Mealtimes with babies and toddlers become more manageable and greater fun when babies are secured in a safe and stable high chair. It is much easier to feed an active toddler who is seated rather than one who is running around from one room to the other. A feeding chair is, also, a useful tool in teaching toddlers table manners by encouraging them to eat with the family.
However, while investing in a high chair, it is important to keep a few things in mind to ensure that this important purchase caters to safety standards as well as the growing needs of a baby. Here are some tips and ideas to help buy the right feeding chair.
Durability and Safety of the Feeding Chair
The durability, stability and safety of a high chair are of prime importance. Buying a cheap but unstable one can not only result in unfortunate accidents but also break easily. So, it makes sense to invest in a feeding chair that may seem a bit expensive but will last much longer. Wooden high chairs are quite popular due to their durability and stability however, they can be more difficult to clean.
Safety features of baby feeding chairs must include a five-point restraint system and a crotch guard to prevent baby from slipping out. There should be no sharp edges to hurt baby or joints in which baby's fingers could get caught. Moreover, safety features should ideally comply with the F2613-09 Safety Standards for High Chairs as certifed by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Space-Saving and Folding High Chairs
Small families and those living in apartments will benefit from buying booster chairs that can be easily attached onto a regular chair and kept away once baby is through with the meal. These chairs are usually made of lightweight but durable materials which can take a lot of wear and tear. Folding high chairs also take very little space, since they can be folded up after each meal and kept away.
Essential Feeding Chair Features
A few other essential features will include an easy to clean high chair cover and feeding tray. Invest in a few extra vinyl covers to replace the old ones which may get torn or shabby with use. Castors or wheels will make it easy to move the chair from one place to another while a height-adjustable feature will enable it to keep up with the growth of a baby.
An adjustable backrest will make feeding baby easier and more comfortable. A footrest will give tiny feet a place to rest instead of having to dangle, while a detachable feeding tray with spill-resistant rims will make cleanups easy and quick. Some high chairs come with toys to keep a baby occupied. A small basket under the seat will make it easy to store wet-wipes and extra bibs.
Popular High Chair Brands to Choose From
Reviews at Consumer Search indicate Fisher Price feeding chairs to be a good investment with positive reviews from parents and professionals. According to the same site, the best wooden high chair is by Graco while another good brand for wooden high chairs is the Norwegian company Stokke's Tripp Trapp chair. Stokke high chairs are also convertible and can be used for both babies and older children.
Keeping durability, safety, economy of space and cost as well as ease of use and maintenance in mind will help in buying the right feeding chair for a baby. Having a good high chair will make mealtimes easy and fun for both toddlers and parents. For more on toddlers and food-related issues, do read Healthy Eating Habits for Toddlers.
Sources:
ConsumerSearch.com
ASTM.org
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