How to choose your first high chair. How to choose a high chair for feeding a child so as not to make a mistake? Basic models of high chairs

A high chair for feeding a child will make life easier for parents. It securely secures the baby and ensures safety; it can be used for eating, studying with books, and even for sleeping. Today, manufacturers offer a wide selection of models. It is important to use a device that is comfortable, reliable and safe, and easy to use. Let's look at how to choose the right high chair for children.

When and why do you need a high chair?

With the help of a high chair it is easy and convenient to feed your baby and control his actions. Thanks to this item, the baby will be securely fixed in one place. He won't spill food on himself or fall out of his chair. Therefore, a children's high chair is a guarantee of the baby's safety and a guarantee of cleanliness of the apartment.

You can easily place a chair next to the dining table and eat with your family. Little children like eating together; they quickly learn to use a spoon and accept adult food, learn to eat independently and carefully, and master table manners.

High chairs are used not only for feeding the baby. They will come in handy to distract the child. Place the baby on a high chair, give him toys, a coloring book or a book. At this time, you can calmly go about your business, knowing that the child is safe and will not go anywhere from this place. For an older baby, a high chair will become a kind of desk where he can study.

The device begins to be used, and his spine is sufficiently strong, as well as with the introduction of the first complementary foods for infants. The appropriate age to start using a highchair is six months. You can easily use this product for up to three to five years. Let's look at which high chair is best for your child.

How to choose the right high chair

• The device must be stable. For a design on wheels, a reliable locking mechanism must be provided;
• When choosing, pay special attention to the backrest. It should be comfortable and convenient. Models with an adjustable backrest are ideal, allowing you to secure a comfortable and confident position for your baby. If necessary, the backrest can be lowered and the structure can be used as a cradle where the baby can fall asleep;
• Safety is the main condition when choosing a high chair. It is important that it is made of hypoallergenic quality materials. The products should not have sharp corners, irregularities, nicks or other defects;
• The footrest of the chair should be adjustable in height and secure the child’s legs so that they do not dangle loosely or bend too much at the knees. This support ensures the formation of correct posture;
• It is desirable that the model has seat belts that secure the baby’s legs, shoulders and belt. This is especially important for active and hyperactive children;
• The upholstery of the chair should be comfortable and pleasant to the touch, not cause discomfort or an allergic reaction;
• Experts recommend choosing a tabletop with several locking positions. Then the tabletop can be moved close to the baby or moved further away, depending on the type of activity;
• Choose a tabletop with sides. If a child spills liquid, it will linger on the table and not spill onto the floor. In addition, the sides will be useful when playing with small grains, parts and products for the development of motor skills;
• Manufacturers produce special countertops with recesses for dishes, which increases practicality and stability. But they are only suitable for eating. For games and development, it is better to choose flat tabletops. For such cases, they produce models with two tabletops that can be changed;
• The most convenient and practical folding design. This chair is easy to move around the apartment or take with you. If the device is not needed, the high chair can be folded and put away;
• It is not recommended to buy models that are too bright in color, as the baby’s eyes will be overstrained. In addition, a bright high chair distracts the child’s attention from eating, playing or developing activities. Choose calm shades;
• Before choosing a high chair, read product reviews. Buy products only in specialized children's stores and be sure to check the quality and hygiene certificate.

What material to choose a chair from?

The type of material from which the chair is made plays a big role in the choice. Today, manufacturers offer wooden and plastic models. In addition, they produce products with a frame made of metal. Let's find out which is better, a wooden or plastic high chair.

The wooden high chair is 100% environmentally friendly and safe, wear-resistant and attractive in appearance. Choose hardwoods such as beech, maple and walnut as they will last longer. It is advisable to take smooth wood with high-quality sanding without painting, as this is the safest and most environmentally friendly option for the baby.

But be prepared that without treatment with varnish or paint, the wood may soon crack and lose its attractive appearance. If you are buying a coated wooden chair, choose water-based acrylic varnish or special children's paints. These should be hypoallergenic, non-toxic, odorless formulations.

The plastic chair is distinguished by its bright design, variety of styles and design shapes. However, in this case, you can buy a low-quality product made from bad plastic. These are toxic products that cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Don't rush to buy an inexpensive plastic chair. Be sure to check the quality certificate, read reviews and give preference to a well-known, trusted manufacturer.

Models with metal inserts make the chair strong and stable. But at the same time, the product becomes heavy, the device is difficult to move from room to room, and it is impossible to take it on trips. These chairs have fabric or oilcloth upholstery. However, the fabric gets very dirty. It will be hot to sit on oilcloth in summer and cold in winter.

How to choose a cover for high chairs

To make it comfortable to sit on the chair, a cover is placed on top of the plastic or wood or a special insert is placed. Many parents choose oilcloth or leatherette, as they are practical and easy to clean. If the surface gets dirty, just wipe the cover with a damp cloth. However, such materials stick to the skin, which will cause discomfort for the baby. On the other hand, fabric covers get dirty quickly. Such products cannot be wiped with a cloth; they need to be washed regularly.

A suitable option would be smooth hypoallergenic materials with a water-repellent coating or special liners. They are easy to clean and do not cause irritation or discomfort. In addition, you can buy a separate hygienic cover or liner for a highchair, which is put on top of the main one and changed when it gets dirty. Such products have an anatomical shape, which ensures complete comfort.

