How to choose a highchair

Many parents who have their first child do not understand how to choose a highchair for their baby. Such a product is not necessary, but buying and using it greatly simplifies the process of eating. Mom gets “hands free”, which will allow her to do household chores, while the child will sit in a comfortable chair and eat or play. In addition, the product excludes the possibility of injury. The article will present the main types of feeding chairs, as well as important information to make the choice easier.

The benefits of high chairs

Many young parents may not understand the benefits of buying this type of furniture. The essence of the chair and its main purpose is to increase the convenience, comfort during a meal, both for kids and parents. The main advantages of such a product:

• Children sit securely in the chair and are completely safe, which is very comfortable for the mother.
• With the help of the design, they can easily follow the movements of the babies, so relatives can not be afraid that the child will turn over hot food or drinks on himself, fall from the chair.
• The chair allows you to increase the level of cleanliness in the kitchen or anywhere else it will sit. This is due to the fact that all traces of food and drinks remain on the chair, its countertop, and not scattered on the sofa, walls or armchair.
• The furniture allows the child to be seated at a common table for a family meal. As a result, the mother will be able to avoid feeding the baby separately, which will save a little time for cleaning or other household tasks.
• The highchair allows you to quickly accustom your child to appliances and regular food. Also, a common meal makes the baby more independent and accurate, because he will look at his parents and learn all movements, etiquette.

When to buy a highchair

It is necessary to start thinking about buying such equipment when the baby begins to sit on his own. This indicates the formation of a spine that is already strong enough for an upright position. This often happens at 6 months, but there may be other periods up or down. A feature of this age is the beginning of the introduction of cereals and purees (complementary foods), which are given from a plate.

Due to this, the kids begin to independently learn to eat with a spoon, but as a result of underdeveloped motor skills, as well as chewing skills, the whole process will be very sloppy. Children begin to spit out food or throw it, so it gets on everything that is nearby and the body itself. In this case, it is recommended to set aside a separate place for food for the child and the furniture is perfect. In addition, it performs several functions at once.

Starting from the age of six months, the time spent behind a chair should not exceed 10 minutes. After 1-2 months, the spine will be sufficiently formed to increase the period.Universal models of chairs can be used up to about 7 years.

Top highchair manufacturers

It is not always easy to decide which feeding chair to choose as there are many manufacturers and they all offer different options. Often, such companies also make other products for children, including various toys, car seats, strollers, etc. Users speak best of European brands because their products are characterized by excellent quality, functionality and appearance. But there are Chinese, domestic and American brands on sale.

The most popular and best companies:

• Peg-Perego;
• Chicco;
• Happy Baby;
• Capella.

The manufacturers described are suitable for production with all responsibility, they use only the best materials that are completely safe for children and do not cause allergies. Before being sold, all products go through several stages of verification and various tests. Special attention is paid to safety.

The principle of operation and the structure of the highchair

Such a product is specially created for children, with it you can ensure that the child is found during a family meal in the kitchen, and the highchair will be at the same height as the parents. They often have a tabletop on which to play or feed the little ones. Classic models are made of wood, many manufacturers offer plastic devices with metal inserts.

A standard highchair is made in the form of a seat on legs, there is often no backrest and height adjustment if the main material is wood. Plastic models are more functional, they can be folded, chairs with many adjustments, there is a table top that is easy to remove, and there are many levels of security.

You can also find transformers that are suitable for the longest possible period of use. With their help, the chair becomes not only a place for eating, but also a full-fledged table for the baby or a separate seat. This makes it possible to draw, engage in other developmental activities, and not just eat food.

Types of high chairs

Choosing a highchair correctly, you can only know its main parameters, which should be paid attention to, as well as determining the type. There are many options on the market that differ in function and design.

Wooden (classic)

Classic model made of wood. It is characterized by the presence of high legs, if the manufacturer does not install the tabletop, then the device moves to the common table. The countertop options can be used wherever you want to eat. Much more practical are the options from which the table can be removed. You can buy such products for children from 6 months to 3 years old.

Pros:

• Does not cause allergies.
• Made from natural and safe raw materials.
• Suitable for any kitchen design.
• Optimal cost.

Minuses:

• The height and position of the backrest cannot be adjusted.
• Wood without a protective coating is difficult to clean.
• Difficult to transport as the devices do not fold.
• Adhesive fasteners can quickly break.

Mounted

This type of highchair is perfect for families who have limited space and have to keep it up all the time. The device is made in the form of a small seat that is fixed on the edge of the table. Feeding takes place on weight, which repels many parents, but there is nothing dangerous about it. The product will only fit up to 1.5 years, and after that the mass of children will be such that the chair cannot be used and will have to be abandoned.

Pros:

• You can save space in the house.
• Small size.
• Easy transportation.
• Low cost.

Minuses:

• The mount is not suitable for every table.
• There are limits on the weight of the child.
• Bad choice for very active kids.

Plastic on wheels

Such models are functional and mobile. Suitable for children from 6 months to 5 years.The device is quite large in size, but due to the possibility of folding it is easy to transport and store. Often, models have different height and tilt adjustments, which will allow the design to be used for different situations and needs.

Pros:

• Small dimensions after folding.
• Functionality and portability.
• Easy transportation.
• The presence of adjustments to select the optimal position.
• Easy to care for.
• High degree of stability.

Minuses:

• Plastic wheels can leave marks on certain floors.
• Overpriced.

Road

This option is made entirely of matter in the form of overlays. They allow you to take up a minimum amount of space, and fixation is carried out to any chairs for adults. Externally, the models are very similar to kangaroo bags. Often, manufacturers equip the structure with height adjustment, which makes it possible to choose a parameter for a child of different weight and height.

