All About Baby Highchairs
Baby highchairs are not necessary for your child if s/he
is under six months of age. Although some companies
make them so they recline for infants, they are not
necessary until your child is able to sit up. The choice is
yours.
Highchairs currently come with all kinds of features that
are really more for the parent or caregiver than the child.
Although the nicely padded seat covers make the seats
comfortable. Some highchairs have wheels to make
them easier to move however this is not necessary.
Some are now coming with height adjustable
mechanisms to accommodate your child¡¯s growth and
to be able bring the baby closer to the table. There are
also adjustable foot rests to accommodate your child¡¯s
growth as well.
Most now fold for easy storage.
Highchairs now can be converted into play tables.
Some of them have an insert that fits over the tray to
give you baby a place to play. The feeding tray on many
models come with an inset cup/bottle holder and some
models have extra large feeding trays.
The base of the highchair should be broad and stable to
help prevent the highchair from tipping. If your child
leans over the side the chair could tip and injure your
child. It is best then to teach your child to sit up all the
time. Many highchairs are now foldable for easy
storage.
When looking at highchairs some people express
opinions about what the
highchair is made of. There are all wood chairs that
tend to not be adjustable in height. There are metal
framed highchairs with plastic trays and their are
highchairs that are plastic.
There are things you can do to make the highchair safe
place to be. Never leave your child unattended to go
grab a bib, food, or answer the phone. It only takes a
second for your baby to have an accident. You should
have everything ready
before putting your child in the
chair.
Your child should always be strapped into the highchair
without exception. The feeding tray will not prevent your
baby from slipping under it and falling to the floor and
possibly incurring an injury. If an older child slips under
the tray they could get stuck and be injured.
If your high chair folds be sure that when you open it,
that it locks in open position. If the chair collapses your
baby could be hurt. This can be prevented with periodic
checks of all parts of the chair.
Do not place the highchair near any place that the baby
could push off from and possibly have an accident. Also
do not place your baby¡¯s chair near any wires that can
be pulled on. All cords should be out of reach anyway.
When putting the feeding tray in place be sure to watch
your child¡¯s fingers. They could be pinched or severely
cut. Also be sure the lock catches by tugging on the tray
gently. It will not hold your child in place but if it is loose
or doesn¡¯t catch, your child if not strapped in could fall
and get hurt.
Wear of the high chair can be hazardous. If the vinyl
cover over foam is torn the baby could ingest small
pieces of foam. Worn locking mechanisms could
prevent the tray from staying in place. All belts and
clasps should be checked for fraying or tears. The
clasps for missing pieces or cracks. Cracked or chipped
trays could cause injury or harbor germs. This type of
check should be done before purchasing a second
hand chair as well.
About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of baby cribs, His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information. http://www.1st-babies.com
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