There is no right time to start to use a High Chair although Baby must be able to sit unsupported. The choice of chair is partly determined by your preferences and the number of years usage you wish to obtain. Points to consider include where to store the chair when not in use and the ease in which the chair can fold and also be cleaned.
The following types of High Chair are available:
1. Convertible High Chairs
These chairs have adjustable seat height so they can “grow” with your child and the tray is often removable to create a normal chair. They are usually made from wood or composite material and are not normally padded although some models do provide a detachable cushion. These chairs are very stable; they usually do not fold easily.
2. Lightweight High Chairs
These chairs usually have a metal frame and, like pushchairs, fold easily. The seat is usually padded and the tray made of a plastic composite material. Some models in this range have limited height adjustment.
3. Booster seat
These seats are inflated/self inflated or moulded plastic seats which strap to a normal dinning room chair and provide extra height for baby. The harness is usually 3 point. They are ideal for travelling or where space is at a premium or when the High Chair is passed down to the newest family arrival. Babies love to feel grown-up and the use of this seat is a great confidence booster.
Baby Highchair Safety
Chairs must comply with the requirements of BS 5799 and ENV 1178. Always ensure that Baby is correctly strapped into the chair. Ideally a 5 point harness should be used but many chairs only provide a 3 point system, which if correctly tightened, can be satisfactory. Babies who are very active and can wriggle out of almost anything may need to be restrained by a 5 point harness purchased separately.
Overall stability of the chair is essential and where there are wheels these must be fully locked. If there are other children around who might tip the chair over then it is wise to attach/clip the chair to the wall, via a safety cord, in a similar way to how a bookcase is secured..
Babies seem to have arms and fingers which appear from nowhere. Ensure that the tray cannot catch unwary fingers when being attached.
At table height baby has the ability to grab at anything within reach and beyond! Make sure that hot liquids cannot be pulled towards Baby and that utensils with sharp corners, such as knives and forks, are completely out of reach.
Ensure that the High Chair clips and screws are not loose and that there are no sharp edges caused by damage.
Finally, never leave Baby alone in the High Chair.
Mum & Dad safety
Having attended several lifting courses, as part of my workplace training, I am very aware that lifting Baby from the High Chair has the potential to break some Health & Safety rules.
The golden rule is not to lean over, ensure that you keep your back straight and lift Baby using your back and thigh muscles. Bend your knees to provide the lower height. Keep Baby as close to your body as possible to reduce back strain.
This technique requires some practise but it can be made to work.
And finally, Baby may distribute most of the food over the floor so take care that you don’t slip on that liquidised roast chicken dinner liberally distributed over the kitchen tiles!