In addition, they produce cases and inserts made of genuine leather. However, this is quite an expensive, but also environmentally friendly option. In this case, the kit comes with a fabric cover or mat. Now let's look at each type separately. This will help you choose the best high chairs.

Types of high chairs

• Classic wooden chairs

Wooden chairs will never go out of fashion, because wooden furniture for a child is always a good choice due to the naturalness of the material, environmental friendliness and safety. The model with high legs is easy to place close to an adult table. However, they are not practical and not mobile, since they do not fold. In addition, the products are distinguished by a simple design without additional functions and heavy weight. Intended exclusively for feeding. Suitable for babies from 5-6 months to three years.

• Folding high chairs

The model with high legs can be easily moved to a common table. Due to the ability to fold the product, it becomes practical, compact and mobile. The backrest, seat, footrest and tabletop can be easily adjusted. Often models are complemented by small wheels, leg inserts and seat belts. However, they are quite expensive and are not suitable for travel. These chairs are used from 0.5 to 3 years.

• Transformers

Stable, durable and multifunctional products can be transformed into a chair, table and desk, cradle and even a swing. Such chairs are used for various purposes, and the products are easy to fold and unfold, convenient to move and store. However, they are not suitable for travel as they are quite bulky and heavy. Used for children from six months to five years.

• Boosters

Boosters are compact folding chairs made of plastic. You will find many models in different colors with two table tops for feeding and playing. Practical products are easy to store and move, use in a small area and take on trips. Boosters are characterized by affordable price, light weight, affordable price, and versatility. They are suitable for children 1.5-4 years old.

• hanging chair

This is another type of compact folding chair. This device is attached to the dining table. However, such a model can only be attached to a strong and thick tabletop. However, it is only suitable for children up to 15 kg. Wall-mounted products are used for a small kitchen, in the country or on a trip.

• Travel chairs

Such products are used for travel and traveling. They do not look like traditional options, but are more reminiscent of kangaroos for infants. This chair is made of fabric in the form of a bag with holes for the legs. It has strong straps with which the high chair is attached to any surface. These are mobile, compact and lightweight structures that cannot be used daily. But they are indispensable when traveling. Read how to properly organize your first trip with a baby.

Top best baby high chairs

We looked at tips on how to choose the right high chair. And then we suggest taking a look at high chairs: rating the best.

Not all new parents understand the benefits of this piece of furniture. The main purpose and at the same time the advantage of the device is comfort during feeding both for the parent and directly for the child.

Let's take a closer look at the main advantages of this piece of furniture:

By the way, Dr. Komarovsky also talks about this. The pediatrician is convinced of the usefulness of this device. The child sees how adults eat and sit at the table, which allows him to quickly learn how to use cutlery.

A high chair is often a universal design. Tabletops come in a wide variety: with or without sides, with recesses for mugs and cups, with a stand for various board games. That is, the child can not only eat, but also play, draw or look at books with bright pictures.

You should think about purchasing this children's furniture at the moment when the child already knows how to take a sitting position, his spinal column is already strong enough for a semi-vertical position. Typically, these conditions are met at six months of age (usually, but not necessarily).

The main feature of this age period is the active introduction of complementary foods (porridge and/or porridge) into the children's menu, served in plates.

The child learns to eat independently with the help of a spoon, but due to poorly developed chewing skills, motor clumsiness, and carelessness, he often spits out food and smears it all over his own body and nearby things.

That is why the baby needs a special place for eating. For example, special furniture for feeding, which performs several important functions at once. In addition, it is more convenient for a mother to feed a child sitting opposite her than a baby who is placed in her arms.

At 5-6 months of age, the time a baby spends in a high chair should not exceed 10 minutes. But at 7–8 months, when the child’s spine becomes stronger, the duration of time spent in a sitting position increases significantly.

Universal furniture for feeding a child with a transformation function will last quite a long time. You can use such a high chair from six months to approximately three years, and sometimes seven years of age.

Types of baby high chairs

There are several types of children's furniture, which differ in design features, age qualifications and other characteristics. For convenience, we have summarized the main characteristics of various types of chairs into a single table.

This is a kind of classic of the genre - a wooden chair with high legs, which is made using minimalist techniques. Such products are simply moved to the adult dining table and used for their intended purpose - to help feed the child.

The classic children's high chair is intended for babies from six months to three years of age. It can be used exclusively at home, since it is not portable and light.

Important! Among the advantages of such a child seat are a fairly low price, the use of exclusively environmentally friendly materials, and the ability to move the device close to the adult dining table.

Disadvantages include bulkiness and heaviness of the structure. A classic wooden chair is not usually equipped with protective elements in the form of belts, it does not fold up or disassemble, so it cannot be taken with you, for example, outdoors. Let's take a closer look at one of the popular models.

Geuther Mucki

A striking example of a classic wooden high chair from a German manufacturer. The appearance of the product, at first glance, is very simple, but everything is thought out down to the last screw. Nothing distracts from the strict design of the wooden structure. Parents especially appreciate the safety and functionality of this feeding device.

Main advantages:

• natural material, hypoallergenic paint coating;
• a rigid back allows you to form the correct posture;
• safe sitting is provided by the footrest, central belt and armrests;
• easy and quick installation;
• ease of care;
• stylish appearance;
• durable and stable design.

