Selecting A Highchair
Picking a chair for a baby or toddler to sit in while being fed shouldn't be a big deal.
Yet, when you begin the search, you realize that you must consider everything from stability to portability and a whole range of functionality.
It can be close to overwhelming.
To help simplify the task, this article attempts to not only cover the immediate safety issues, but to also address some of the daily user issues to make living with a highchair much easier.
When is your baby ready for a highchair? It varies with every child, but if your baby is leaning forward in his infant chair, and you are afraid he's about to tip over, he's probably ready for a highchair.
Other telltale signs include the baby's ability to sit up, and the baby's transition to solid food.
Still need a chair? Then here are some points remember when you go shopping for a highchair.
Begin with a good foundation.
The chair must be stable so that it doesn't tip over.
It should be of sturdy construction with a reasonable leg spread to provide a strong base.
Remember that you're the one who has to move this thing around, so consider a chair with wheels on it.
When you do, make sure the chair has wheel locks.
This ensures that the chair won't move while you're putting the baby into it.
Possibly the most critical item in the whole chair makeup is the harness that will keep your baby from falling or pushing out of the chair.
There are various kinds available, but the preferred version is the five-point harness.
This is a must! The Consumer Product Safety Commission's statistics tell us that most fatalities and injuries occur when a baby falls or pushes up and out of a highchair, or is choked when he or she slides down under the tray.
So, buy the best protection you can.
The harness should be attached to the chair, not the tray.
The harness should be designed so that the waist buckle won't close without the crotch strap properly inserted.
The crotch strap is there to prevent the baby from sliding down under the tray.
Most units also have a post between the baby's legs to help prevent this occurrence.
Contact the manufacturer immediately for a replacement harness whenever it begins to wear.
Be certain the tray locks securely in place and that it has no sharp edges to cut your baby.
Just as you want the tray to stay solidly in place, look for easy release (preferably with one hand), and for a dishwasher-friendly unit that fits in your dishwasher.
Remember, you have to clean this thing at least three times per day.
A tray with the post attached presents a problem whenever you remove it because the tray removes the slide protection.
It's best to simply avoid this design altogether.
All buckles and locks should be easy for you to use, but difficult for your baby.
Likewise, folding units, which are great for travel or grandma's house, should work easily with minimum pinch points.
They also need a locking device to ensure that they don't collapse unexpectedly.
Does the unit stand upright when folded, and does it fit into your intended storage space? Equally important for baby comfort and your sanity is the type of seat the manufacturer has provided.
Your baby will appreciate a padded seat, and it will probably keep baby in the chair longer.
Select a seat that is not slippery and has as few seams as possible.
Here's where your sanity comes in: It'll be much easier to clean if it has a smooth, non-fabric finish.
Heavy seams can be uncomfortable for your baby.
While the child's wellbeing is of primary importance, there's no shame in looking to parent and caregiver comfort as well.
Be sure the chair is equipped with height adjustment capability.
It can save your back, especially as your baby grows.
A good chair will also have a multiple-position recline option.
Now we're talking! Check for a baby footrest.
There are mixed opinions here: While it can add to baby comfort, it also provides your baby with a pushup point that could result in a fall.
So, if your new unit has a footrest, it is imperative that you use the harness properly every time the baby is placed in the chair, without exception.
Once you buy a new highchair, follow these pointers to make it easier and safer:
Be sure all parts, including locks on a folding unit, work well.
Follow the operations checklist above, especially the use of the harness, whenever you use the highchair.
Practice your airplane imitation for those first spoons of solid food!
Yet, when you begin the search, you realize that you must consider everything from stability to portability and a whole range of functionality.
It can be close to overwhelming.
To help simplify the task, this article attempts to not only cover the immediate safety issues, but to also address some of the daily user issues to make living with a highchair much easier.
When is your baby ready for a highchair? It varies with every child, but if your baby is leaning forward in his infant chair, and you are afraid he's about to tip over, he's probably ready for a highchair.
Other telltale signs include the baby's ability to sit up, and the baby's transition to solid food.
Still need a chair? Then here are some points remember when you go shopping for a highchair.
Begin with a good foundation.
The chair must be stable so that it doesn't tip over.
It should be of sturdy construction with a reasonable leg spread to provide a strong base.
Remember that you're the one who has to move this thing around, so consider a chair with wheels on it.
When you do, make sure the chair has wheel locks.
This ensures that the chair won't move while you're putting the baby into it.
Possibly the most critical item in the whole chair makeup is the harness that will keep your baby from falling or pushing out of the chair.
There are various kinds available, but the preferred version is the five-point harness.
This is a must! The Consumer Product Safety Commission's statistics tell us that most fatalities and injuries occur when a baby falls or pushes up and out of a highchair, or is choked when he or she slides down under the tray.
So, buy the best protection you can.
The harness should be attached to the chair, not the tray.
The harness should be designed so that the waist buckle won't close without the crotch strap properly inserted.
The crotch strap is there to prevent the baby from sliding down under the tray.
Most units also have a post between the baby's legs to help prevent this occurrence.
Contact the manufacturer immediately for a replacement harness whenever it begins to wear.
Be certain the tray locks securely in place and that it has no sharp edges to cut your baby.
Just as you want the tray to stay solidly in place, look for easy release (preferably with one hand), and for a dishwasher-friendly unit that fits in your dishwasher.
Remember, you have to clean this thing at least three times per day.
A tray with the post attached presents a problem whenever you remove it because the tray removes the slide protection.
It's best to simply avoid this design altogether.
All buckles and locks should be easy for you to use, but difficult for your baby.
Likewise, folding units, which are great for travel or grandma's house, should work easily with minimum pinch points.
They also need a locking device to ensure that they don't collapse unexpectedly.
Does the unit stand upright when folded, and does it fit into your intended storage space? Equally important for baby comfort and your sanity is the type of seat the manufacturer has provided.
Your baby will appreciate a padded seat, and it will probably keep baby in the chair longer.
Select a seat that is not slippery and has as few seams as possible.
Here's where your sanity comes in: It'll be much easier to clean if it has a smooth, non-fabric finish.
Heavy seams can be uncomfortable for your baby.
While the child's wellbeing is of primary importance, there's no shame in looking to parent and caregiver comfort as well.
Be sure the chair is equipped with height adjustment capability.
It can save your back, especially as your baby grows.
A good chair will also have a multiple-position recline option.
Now we're talking! Check for a baby footrest.
There are mixed opinions here: While it can add to baby comfort, it also provides your baby with a pushup point that could result in a fall.
So, if your new unit has a footrest, it is imperative that you use the harness properly every time the baby is placed in the chair, without exception.
Once you buy a new highchair, follow these pointers to make it easier and safer:
- Always apply the five-point harness according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Lock the tray in place
- Lock the chair's wheels before placing or removing your baby from the chair
- Place the chair 12" from the table so that your baby cannot push off and potentially incur a fall
- Keep an eye on any baby in a highchair; some have slipped beneath the straps of the tray and choked
- Don't let your baby stand in the chair
- Don't let other kids climb on the chair; this may cause it to tip
- Examine the chair periodically for damage or wear, especially the straps.
Repair or replace any damaged parts immediately.
Report major problems to the manufacturer quickly to determine if a recall could be in place. - Remember to consider these points whenever renting a chair or when using a temporary chair in a restaurant.
The same applies to buying a used chair.
Be sure all parts, including locks on a folding unit, work well.
Follow the operations checklist above, especially the use of the harness, whenever you use the highchair.
Practice your airplane imitation for those first spoons of solid food!
