chair supports a baby, ensuring that they are stable. This stability not only reduces the possibility of risks, but it also helps in building good, healthy habits for babies. With this, the baby can focus on enjoying their meal instead of trying to keep their balance. A good chair gives parents assurance and peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe and comfortable while eating.
In addition to safety, a good high chair also helps in building a strong bond with the family. Sitting at the table makes babies part of everyday life. It helps enhance their social and emotional health. Investing in a good high chair that can be used for a long time will not only provide a memorable mealtime but will also help gain independence later in life.
Things to Consider When Choosing a High Chair
Parents always ensure that they buy high-quality items for their babies. Choosing the right high chair for your baby is just as important as selecting their baby formula or diapers. There are things to consider, and it must not compromise their health or well-being.
As parents, you must keep these factors in mind when choosing a high chair:
- Safety features like a harness or a belt
- Padded seats and footrests for comfort
- Easy to clean
- Adjustable
- Space-saving
Generally, a high chair must be flexible enough to adapt to your baby without being inconvenient to their development.
Types of High Chairs to Choose from
Parents have numerous options when it comes to selecting a high chair that is best suited for their babies. These are the types of high chairs that you can choose from, according to River Baby:
Standard High Chair
These are old-style and traditional high chairs. They are solid and occupy a lot of space. This is best when the family prefers to be at home.
Foldable High Chair
These are lightweight and foldable. Primarily designed for use by on-the-go families. They are simple and tend to be less supportive and padded than standard models.
Convertible High Chair
These can be converted to a toddler chair and usually have a long lifespan. This is more expensive than other types, but it reduces unnecessary purchases.
Space Saver High Chair
These are fitted in ordinary dining rooms, thus they are suitable for small houses. These are smaller, but might not be as stable as full-size or standard-size models.
Hook-on High Chair
These are attached to a table and are highly portable, leaving the floor space free. They are ideal to be carried around, but they need to be on sturdy and stable tables to be safe.
What you choose will still depend on your baby and your family's lifestyle. However, you must be aware of these three major factors that will help you select the best high chair: safety, comfort, and convenience.
Final Thoughts on When Babies Can Sit in a High Chair
The process of transitioning your baby to a high chair is a significant milestone in a baby's development. Most babies are ready at about six months; but please note that it varies from one baby to another. Regardless, you will need a high-quality high chair when the time comes.
The Momcozy high chair is safe, durable, and of high quality. It ensures babies can move more easily and sit more comfortably. Check the product on the web store.