Main disadvantages:

• the child must be able to sit well;
• soft insert must be purchased separately;
• the chair cannot be adjusted according to height, the footrest is also not adjustable;
• inability to adjust the backrest angle.

The products of this German company are not the cheapest. The average cost of Geuther Mucki in stores is 7,800 rubles. But for this price we offer a classic feeding device of high European quality.

This device has the same high legs as the previous model. The seat is also intended for children in the first three years of life, and parents can fold it and adjust the tabletop, footrest, backrest and seat for a specific child.

A folding nursing chair can be equipped with small wheels, which allows you to move it around the house. The vast majority of products have leg inserts, safety straps and tabletops that can protect your baby from falls and increase comfort of use.

Advantages include compactness, the ability to fold the product, the presence of a basket and pockets for small items, an arc with pendants, and a removable tabletop. Folding chairs also offer increased safety.

The design also has some disadvantages, including a rather high price and low mobility (despite the possibility of folding, the chair cannot be taken with you on trips and trips). An older child will not be able to sit down and get out of a chair independently.

Let's take a closer look at one of the most popular models of this category of high chairs.

Inglesina Zuma

This “throne” is regularly included in the ranking. The device looks really impressive - a technological novelty with a design thought out down to the last screw. The model boasts 8 height positions, three backrest positions, and large wheels. Only high-quality materials are used: textile, metal and plastic.

Main advantages:

• characterized by increased stability;
• very high quality (will last a very long time);
• high degree of safety (five-point harness);
• the ability to adjust the position of the backrest, footrest and the height of the product itself;
• double removable tray;
• wheels on the front and two reliable latches on the rear legs;
• the ability to fold and store, for example, in a closet;
• quilted seat cushion (it can be removed and washed).

Main disadvantages:

• tight seat straps;
• Velcro has little functionality, as they “attract” crumbs and other food debris;
• not very convenient removable tray;
• folds up hard.

Quite an expensive pleasure - the cost of this device exceeds 14,000 rubles. Yes, the product looks quite stylish, has a lot of advantages and strengths, but not all parents think that they need to pay such a high price for it.

Often the small area of ​​​​the apartment does not allow purchasing and installing “full-fledged” children's furniture. In this case, the best high chair for feeding is the so-called booster, or a small seat that is attached directly to an adult chair.

This product is intended for children from six months to three years of age. The booster usually has a tabletop and safety straps, as well as a reliable fastener, which allows you to attach the seat directly to the chair.

Among the positive qualities is the mobility of the device (you can take the chair with you on a trip or into nature). Such devices, made of plastic, usually have bright, attractive colors and are complemented by a removable panel with a variety of gaming accessories.

The disadvantages of the models include the not very high safety of the structure, unlike wooden products. In addition, boosters are not attached to any adult furniture, but only to massive, stable chairs with a hard seat.

Babies H-1

A fairly inexpensive booster chair for feeding babies from six months of age. It looks very cute and cute (designed in the shape of animal faces), and is also lightweight and compact - the product can be stored and carried in a bag specially designed for this purpose.

The chair is attached to an adult chair using special straps. The product can also be placed on the floor thanks to the convenient spacer legs available. It is important to remember that this device has a child weight limit of 15 kilograms.

Main advantages:

• lightness and compactness of the product;
• nice design;
• structural stability;
• you can take the chair with you on a trip;
• removable cover can be washed;
• 3-point safety harness;
• the height of the backrest can be adjusted;
• removable comfortable tabletop.

Main disadvantages:

• not very high quality materials;
• uncomfortable seat straps;
• narrow table.

A brief overview of the product allows us to conclude that the biggest advantages of the high chair are its compactness and low cost. It is for these qualities that parents value this feeding device. And, of course, the stylish design of Babies H-1 attracts moms and dads.

Booster chair Babies H-1

From 6 months to three years, you can use another type of high chair - a hinged structure. This model is attached directly to the dining table, which is characterized by certain advantages and serious disadvantages.

The strengths of hanging chairs are their compactness, the ability to fold them and take them with you on trips, and a fairly affordable price. All this cannot but please mobile parents and those mothers and fathers who live in small apartments.

At the same time, at the hanging chairs there are significant disadvantages:

• the dining table itself must be stable and heavy, with a massive tabletop (the product is not suitable for glass and round tables, furniture on one leg, with a decorated surface, or with a tabletop that is too thick);
• not very suitable for large children, since the device has certain restrictions on body weight (up to 13 kilograms);
• Children who are overly active should not be seated, as they can significantly weaken the products with their active actions and movements.

A hanging high chair is the most dangerous furniture option for feeding a baby. The little rider is in a rather unstable position, so there is always a risk of falling. That is why under no circumstances should you leave your baby alone with the hanging structure.

In addition, you should choose a wall chair with rubberized pads that protect the surface of the table top and securely fix the structure. Tips like this should definitely be taken into account when going to the store.

Chicco Hook on Chair 360

Feeding devices from a world famous brand. The chair can rotate around its axis, has a reliable reinforced fastening system and is intended for any surface of the dining table, with the exception of glass tabletops.

The seat is mounted using four movable fastening mechanisms and two security screws. Removing the chair is also quite simple - the parent unscrews the screws and presses the button located on the bottom of the product.

