When Can Baby Sit In Highchair? Here’s A Quick Post That Will Enlighten You
“When can baby sit in highchair?”
If you’re asking yourself this question, this quick article will give you some insights. There’s really no strict rule that parents should adhere to in terms of when to let a baby use a highchair.
Children are unique and may achieve certain milestones faster or slower than others. However, before you get excited about the fact that your child is ready to level up, you might want first to read the information we’ve put up together in this post.
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Highchairs and Child Injuries
One of the main reasons that parents should consider the question is that while a highchair may make life more convenient for parents and their child, it’s not always the safest place for a baby. Research published in Clinical Pediatrics shows that between 2003 and 2010, one child was injured every hour as a result of falling off of a highchair.
Researchers suggested a couple of reasons that the injuries increased, and one of them is that highchairs are often placed next to counters or tables so that when a child falls, they would most likely hit their head on a hard surface.
Another reason suggested was that parents or caregivers would strap a child incorrectly, resulting to them standing on the chair or climbing out of it. Here’s a short video that discusses this issue.
Highchair Advices And Tips
It’s always an exciting time when baby starts learning how to sit upright unsupported. This usually takes place between the child’s fourth and seventh month. Nevertheless, even if your child can already sit independently, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s ready to sit in a highchair.
Most highchair manufacturers actually recommend that you wait until your child is around six months old because, by this time, you can be sure that he can already sit well for extended periods without support. The following are safety considerations to keep in mind before finally deciding it’s time for your baby to use a highchair.
- When buying a highchair, look for a sticker either on the back of the chair or the product box or manual. That should tell you whether the product has been approved for safety standards.
- Choose a highchair that comes with straps that have a 3-point or 5-point harness. Make sure it has a crotch strap, too.
- When you strap your child in, see to it that that the straps are snug around him so that he can’t wiggle out and climb out of the chair.
- If you’re going to use a booster seat, make sure it is firmly attached to the chair and does not allow any wiggle room.
- When you set up your child’s highchair, make sure it’s away from a table, counter, or wall. Most injuries occur when a child reaches and kicks off from such structures.
- Avoid placing your baby’s highchair too near the table when you’re eating, or too near the kitchen counter when you’re preparing food. Children can also get injured reaching out for sharp objects or hot liquids.
- When eating in a restaurant, don’t just opt for a highchair or booster seat provided to you, but make sure they have functional straps and don’t have any damaged parts.
- Some highchairs come with wheels. Make sure the wheels are locked in place before putting your child in.
Questions To Ask When Choosing A Highchair For Your Child
When the time has come for you to add a highchair to your home decor, here are important questions to ask yourself before buying one.
Is the chair JPMA certified?
Safety should always be your number one concern when choosing any baby product, and it should be the main thing that you look for in a highchair. A JPMA certification seal will tell you that the product has been tested and approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and has met the guidelines set by ASTM International.
Is it comfortable enough?
Your number two priority is the comfort of your child. Since your child is going to stay seated on the product for a period, consider how comfortable the chair is. If you have a big baby, you would want to pick a model that’s roomy enough. Check whether the seat has a footrest, too, or whether it’s well padded or not.
Is it easy to use and clean?
A highchair is supposed to make life convenient for you, so pick one that’s relatively easy to use. Test the chair you’re looking at and see if you can operate it with a single hand. Check the straps, too.
It should be easy for you to buckle and unbuckle, but make sure it securely fastens so that your child won’t be able to remove himself from it. In addition to that, pick a seat that’s not too difficult to clean and maintain. Most highchairs feature a vinyl seat that can be wiped clean easily.
Moreover, opt for a model with fewer crevices and seams, and make sure that the cushion is washable, too. Many parents even pick a highchair without a cushion, but whether or not you should go that same path depends on you and the needs of your child. If possible, go for a chair with an extra tray, or one that comes with a top tray that can be pulled out for cleaning in the sink.
Just remember not to clean your child’s highchair in this manner:
Does the chair have features you need?
Finally, check if the chair has all the features you and your child will need. If you’re going to move the chair around all the time, consider one with wheels that lock. Some models also fold up for easy storage, perfect when you’re always traveling with your little one.
Highchairs And Your Child’s Development
- This site always mentions that not all children are the same and that they develop differently. While babies can generally be allowed to sit in a highchair once they are six months old, it’s always important to consider your own child’s physical development. Can your baby already sit up well without any support? Does he already show good stability and control when seated?
- Another consideration is your child’s personality. Some kids simply don’t want to be confined to a small chair. The most common reason is that they’re not emotionally ready. They may scream and cry when you strap them in, and you simply give up putting them in the chair altogether. In such a case, you will just have to wait until your child is ready, or perhaps you can think of creative ideas to get him to sit.
- In any respect, the most important thing to remember is your child’s security. Once he’s ready for the big moment, make sure you’re also prepared and have thought about all the safety considerations concerning his new milestone.
Meanwhile, the following resources may be able to give you additional insights regarding the subject:
Developmental Milestones: Sitting
3 Things You May Not Realize Help Your Baby To Sit Up
Does your child already use a highchair? At what age did he start doing so? We would surely love for you to let us know through the comments section below!