All about baby high chair safety
The time will come when your baby needs to be fed in a high chair. A high chair is the best and safest method to feed your baby when they reach the right age and is a fun, practical way for your infant to be involved with family mealtimes. In this article we’ll give advice on when your baby is ready to be fed from a high chair, what to look for in a high chair and safety tips for using this essential piece of equipment.
When is my baby ready for a high chair?
You’ll be able to judge when your baby is ready to sit in a high chair but as a general rule it will be after six months when they’re capable of sitting upright unaided and unsupported. However, just because your baby can sit upright, they will still need to be properly strapped into the chair otherwise you’re risking injury to your child.
How to choose a high chair for your baby
From a design and style point of view, there’s a great range of high chairs on the market to suit all tastes however the most important factor when choosing a chair is safety. The high chair you choose should comply with safety standard regulations (look for codes BS 5799 and DD ENV 1178).
Your baby must be securely fastened into a high chair to prevent them from slipping down and out which can cause neck and head injuries. The chair should have a strap that fits across the waist and through the crotch. There should also be a centre pole. Ideally, the high chair should have a five-point harness (two straps for the shoulders, two for the waist and one for the crotch which all fasten together at the tummy). Five-point harnesses are the safest option to prevent movement up, down or sideways – particularly useful if your tot is a wriggler!
High chairs should have as wide a base as possible to provide stability. A wide stable base will prevent the chair toppling over should your child start to push, rock or move about vigorously.
Your baby high chair should have a tray that is removable and adjustable. The mechanism for removing the tray needs to be simple (for quick release) but childproof to prevent your child from pulling it off. An adjustable tray is beneficial so you can get it as close to your child as possible to minimise spillages.
N.B. - Do not rely on the tray to secure your baby into the chair. Always use the harnesses.
Choose a chair that has a soft, padded seat made from a material such as PVC which is easily wiped clean.
What type of high chair is best for my baby?
Today’s range of baby high chairs cover all your infants needs from six months up to three years. Many of today’s designs incorporate features found in combination chairs (i.e. table and chair) and convertible chairs (chairs that adapt as your baby grows).
The Lindam Highchair is a 3 in 1 chair that converts from high chair, to infant chair to junior chair. This gives you a chair that can be used from six months right up until 10 years-old! That’s great value for money for a chair that’s also lightweight and can be conveniently folded away when not in use.
If you’re looking for a stylish range of colours, the Tippitoes Dotti High Chair is available in three options and offers all the safety features you’d expect in a high chair that can be used for children up to the age of three.
If you’d prefer something crafted from wood, the BabyDan Highchair Dan Chair is the latest in Danish design with advanced safety features and options that can be added as your child grows.
For toddlers who need a bit more freedom and a chair that is easily manoeuvred by parents, The Prestige Highchair is on castors and comes in 5 stylish finishes to suit your home.
Travelling with your baby doesn’t mean you should be without a high chair. The Concord Spin high chair is the world’s most compact chair. Made from an ultra-light aluminium frame the genius lies in its central swivel joint which folds this chair quickly and into a portable size for transporting.
If you’ve a toddler aged 2 years or more and you’re off on holiday or travelling, buy a travel chair which can be easily and safely fitted to any standard chair.
Safety advice for using a high chair
When you’ve selected your high chair, consider these safety tips to make sure both you and your little one avoid potential accidents.
- Keep the high chair away from sharp objects or table surfaces. Remember, your baby’s arms are always growing so keep a safe distance (tablecloths and placemats are especially hazardous given your baby can pull at them and drag hot items such as drinks and food closer).
- Whenever possible, always be present when your baby is in the high chair.
- Trapped finger injuries can occur when fitting the tray of fastening the harness so don’t rush to get your baby into or out of the chair.
- Your baby will make a mess with the food, of that you can be certain. However, watch where any food is thrown around particularly if it lands on a kitchen surface as this can cause a slip hazard. Clean up any food that falls on the floor as soon as possible.
- Always ensure the chair is secure and regularly check for fittings that have come loose or trays that have split. Today’s material are tough but keep on eye on the integrity of the chair and tray anyway.
- Look after your back. Lifting your baby or toddler in and out of a high chair can cause back injuries if you’re not careful.
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Tags: baby high chairs, baby safety, Feeding