Main advantages:

• compactness and lightness of design;
• very easy to wash and wash;
• the seat is recessed, so the child cannot fall out;
• There are three-point safety belts;
• there is a soft stop between the legs;
• very comfortable seat.

Main disadvantages:

• there is a restriction on body weight;
• not suitable for all tables;
• a certain thickness of the tabletop is required;
• quite high cost.

A truly unusual and unique model, which is regularly included in the TOP of the best high chairs. It differs from the rest in its amazing mobility and the ability to turn the child into any position convenient for the mother. This greatly simplifies the entire feeding process.

Chicco 360 Hook On

Transformer

As the name suggests, a transformer is a model with numerous functions that can be used not only for eating, but also for completely other purposes. Everything will depend on the functionality of the product and the availability of additional accessories.

Typically, the store offers designs that can be transformed into a more adult chair and table (desk). There are also models that turn into walkers, cradles and swings. Cradle chairs have been used since six months (or even earlier), and such a function can be implemented without disturbing children’s sleep.

A transformer is a good option for a high chair for budget-conscious parents. Many of these models are affordable, characterized by increased durability, and the ability to transform into various devices.

In addition, such structures can be used for a long period of time. When unfolded (table and seat) they are used for 5-6 year old children. Children can draw on them and write in their notebooks. Among the disadvantages are massiveness and quite a lot of weight.

Jetem Magic

Another permanent “inhabitant” of the TOP 2017 in the “best feeding devices” category. The transformer “grows” with the baby. At first, this is a standard seat for feeding a child with the ability to adjust the product in height and the backrest in tilt.

As the baby grows, the device turns into 2 separate devices: a chair and a table with a stand for books and compartments for writing instruments. Such children's furniture will last until the child enters first grade.

Main advantages:

• differs in functionality;
• there are safety straps, a stand and a leg divider;
• removable cover can be washed;
• the position of the backrest can be adjusted;
• when the child grows up, the product turns into a chair and desk;
• long service life of furniture (up to 7 years of age);
• 3 tabletop positions.

Main disadvantages:

• the tabletop is loosely attached;
• bulky design;
• uncomfortable desk.

For a transformer, the cost is quite moderate - about 7150 rubles. However, the product is entirely made of plastic, so it is difficult to talk about its durability. In general, parents speak positively about this model, so it is not surprising that this high chair has a fairly high rating.

Chair-desk Jetem Magic

Choosing a high chair: main parameters and characteristics

The question of how to choose a high chair for feeding your baby is really important. To make the right choice and purchase a truly worthwhile model, you need to take into account several important parameters, which should be discussed in more detail.

Device safety

All models of feeding devices have their own design features, but all devices must fully comply with certain safety standards. Thus, teledoctor Komarovsky strongly advises taking this factor into account when purchasing this product.

To reliably protect your child, you should pay attention to several important characteristics:

1. Quality. First of all, parents need to pay attention to the quality of the materials that are used to make the high chair. When purchasing, you need to ask the seller to present a quality certificate for the product.
2. Sustainability. This characteristic is especially important if you purchase a high chair or transformer. The main features of a stable device are spacers spaced to the sides (ideally metal legs) or a solid wooden base.
3. Brakes. If you plan to purchase a device with wheels, you need to make sure that there are special stoppers or latches. Moreover, their work should be checked in the store to avoid unpleasant surprises.
4. Safety straps. Almost all models have five or three point safety belts. It is best to choose a device with straps equipped with softening inserts and comfortable fasteners. Ideally, the belts should be adjustable in height and length.
5. Step. A footrest is necessary to form correct posture and prevent the baby from getting tired. In addition, if the child rests against a hard surface, he will not be able to slide down. The stand should be removable: it can be removed when the child grows up.
6. Correct fastening. It is necessary to ensure that all parts of the product are securely fastened, and fastening elements (screws, bolts, etc.) are hidden under special plugs. There should be no sharp protrusions or corners.

Be sure to check what the maximum body weight of the rider is indicated in the instructions and other accompanying documents. Compliance with this rule is especially important if we are talking about a hanging structure or a booster chair.

Dimensions

Before considering the best high chairs for feeding a small child, you need to think carefully about how important such characteristics of the product as its dimensions are for you.

Of course, if you can boast of the impressive size of your kitchen, then you can purchase any model of high chair: both a classic product and a transformer. That is, quite bulky and massive devices.

If a stable floor chair does not fit into a tiny kitchenette at all, you need to abandon such a purchase and consider the option of purchasing a folding structure such as a booster or a hanging chair.

Regardless of the size of the device and the room itself, it is necessary to place the child seat as far as possible from electrical outlets, stoves, hanging shelves and various (but always potentially dangerous) electrical appliances.

According to this parameter, high chairs are divided into two main categories:

Most often, classic products and transformers are made from wood, while hanging structures and booster chairs are usually plastic. The bases of some feeding devices are made of metal.

Wood is one of the most popular materials for making furniture for children due to its naturalness, environmental friendliness, visual appeal and increased resistance to wear. It’s interesting that wooden furniture can be cheaper than its plastic counterparts!

When choosing the best high chairs made of wood, you should give preference to models that are made of hardwood: walnut, maple, beech wood. Such products will last longer with daily use.

Pay attention to the covering of the wooden chair. The paint or varnish liquid must be water-based. If the wood is not covered with a protective element, you need to make sure that the surface is smooth, without any roughness or burrs.

