When Can A Baby Sit In A High Chair? Complete Guide

ByWinters Hours Updated:

highchair for baby

For you and your child, independent sitting can lead to endless possibilities. So when is it OK for a baby to sit in a high chair?

When to put the baby in a high chair?

As a result of their individuality, every child develops and grows at their own rate. Before using a high chair for your kid, though, a few essential components must be present.

As long as they adhere to these strict guidelines, parents can typically introduce a high chair to their infant around the age of six months.

  • The baby needs to be able to support its head up by itself. Babies who have trouble with their head bobbing or jerky movements should take more time before trying a high chair. They ought to have sufficient neck muscular control to prevent any harm.
  • The infant should be able to maintain an upright position while moving their arms. The baby shouldn’t need to use their hands to maintain their sitting position. They are not yet ready if they need to lean on their hands to sit in a high chair.
  • The child can sit unaided for longer than a few minutes at a time. An infant should wait longer before moving to a high chair if they can sit alone on the floor but become tired easily and fall over.

When used correctly and safely by parents, high chairs can be useful tools. A high chair is not a substitute for adult supervision, therefore parents or other adults should constantly keep an eye on their children when they are in one. Even when a baby is safely seated in a high chair, accidents can occur in a split second.

Choosing A High Chair

high chair baby

Finding a high chair might be challenging. High chairs come in a wide range of designs, which complicates your decision-making process. However, there are a few crucial considerations to take into account when choosing a high chair for your baby, regardless of the kind you have in mind.

Suitability

Make sure your baby is comfortable in the high chair you choose to utilize. The answer to the question of when a baby can securely use a high chair depends on the kind of product you select.

Some items might have a weight restriction, while others might not be able to adequately secure your child. For instance, table-top high chairs may be suitable for small babies under six months of age but may provide safety concerns for kids over one.

Safety

To reduce the risk of it tipping over, only use high chairs that are solid and have a wide base. Search for products with the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) Certification, and look for any high chairs you might wish to buy that have been recalled.

Cleaning

When babies first start eating on their own, they will definitely make a mess. The high chair you select should be simple to clean. It should have wipe-clean surfaces that won’t support mold or bacteria. Cleaning is made simple by the fact that some high chair trays are dishwasher-safe trays.

When can a baby safely eat solid food while sitting in a high chair? Whether you are feeding them or if they are eating on their own will determine the answer. An infant can typically sit up and properly swallow food when they are six months old or older.

Space

Do you eat most of your meals at a little table since you have a small apartment? Then a booster-style seat that hooks to a counter or fastens directly to one of your chairs might be the best option for you.

Do you have a larger table or eat in several places throughout your house? Then a stand-alone chair with a removable tray that can be transported easily from one area to another would be your best option.

Durability

Considering having a big family and passing the high chair from child to child? Even if they are more expensive, buying a solid wooden seat can be the best option for you.

You should also consider how long you intend to keep your child in a high chair. Many chairs may be changed into booster seats or even chairs that fit adults, so they can grow with your child.

What are alternatives to high chairs?

high chair for babies

Naturally, whether you travel or visit friends and family, you can’t always bring a full-sized high chair for your baby. However, having an appropriate high chair substitute can make eating meals, snacks, or pieces of food while away from home more convenient.

Here are a few well-liked high chair substitutes that parents and other caregivers may find useful.

  • Booster seats that fasten to regular kitchen chairs
  • Foldable, transportable high chairs with height adjustment
  • Seat harnesses made of cloth that fit over regular kitchen chairs
  • Hook-on high chairs that fasten directly to kitchen tables.

Of course, not every one of these alternatives to high chairs will be suitable for your child. When using any high chair or substitute, make sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for height limits and weight limits and watch your baby at all times.

Safety tips when you start using a high chair

high chair infant

Once you’ve become used to the use of the change, keep the following safety advice in mind:

  • Choose the right one

Consider purchasing portable varieties if you travel frequently. Fortunately, there is a great variety on market offering high chairs of exceptional quality to suit all demands, so check out, and do your research on approved products that adhere to child safety regulations.

  • Keep everything secure and safe

Use the buckles and straps to keep your baby from climbing out or sliding off after he is seated correctly and upright. Put food and sharp things out of reach, level the surface, look out for tipping dangers and position it.

  • Never leave babies unattended

Although it should go without saying, even when a child is fastened up and strapped in, they should always be within sight. You never know what he might use to get away or what might make him stumble!

Final thoughts

After six months of age, your baby needs a high chair, though this varies depending on their developmental goals. Keep an eye on him as he sits up and never leaves him alone when he’s on one!

Mealtimes become more pleasant and relaxing after you and your partner figure it out. We hope that knowing when to start using a high chair offered you some insight into when to get one.

Faqs:

How do you secure a child in a high chair?

Every time, secure the child using the straps. By doing this, you’ll assist establish a habit and maintain the child’s chair-bound position. Verify that the straps are securely fastened to the chair and in excellent functioning condition.

How do I stop my baby from getting out of the high chair?

For a few weeks, let your infant eat while sitting on a lap. If she has had any significant life changes, this may work wonders. For a few meals or solid foods, placing your infant in a low child’s seat can help her feel less confined (although it can make eating together at the table tricky).

Can a 2-year-old use a high chair?

There is no set age at which kids should go from a high chair to a booster seat. Between the ages of 16 months and 2 years, on average, this occurs. Your kid will let you know when it’s time to switch when it signals readiness. It’s crucial that the youngster doesn’t weigh more than what the high chair can accommodate.

Baby walkers, changing tables and bouncer seats, cots, beds, and high chair trays can be dangerous for babies. They can fall out of them and hurt themselves. So make sure to put the wheels locking mechanism before putting a child on it.

Reference:

https://solidstarts.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-high-chairs-for-babies/