In the coming years, the highchair will become one of the main items in your house. Make sure to consider the following when buying.
When do I need a highchair?
You should have a highchair available when your baby can sit alone or with a bit of gentle support [1]. Usually, children master this skill at around six months, just in time for the introduction of complementary foods.
What kind of highchair should I choose?
The main thing to consider is safety. Look for:
- stable legs;
- securing straps (including ones in the groin area);
- preferably with a detachable tray.
Some chairs come without a tray and can be attached to a regular table. This type of chair is acceptable but not ideal because there is a risk of the child pushing off the table and toppling over [2].
What else should I pay attention to?
Purchase a chair that is easy to clean (otherwise, you will spend a lot of time getting baby food out of every crevice!). If it’s time to introduce complementary foods and your baby is not sitting yet or if it will take a little longer, consider a chair with a tilt mechanism [3]. This function will allow you to recline the back slightly for support. Keep in mind that under no circumstances should you feed your baby in a semi-reclining or lying position, as it can be dangerous. Being able to adjust the height of the chair is another convenient feature, because babies grow incredibly fast [4].