Plastic chairs come in a wide variety of models and designs, styles and shapes. That is why many parents prefer this particular version of the material. However, before purchasing a plastic product, you need to make sure of its quality: the absence of a pungent odor, toxic colors, and the availability of certificates.

In addition, plastic is a more convenient material in terms of maintenance. These chairs are washed directly in the bath using a shower head and liquid detergents. Wooden models are afraid of excessive humidity, so they should not be subjected to similar water procedures.

When the child begins to hold cutlery or cups in his hands on his own, everything around him will be stained with porridge, vegetable or fruit puree, sweet juice or milk. That's why you need to be concerned about the possibility of washing the covers even before purchasing a high chair.

Some devices do not have textile parts - they have wooden or plastic seats. This option is characterized by increased practicality, but the baby will not be delighted due to the excessive rigidity of the structure.

The seats of some feeding chairs are made of soft filling, which is covered with washable oilcloth. Such coverings are easy to maintain, but in the summer months, such devices are too hot, and in the winter months, they are excessively cold.

That is why many mothers prefer high chairs with textile seats - this material is the most practical and comfortable for the little user. But whatever material you prefer, The following rules must be observed:

• It is better to choose non-staining fabrics, since various contaminants will not stand out on them as much;
• Ask your sales assistant to demonstrate how to remove the capes. Try removing the cover yourself in the store;
• Be sure to try to study the manufacturer's markings on the label. It should contain advice on washing textile parts.

When choosing a high chair, give preference to soft shades of covers that will not strain children's eyes. The most preferred seat colors are green, greyish, blue and brownish.

Even if your task is to seat the child at the adult dining table, it is much more convenient to first place the child’s food and drink on a special surface, a tabletop, which is equipped with many feeding devices.

In this case, this part must have certain characteristics:

When choosing a product, be sure to evaluate the dimensions of the tabletop. The best option is if it accommodates a children's plate, mug or sippy cup, as well as cutlery - a spoon and fork.

Possibility of position adjustment

Adjusting the height of the seat, the tilt of the backrest and the position of the footrest is a fairly important function that allows you to increase the comfort of the child in the high chair.

It is no secret that the baby grows extremely quickly, so the feeding chair in which he felt comfortable at 6 months will turn into an uncomfortable structure by the age of one year. That is why the ability to adjust the seat level is very useful for the child’s comfort.

The vast majority of models of feeding devices can be adjusted by:

• height. In this case, parents will be able to choose the most optimal position for both a very small toddler and an older rider;
• back tilt. Chairs for the youngest users (usually transformable ones) can be reclined into a reclining position. This is a fairly comfortable position for feeding a baby who does not yet know how to sit well;
• delivery positions for legs. The ability to adjust the footrest allows the child to sit most comfortably and also helps maintain correct posture.

Modern high chairs are made taking into account the anatomical characteristics of babies. Such design features are usually indicated in the product instructions and other accompanying documents.

The main principle is early training. As soon as the child begins to sit on his own and is ready to eat porridge or purees, he should begin to get acquainted with the high chair.

Most often, children like to sit in such a “throne”, so there are no special difficulties with accustoming them. If the child is wary of the high chair and refuses to sit on it, use the following recommendations from experts:

1. Make your feeding area more attractive. For example, you can hang several bright magnets on a nearby refrigerator. You can put plastic jars with various fillings on the dining table, the main thing is that they attract and interest the kids.
2. Usually you shouldn’t “clutter” a high chair with toys, but in this case you can break this rule. You should place a playing arc with pendants on the tabletop and place a music box. As an option, offer your child all kinds of kitchen “toys” in the form of saucepans, colanders, and plastic bottles. It’s just important not to overdo it with gaming devices. After all, the main function of the high chair is eating.
3. Internet, in particular, any parent forum offers another way to solve the problem - turning on cartoons or children's films while sitting down on a high chair. This advice should be treated with caution, since it may form a not very healthy eating habit.
4. Offer the baby sitting in the highchair the most delicious and favorite foods. This will lead to the formation of a pleasant association with this device. In addition, the baby can feed his favorite teddy bear or doll from a spoon.

You should not leave a child on a high chair without parental supervision, even if the model is characterized by increased safety. Be sure to fasten your baby with straps and check how stable the high chair is.

In addition, experts strongly advise against performing any manipulations with the feeding chair (adjusting the backrest or height of the device) if the baby is in the device at that moment. Such actions are fraught with childhood fear and refusal to sit in a chair in the future.

As a conclusion

The question of how to choose the right high chair for a small child is really important. The recommendations and rules listed above will help you understand what to pay close attention to when choosing children's furniture so that it will serve your baby for several years.

• child's age. Experts, including Dr. Komarovsky, advise taking a closer look at the stool closer to 6 months of age, when the baby begins to sit down and is ready for complementary feeding;
• child's body weight. Many plastic chairs are designed for babies up to 18 kg. High-quality wooden chairs and transformable models will last up to 35 kilograms;
• installation features. It is important to select furniture so that it fits comfortably in the room and is easily accessible. If the kitchen is small, it is better to choose a wall-mounted model or booster. For owners of a large room, transformers or classic seats are suitable;
• functionality. Transformable chairs are an ideal solution for those parents who want to extend the life of children's furniture. As the child grows older, the model can be transformed into a desk or table;
• product safety. The quality of the materials from which the body, table top, covers and straps are made is extremely important. In addition, the chairs should not have chipped places, sharp corners, exposed bolts or screws. It is better to buy models with seat belts, leg dividers and wheel stoppers (if any);
• hygiene. Of course, the high chair should be sparkling clean. Both wooden and plastic structures need to be looked after, but in different ways. A plastic product is washed directly in the bath, a wooden chair is wiped with a damp cloth soaked in a non-aggressive disinfectant solution.

