It is important to use high chairs rather than normal chairs when sitting a baby at the table. High chairs essential and will allow your baby to eat in a safe and secure environment.

By 6 or 8 months, most babies are usually strong enough to sit straight and to share a meal with their family. This moment is always a big moment in every family who are looking forward to see junior at the table too! However, for their safety, babies should be placed in an adapted chair where they will not fall. Several models of baby chairs are sold on the market and choosing can sometimes be a nightmare for parents.

Different models

All high chairs for babies and young children are equipped with a tablet and a footrest. The tablet has two functions: one to allow the baby to eat (and play!) and two to prevent the baby from falling forward. Also, baby chairs all have safety harness to keep baby in place in their seat and to prevent them from slipping off the chair. Finally, some newer models also have a crotch that will prevents the baby from sliding under the tablet.

There are several types of baby chairs available to you. Wooden chairs are often preferred because of their stability, their durability and their fancier look. Although they can be pricy, baby chairs can easily be used toward the second and third child (and fourth…). The nice wooden look attract many parents. But remember that many wooden high chairs can not be dismantled, therefore making storage an issue. Also, it would be nearly impossible to bring those wooden chair on holidays. Plastic baby chairs usually have a more modern look and have the advantage of coming with a lot of useful features (foldable back, storage, wheels). Many of the plastic high chairs can be dismantled or folded, allowing them to be stored or brought in the care easily.

The selection criteria

Between wood and plastic, parent’s choice often leans towards the most attractive models to their taste. Whether your decision goes toward wood or plastic, other criteria used to choose your baby chair are numerous and the same. First, you should choose a high chair that you will be able to use even when your baby becomes a little bit older. Ideally choose a chair that will be good until your child reaches 3 years old. The best chairs are the ones which you can adjust the height but for which you also can do some adjustment for the footrest. Some high chairs also offer a removable tablet for when the child becomes older. The child can then share a meal directly at table with the parents and the siblings. If you have a small apartment, choose a high chair that is can be folded and dismantled for easy storage. It is also preferable to choose a model that does not come with an integrated cushion. Instead, buy a separate ergonomic cushion and change it accordingly to your baby‘s needs.

Samantha Davie is a freelance writer. Find more about her work at Baby Safety Monitorss.