Pros:

• It is convenient to carry with you due to its small size.
• Machine washable.
• Low cost.
• There is a height adjustment.

Minuses:

• Back musculature with minimal support.
• You will need to wash it frequently.

Transformers

These models are characterized by the possibility of converting into 2 separate objects, among which there will be a full table or chair. This enables the mother to use the device for eating, developing the child's creative skills. Some children, even in preschool age, want to continue to use this type of structure.

Pros:

• Versatility.
• They are often made of wood.
• High degree of stability.
• Relatively low cost.

Minuses:

• Inability to set the slope and height.
• Difficult to transport.
• Take up space in the house.

Booster Chairs

This option differs from the others in its size. The fixation is carried out directly to the chair on which the adults sit. The main difference from the road is the use of high-strength plastic. The chairs have their own frame, which can be additionally reinforced with metal, and some brands also provide a removable tabletop.

Pros:

• Small size.
• Easy care.
• Made from sturdy materials.
• Easy to transport.

Safety completely depends on the main chair, which is considered the main disadvantage of the design.

Highchair selection options

Before choosing a highchair for feeding a baby, you need to familiarize yourself with its main parameters and characteristics, which are important to pay attention to before buying.

Safety

Initially, it is necessary to look at the stability of the product when buying. It is best if the chair is made with a separate strap in front between the legs. If there are wheels, make sure you have a locking stop.

A useful option is the ability to independently adjust the height of the device so that the seat can be adjusted before leaving the child in it. For very active children, seat belts are helpful.

It is recommended to buy such models in which there are no corners, and all parts should be easily unscrewed or removed. The footrest will provide additional help for children, as they will not slide off, there will be an additional support for the feet.

You will need to pay attention to the fasteners, they must be reliable and of high quality, it is better that the parts are connected with bolts or screws, which are closed with decorative and protective plugs.

Adjustment

An option of this kind is convenient for people who will not only use a feeding chair, but also leave children in it for play or relaxation. The function will allow you to set the position in 3-5 levels, it is possible to completely lower it to a horizontal position for sleeping.

Adjusting the seat height, backrest angle or footrest position is an important element for increasing child comfort.All children grow quickly, so the product at 6 months and up to a year can be optimal for comfort, and later you will need to change the position of the chair for convenience. Adjusting the footrest will help you get the most correct posture.

Folding mechanism

A similar mechanism is convenient for parents who need to travel often and carry a highchair with them. In addition, the function is convenient for small apartments where it is impossible to leave the device permanently disassembled. Once folded, the chair can be installed in any corner or closet. The mechanism itself should work quickly and easily.

Seat cover material

If the seat is plastic, then a backing is installed on it. It is often soft and bright, but when buying, you need to pay attention to the strength of the material and the possibility of its easy cleaning. It is preferable to choose leather or its substitute, but not to use fabric. It is difficult to remove food debris or spills from it.

Regardless of the material chosen, it is recommended to use the following rules when purchasing:

• Select non-staining surfaces so that stains are invisible on them.
• When choosing, ask the seller to show how the cover is removed, try to carry out the procedure yourself.
• Try to understand the labeling on the label from the manufacturer, it will contain advice on the care and cleaning of the material.

The optimum material color is green, gray, blue or brown.

Table top

It is best to give preference to a removable tabletop, because it simplifies operation and cleaning. In addition, it will allow children to sit independently at the table or move to a common table.

A high-quality tabletop is made with high sides, since a child, especially at a very young age, often spills food, spills liquids. All fastening elements must be easy to use and simple.

Some manufacturers make this element for entertainment, installing toys, musical elements or lighting. It is best for children to buy a purely functional item so that they do not play, but eat and use the chair as intended.

How much does a highchair cost

The pricing policy of highchairs for babies depends on their type:

• The most common classic models, which are simple and often made of wood, cost 1.5-3 thousand rubles.
• Plastic devices, as well as transformers, can be bought for 3-7 thousand rubles.
• Devices with excellent design, the presence of many functions, which are made by well-known brands and are in the premium segment, will cost 10-30 thousand rubles.
• The cheapest can be considered boosters, mounted and road models. The initial cost is 700 rubles, and the maximum is about 2000.

How to choose a highchair for baby feeding

To simplify the choice, experts recommend using the following tips:

• Classic devices are great for families with spacious homes or apartments. If there is a problem with space, then it is recommended to choose options with the ability to fold the chair.
• Transformers can be chosen for those families who want more functionality than just a place to eat.
• Suspended structures will be useful for parents who cannot fully install a highchair due to the area of ​​their housing.
• With frequent trains, road options may be preferred.
• Boosters also help preserve usable floor space and gain a certain degree of functionality and comfort.
• For maximum safety, choose devices with belts and different seat and backrest adjustments.
• A removable type of table top can simplify maintenance, increase functionality.
• The seat pad should be covered with oilcloth or made of a leather / genuine leather substitute.

When choosing, parents should consider the age of the baby. Many doctors advise buying and choosing chairs by the age of six months, when babies can sit, and during this period, the first complementary foods can be introduced.Plastic products can often hold up to 18 kg, and wooden devices up to 35, so the weight of the child must also be taken into account.

Before buying, you need to visually assess the quality of the product, because it does not allow the presence of open bolts and other fasteners, corners, especially sharp ones, as well as defects. Parents will have to constantly look after, wipe the chair, regardless of its materials. But plastic can be washed right in the bathroom, but the tree is allowed only to be wiped with water or mild detergents.

A highchair for feeding children is an important detail that will be useful for a child and parents, especially since babies eat 5-6 times a day. The described recommendations and the information provided in the article will help eliminate possible mistakes when choosing a product.