A feeding chair is an important piece of furniture that will be useful to parents and the child for quite a long period of time and will be used very often - you will have to feed the baby in it at least 5 - 6 times a day.

This is why it is so important not to make a mistake when purchasing. Compliance with the basic rules will allow you to choose the best device that will please both adults and little riders for several years. Happy shopping!

There are different types of high chairs: sophisticated and simple, budget and expensive, compact folding and classic, with and without footrests, chaise lounge chairs and chairs without backrest adjustment. Some people need this piece of furniture from the very birth of the baby, while others think about buying it only after introducing complementary foods, but, in any case, this thing is very necessary and irreplaceable. How to choose a really comfortable and reliable high chair for feeding your baby and not overpay for the brand?

What should a high chair “be able to do”?

Gone are the days when mothers had to hold their babies on their laps and at the same time wield a spoon with vegetable puree or fresh porridge. Today, the child can be seated in his own comfortable chair, fastened with seat belts, and then begin the meal with peace of mind. High chairs are also convenient because while you are going about your business in the kitchen, the child is safe and in front of your eyes. What should a modern high chair “be able to do”?

1. Adjustable backrest. It's terribly uncomfortable when the chair has only one back position. This is the problem with many chairs, including the famous inexpensive but cute chair from IKEA. It would be better if the backrest is adjustable. This way you will have the opportunity to choose the most comfortable position for your baby. For babies up to 6 months, chairs with a horizontal back position are also quite good. Also, some children like to take a nap after eating, and the ability to lower the backrest to a lying or reclining position will come in handy. The more positions the backrest has, the better.

2. Adjusting the height of the chair. If you plan to use the chair not only with its “native” table included, but also as a slide-in to an “adult” table, you should pay attention to chairs with the ability to change the height of the chair. True, for some this parameter may not play a significant role.

3. Adjusting the position of the table. A very important selection criterion, because depending on the age and size of the child, the table must be moved closer or further from the seat. This way, a small child will not “dangle” on the chair and will not have to reach for the table, and an older child will not feel cramped. Some chairs are equipped with not one tabletop, but two, which is also quite convenient.

4. Case material. Modern high chairs are equipped with seats made of various materials. It can be oilcloth (PVC), leatherette or fabric. Oilcloth is practical, as it is easy to remove dirt from it, but in hot weather the child may feel hot in such seats. Leatherette and fabric are more comfortable for the baby, but also cost more. Oilcloth is easier to tear, and many chairs with such a seat are not very durable, although the price of such models is not too high.

5. Removable cover. If you buy a high chair with a fabric cover, it is recommended to make sure that it is easily removable and can be washed in a machine. It is better to give preference to colors that are not too easily soiled.

6. Foldable. It’s good for owners of spacious kitchens - they don’t need to worry about such a small thing as a high chair, but if the kitchen area is small, then it is recommended to choose a model with the ability to fold compactly. The folding mechanism should also be simple and reliable.

7. Seat belts and leg divider. To prevent your baby from falling out of his new high chair, you should take care of his safety. As a rule, there are no problems with this and almost all modern high chairs are equipped with seat belts. Always secure your baby in a high chair. The stopper between the legs is also very important; it will not allow the child to slide down if something happens.

8. Step. The baby's legs should not droop or bend too much at the knees. Such positions are uncomfortable for the baby. They interfere with proper blood circulation and spoil posture. A high chair with a footrest could be the solution. You should pay special attention to this parameter, since many chairs simply do not have a footrest. It's also nice when the footrest can be adjusted.

9. Wheels and stopper. If you plan to move the high chair around the kitchen or throughout the house, having wheels and a stopper will come in handy. Pay attention to the stability of the structure. Some even very expensive chairs are terribly wobbly, which is not very safe. The wheels of the high chair can be rubber or plastic, rubber is preferable. They can also be rotary or not, this also affects ease of use.

• Date: 02/20/2015
• Views: 2794
• Rating: 47

When a child reaches a certain age, he begins to become very actively acquainted with the world around him. The baby studies the life and behavior of adults and definitely wants to do what they usually do: use the same objects, sit and eat at the dinner table. After six months, children, as a rule, no longer want to eat lying down or reclining; they definitely want to do it while sitting. It can be extremely inconvenient for mothers to hold their baby on their lap and feed him at the same time, and it is simply unsafe to sit the baby on an adult chair.

The main advantage of a baby chair is the convenience of feeding the baby.

Therefore, you will definitely need to buy new furniture for your child - a special high chair for feeding. Before choosing a high chair, you need to know what criteria you should first pay attention to when choosing such important furniture.

Read also:

– how to organize the process correctly.

How can a baby high chair be useful?

The main purpose and advantage of a baby chair is the convenience of feeding the baby.

The child will be securely and safely fixed in one place, which is very convenient for parents. With such a chair, it will be much easier to control the baby’s movements, and parents will not have to worry about him knocking over hot food or falling out of the chair.

