Buying High Chairs for Twins, Triplets or Quads
Baby Chairs & Alternative Products for Twins and Multiples
Nov 14, 2009
When considering buying high chairs for twins, triplets or more two factors are important
- budget
- space
If space and money pose no barriers then the Tripp Trapp chair which does not fold away and is well in excess of £100 could be considered. There are good high chairs, from reputable companies, available for as little as £25 to £40. There are further issues, however, which are specific to multiples.
Highchairs for Twins, Triplets or More
Many parents choose to buy high chairs: a baby can be contained safely at the right height for spoon feeding by the parent who will be sitting comfortably opposite. When self feeding begins the baby or toddler can join others at the dining table.
Additional issues concerning multiple birth children:
- they will be interested in each other, may want to pass items and share,
- they should be close enough to touch,
- they must be safe from toppling if they are pushed or kicked,
- the chairs must be very stable.
Stability often mean a very large footprint to the chair which will put the children at a great distance. Lower chairs can be stable but with smaller footprint enabling the children to be closer.
Double High Chair for Twins
Money and space at home may be limited with increasing numbers of children. Faced with this prospect parents should be aware that:
- High chairs are not compulsory;
- High chairs come in many shapes and sizes;
- Not all children can sit unaided at 6 or 7 months;
- At 6 and 7 months children eat very little;
- Milk should continue to be the main source of nutrients even when solids begin.
Baby & Toddler Seating for Twins Multiples
Many families choose not to buy a high chair, often this is due to a lack of space. A single child may be fed on the parent's lap but this is not practical for multiple children. At about 6 months the babies could be fed in their bouncy chairs.
Infant feeding can be done using a variety of alternative seating arrangements. Portable highchairs can be a good solution being both cheap and compact. Note, many of these are not suitable until the children can sit unaided or are 12 months old.
Sitting in their stroller or car seats are also options often used when out but not ideal for long term daily use in the home.
As toddlers become more independent they can sit at a small table on toddler seats or on the floor. If children are to regularly sit on the floor to eat instead of on a chair something needs to mark meal time as being different from play time in the same space. This can be achieved by having a special rug to sit on, a rug that can be shaken and put in the washing machine.
Infant and Toddler Dining for Multiples
Parents of multiple babies must work out what is practical in their homes and within their budget. The best way to look after one infant might not apply to apply to many.
There are something which do apply equally to most children: learning to eat is a messy business for a number of years and the children require a certain amount of routine. The children will quickly get used to eating in whatever seating arrangement they are taught. As they are constantly growing the eating arrangements must be flexible as they will change.
 |
