Just take a peek at the high chair manufacturer's age recommendation. Most recommend waiting until a baby is six months old before using a high chair. Some high chairs have a recline position which parents may find convenient to use as a resting place for their baby. Perhaps the reclining high chair serves as a good seat with a view as mom or dad preps dinner or works out well for those hurried moments when mom or dad is bottle feeding their baby with one hand while eating their own dinner with the other. But it's not advisable to use that reclining position when you begin feeding baby food to your little one.To know when your baby is ready to sit up in the upright position in a high chair is fairly easy. Her physical development between 4 and 6 months should begin to reveal that she can sit up well with some support. She should show fairly good stability and control when seated, with only slight bobbing about. The ability to hold her head up is also a must.A great tip for starting solid food is to get your baby familiar with being seated in the high chair in the weeks before you actually start solids.
Let her take the chair out for a "test drive" and allow her to become comfortable in her new little throne. That will be one obstacle you've overcome when it comes time to start solid foods.As important as it is for baby to feel comfortable in the high chair, it's just as important that mom and dad and anyone else who will be supervising baby during meal times is familiar with how it works. How quickly does the tray come off? Does it fold up, and where is the locking mechanism? How easy is it to get baby in and out of the chair without getting little fingers caught in any of its parts? And how do the straps that hold the baby in the seat adjust and lock, to prevent baby from escaping? These aren't things you want to learn once the baby is in the chair, and they're things you'll want to be able to show anyone else who will be around during baby's meal times.High chairs with wheels are very convenient, especially if one parent is home with the baby alone and needs to multitask while the baby eats.
But be careful to test out the locking mechanism on the wheels, and know how to do it on the fly. It's also a good idea to know the make and model number of your baby's high chair so that if there is a manufacturer's recall for any reason (especially safety concerns), you can take action. For some babies, getting to be part of the social interaction during meals is key to allowing everyone to eat in relative peace. But make sure the chair is positioned in a way that baby can see you and feel part of the party, but not reach things on the table that are hot or sharp. Once your baby is ready to sit in a high chair, it makes meal times for mom and dad a lot less hectic (and they may even be allowed to finish a meal for a change). Just make sure baby (and you) are ready.1 1 Facebook PinterestAlexandra Rowley When Baby's Ready for a High ChairWhen Baby can sit up on his own and is eating solid food -- usually between 4 and 6 months -- it's time to add a high chair to your kitchen decor.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you buy.2 2 Facebook PinterestStockDisc Is It Easy to Use?Whether it's easy to get your baby in and out is the most important concern. Before you shop, ask your friends if they have a high chair they love. Once you're in a store, test the chairs to find one with a tray that you can operate with one hand. Look at the seat straps to see if they're simple to buckle and unbuckle. The majority of high-chair accidents occur because parents don't use the buckle feature. Remember, as soon as your baby figures out how to pull himself upright, he might try it in his high chair. Using a three- or five-point harness keeps him safe.3 3 Facebook PinterestJuice Images/Veer Is It JPMA Certified?Speaking of safety, manufacturers can opt to have high chairs tested and approved by the independent Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. If there's a JPMA seal on a high chair, it's one of the safest.4 4 Facebook PinterestKaysh Shinn Is It Comfortable?You'll want your baby to stay seated for a decent period of time.
Consider how roomy the seat is, especially if you have a big baby. Is the seat well padded? Is there a footrest?5 5 Facebook PinterestFancy Photography/Veer Is It Easy to Clean?Babies are notoriously messy eaters, and that means you need to consider how easy it is to clean up the high chair after a messy meal. Most chairs come with a vinyl seat that can be wiped clean. Look at how the cushion and frame fit together and imagine a scenario involving applesauce and crumbs. The fewer seams and crevices, the better. A recent update in high chairs is a tray-within-a-tray feature, where the top tray pops out for cleaning in your sink or dishwasher. Some high chairs even come with an extra tray so that if one is being washed, you've got another.6 6 Facebook PinterestAlexandra Grablewski Does It Have the Features You Need?Will you move your high chair around, maybe pushing it to the table for meals and then back against a wall for storage? If so, look for a model with wheels that lock to keep the chair stationary when in use.
Some high chairs fold up for storage, making it a good choice for occasional use, such as grandma's house.Originally published in American Baby magazine. Updated 2010.Win Baby Gear! 7 The Must-Read High Chairs Buying Guide High chair shopping doesn't have to be a task. To find the perfect seat... more Begin SlideshowLimited Time Only: Free Engraving on all Tripp Trapp® Chairs Brings your baby to the dining table and closer to the familyBaby set and cushion accessories provide comfort for your babyHighly adjustable seat and footplate positions Available in a variety of colors for your baby boy or girlClassic Scandinavian design by Peter Opsvik Tripp Trapp® Chair Tripp Trapp® Chair Anniversary EditionThe lowdown on highchairs Types of highchairs What to look for when buying Important safety notes The lowdown on highchairsWhen you’re starting solid food (and once your baby can sit up by himself), a highchair gives your child a safe place to experiment with tastes and textures. It also makes it easy for you to supervise meals – and clean up afterward.
Highchairs come in a wide variety of styles and prices. Choose one that's sturdy and easy to clean; it needs to be durable enough to withstand several years of daily use. Your child may use a highchair until age 2 or 3.Basic highchairs will do the job, but some high-end models hold up better to wear and tear, and can be more useful in the long run.See which highchairs parents like best in BabyCenter’s Moms' Picks awards, or browse dozens of highchairs.Types of highchairsBasic metal- or plastic-frame highchairsThese models are fairly simple. Some are just molded plastic with harnesses; others have a bit of padding on the seat. Some have trays, others don't. Pros: They're usually inexpensive and lightweight. Some fold, making them easy to move and store. Cons: They typically offer less comfort for a baby than other kinds, can have tough-to-clean nooks.Full-feature highchairsThese have all the features of basic models plus extras like well-padded seats, wheels, detachable trays, dishwasher-safe tray covers, and adjustable height and seat recline.