Diagram is an example of the dimensions of a children's chair.

A highchair for children is the key to cleanliness in the apartment. The house really becomes much cleaner: the expensive carpet is not strewn with lumps of baby food, and the sofa will no longer remind you that the child had pureed vegetables for lunch.

A high chair allows the whole family to have a meal together with the child, if the high chair is moved to the common table, of course. And mom has a much better chance of calmly tidying up the kitchen and preparing dinner for the whole family. While the child sits on the high chair and goes about his business, the mother can be calm, because thanks to the seat belts, the baby will not fall out of the high chair and will not go anywhere from his place.

A high chair will help your child quickly learn to eat independently and carefully. Now it is easier for him to see food and reach his plate. And if a family is dining next to him, he will gradually learn proper behavior at the table.

As the child grows up, some high chairs turn into a kind of desk. Rest assured, your child will be very interested in spending time at such a table, looking at books with colorful pictures or drawing. Some models can be converted into rocking chairs or swings. Try to choose a high chair with a reclining, comfortable back so that your child can sleep in it. Some kids love it!

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A high chair should be purchased when the child can already sit and his spine is sufficiently strong.

Before you decide which is the best highchair for your child, you need to decide on the right time to buy it. Thus, the use of high chairs for feeding begins when the baby reaches the age of six months, when the child can already sit and his spine is sufficiently strong.

A feature of six months of age is the introduction of various types of complementary foods (porridge, fruit purees) into the child’s diet, which are served in plates. The child learns to eat independently from a spoon. During feeding, the baby often spits out food and smears it on himself and surrounding objects. That is why he needs a specially designated place for this. The functions of this place will be performed by a high chair, which will allow the baby to quickly learn to eat independently and carefully. This high chair will also help mothers: it is much more convenient to feed a baby sitting opposite from a spoon than a baby sitting in your arms.

If you decide to choose a chair that is high enough, then the child will have the opportunity to eat at a common table with his family, he will not be capricious and constantly distract his parents from eating, and will learn to behave properly at the table. A high chair will be an excellent assistant for parents in organizing feeding and leisure activities for their baby from 6 months to approximately 3 years.

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Assembly diagram for a wooden chair.

Before deciding which high chair is best for your baby, take a look at the varieties of baby furniture available today.

Thus, a high chair made of wood, made in a minimalist style, is a classic and very popular solution. This chair can be complemented with a footrest and a small table top. It is intended solely for feeding and has no additional functions, does not fold and is generally quite bulky and heavy.

Among the advantages of such a solution are the relatively low cost, environmental friendliness, and the ability to install the chair close to the common dining table.

The disadvantages of a classic high chair are that it is quite heavy, takes up a lot of space, is immobile and can be unsafe for an active baby.

This high chair is suitable for children from 5-6 months to 3 years. Designed for home use.

This model has fairly high legs. They are not height adjustable. Such chairs usually do not fold and are not equipped with a tabletop. They are used exclusively for their intended purpose and outwardly look like children's chairs pulled up to dining tables.

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Diagram of folding high chairs for feeding.

This children's chair has the same height as the previously discussed option. Due to the fact that this chair can be folded, its back, seat, tabletop and footrest can be adjusted in accordance with the weight and height of the baby, it is very comfortable for a child of the first 3 years (and it is equally comfortable both at six months and at 3).

Folding high chairs are usually equipped with small wheels, which allows you to easily move them around the apartment. The leg insert, seat belts and table top protect the child from falling and make his stay in this chair as comfortable and safe as possible.

The advantages are as follows: a folding chair is compact, almost all of its components are adjustable, it can be placed on a common dining table (for this you should choose a chair model with a removable tabletop), models with wheels are easy to move around the house.

Among the disadvantages are the relatively high cost and the inability to use such a high chair while traveling.

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Compact models of children's high chairs

Model of types of high chairs.

It often happens that the size of an apartment in a multi-storey building does not allow purchasing and installing another large piece of furniture. That is why many parents, when deciding which high chair to buy, opt for boosters - small chairs that are attached directly to “adult” chairs. The booster chair comes with a table top and a seat belt. It is irreplaceable during various trips with a child, because you can always take it with you on a car trip or on your next outing to the country. Such models, made of plastic, are distinguished by bright and rich colors and can be supplemented with a removable panel with various toys.

Another type of compact furniture for feeding a baby is a hanging high chair. This chair is attached to the “adult” dining table. Of course, this model is very convenient for owners of modest-sized kitchens, but it has a significant drawback: the chair can only be connected to a durable and fairly thick tabletop, and the table itself must be stable and heavy (glass and round options standing on one leg, will not fit). And you won’t be using this chair for very long, because... it has certain weight restrictions (usually up to 13-15 kg).

Among the advantages of such models are their light weight and not very high cost. The disadvantages are that these chairs are not as safe as high chairs. In addition, they require compliance with certain conditions. So, a booster can only be attached to a stable chair with a good, hard seat, while the hinged version must be installed on a heavy and strong table.

The booster chair is suitable for children aged 1.5 to 3-4 years. Some manufacturing companies indicate weight up to 17 kg. The hanging chair is suitable for a child aged from 6 months to 3 years (depending on the weight of the baby, children heavier than 14-15 kg are not recommended to sit in such a chair). These models are very convenient for trips and in the country, suitable for small kitchens.

