How To Choose the Best High Chair
Allows a 90 degree elbow, hip, knee and ankle angle
Good posture and stability makes child feel comfortable
Core stability allows child to move freely to lean forward, reach for food, use hands and utensils during meal
Foot rest support’s child feet
Parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about, but the hardest thing in the world to do.
Parenting comes with a lot of opinions and choices. So many decisions to be made. So many options. Dare do I say, TOO many options. This includes the overwhelming decision about baby gear including high chairs.
Let’s make the process a little easier when it comes to picking the best high chair for you baby.
As a feeding therapist, there are specific things that I look for when encouraging families to choose the most optimal high chair.
Here are some important things that we talk about:
A baby/toddler needs to be well-supported in their high chair. We look for 90 degrees at the hips, knees, elbows and ankles.
The chair needs to have a foot rest to support foot stability. The foot rest needs to reach their feet. Their feet should not dangle.
The chair needs to have adequate back support to provide postural stability. The child needs to be sitting upright independently, which is a prerequisite to starting solids. We want to make sure their chair facilitates this upright sitting posture. We do not want a chair to have a reclined position. The child should not be leaning backwards nor leaning to either side. Small towel rolls behind their back or on the sides might be recommended to add support and stability for children who need it.
A child needs good core stability in order to adequately use his/her arms and hands during meals such as leaning forward and reaching for food, bringing the food to mouth and using utensils well.
When a chair promotes good posture and stability, the child is more likely to feel more comfortable and want to stay at the meal longer.
The high chair has a removable tray so that when it is removed the chair can be pushed up to the table. We want the baby to be included in the mealtime, observing others eating as well and participating in the social aspects of a meal with others
The chair can grow with the child. Many high chairs do not last when the baby turns into a toddler. The most ideal high chairs have a seat and foot plates that can be adjusted as the child grows.
The chair is easy to wipe down and clean.
This goes without saying, but the chair needs to be sturdy and safe for the child including a safety harness.
Let’s think about it this way - When you go to a bar or restaurant, think about their chairs and how you place your feet. At a restaurant, the chairs are possible more comfortable and allow you to place your feet firmly on the ground. Because of this comfort, you are more likely to stay for the entire meal. At a bar, chairs are usually bar stools which are high up and in turn allow your feet to uncomfortably dangle. It is thought that bar owners select chairs like this to intentionally promote customer turnover.
Here are my top 5 picks on high chairs at varying price points. They promote all of the points listed above with most coming in multiple colors!
Click below to explore them!
The Tripp Trapp High Chair brings your child right up to the table. The Baby Set is best for children from 6-36 months, but the beech wood chair can hold up to 300 lbs, so your child can use it forever.
The included Baby Set features a five-point safety harness and an easy-to-clean seat. When your kid outgrows the set, simply remove and adjust the back + foot support to achieve the ideal, ergonomic angle.
Eating Tray and Dishwasher Safe Tray Cover Included.
Available in Natural or Mahogany wood color.
Adjustable Foot and Seat Plate allows chair to seat from 6 months up to 250 lb.
Cloth Cushion seating included
The High chair can be transformed to any height position to use as a Toddlers chair or as a traditional dining chair for all ages, all within less than 20 seconds!
It's economical and instantly provides an extra chair to your home when needed. No tools needed for adjustment.
Grows with Your Child: Toddler high chair grows with your child as this is ideal for 6-month-old babies and up, to accommodate infants and toddlers who weigh up to 198 pounds maximum
Adjustable seat and foot plate, which can cater to growing children ensuring they have a relaxed and back-friendly position at any age, making this a versatile and comfortable high chair
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