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The transformable chair has high strength and the ability to turn into a chair and table (desk), into a walker, swing, or cradle.

A transforming chair is a multifunctional and very convenient option that can be successfully used both for feeding a child and for many other purposes, depending on which transformer you decide to buy. Most often on sale there are models that turn into a chair and a table. There are also cradle chairs and swings. Cradle chairs can be used from the very birth of the child: you can put him to sleep on such a chair, lowering the back, and, if the need arises, move him to another place without disturbing the child’s sleep.

Among the advantages of these models, one can note their high strength, the ability to turn into a chair and table (desk), into a walker, swing, or cradle. Most models are affordable. Disadvantages are bulkiness and rather heavy weight.

The transformable chair is suitable for a child aged from 6 months to 3-5 years. Great for home use.

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Such models are absolutely not like traditional chairs, but are more like a kangaroo for a baby. The main components of such a fabric high chair are a convenient bag with holes for children’s feet and several strong straps with which the high chair can be secured almost anywhere.

Its advantages include mobility, lightness and compactness. However, it is not suitable for everyday use, except for occasional trips. This solution is indispensable for parents who love to travel.

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What details should you pay attention to?

Diagram of a travel high chair.

When choosing a baby high chair, you need to pay attention to its components. Thus, many children's high chairs are equipped with a special soft insert. If such an insert is missing, then the child will feel uncomfortable sitting on bare plastic or wood. In a soft, comfortable chair with an anatomical shape, your baby will sit with great pleasure. This chair has a high and wide back, soft sides and a spacious deep seat.

It should be taken into account that the upholstery of the chair should be pleasant to the touch, because... most often the child sits in a chair almost naked. Oilcloth and leatherette are, of course, easy to care for, but skin sticks to them, which is very unpleasant. On the other hand, cotton fabrics get dirty easily, get wet and take quite a long time to dry after washing. The best option is smooth materials with a water-repellent coating that are easy to clean and do not cause discomfort. Separately, you can buy a hygienic cover for the high chair, which you simply put on the “original” cover, and then change it when it gets dirty.

Pay attention to the back. Thus, the adjustable back allows you to use the high chair as a cradle. This is especially important if the baby has not yet learned to sit. If your baby does not have the habit of falling asleep during feeding and he is already sitting quite confidently, then it is quite possible to do without this function.

The baby's legs should not hang down or be strongly bent at the knees. The height-adjustable footrest allows you to ensure the most optimal position for children's feet.

The presence of a tabletop on the chair makes it much more practical. Such a tabletop can be used not only as a stand for plates and cups, but also as a surface on which the child can draw, look at books, and play. In addition, it serves as additional insurance against accidental loss of the child.

Some chairs come with 2 tabletops. This is necessary so that, after feeding the baby, you can remove the first tabletop and wash it, and at that time the child can play on another, clean tabletop. Tabletops with recesses for utensils are available for sale, which provides additional convenience and stability. However, such countertops should only be used when feeding a baby.

If you are going to take a high chair to the country house or picnics, be sure to make sure that the model you choose can be folded conveniently and quickly. Try folding a chair yourself. This should be done simply and easily, otherwise there is simply no point in having this function. In addition, you need to make sure that there is a locking mechanism that will prevent accidental folding of the chair.

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Materials for modern children's high chairs

High chair assembly diagram.

All children's chairs can be divided into 2 main groups: wooden and plastic. Wooden models are classic and transformable, and plastic is used to make hinged, folding and booster chairs. The frames of some models are made of metal.

Wood is a material that, due to its natural origin, attractive appearance and wear resistance, is considered the most suitable for the production of children's furniture. When choosing a highchair for children, give preference to models made of hardwood (walnut, maple, beech), because it will last much longer. Opt for a water-based furniture finish, be it varnish or paint. Uncoated material should be smooth to the touch; no roughness or unevenness is allowed, because the child can scratch or splinter his finger.

Plastic furniture has an interesting and bright design, a variety of styles and shapes, therefore, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises (toxic fumes or a sharp “chemical” smell), you should not chase low prices and huge discounts. Focus on products from well-known manufacturers of children's products. Before purchasing a chair, be sure to read the quality certificate.

Metal inserts make the frame of the highchair stronger and more stable, although they noticeably make it heavier. The seat of the high chair can be upholstered with fabric or film. The first option is very easy to care for, but very uncomfortable for the child: in the summer it will be hot in such a high chair, and in the winter, especially if the room is not well heated, it will always be cold.

The fabric is much more difficult to wash when borscht and juice are spilled on it, but at the same time it makes the seat much more comfortable for the baby.

A more expensive option is genuine leather. These chairs often come with a special fabric bedding that can be used while sleeping or playing (if the furniture is designed for this).

How to find the optimal solution? Buy a high chair with a film seat or a replacement cover for it. Of course, it will cost a little more, but using such furniture will be much more convenient, because fabric “clothes” can always be removed and washed in a machine.

The baby grows very quickly, and finally the moment comes when he begins to sit independently and try food other than mother's milk or formula. It is during this period that you need to think about purchasing a high chair.

It is needed not only for the convenience of the baby and his parents, but also for safety. The baby begins to explore the world, therefore, while eating, he can easily steal plates and cups with hot foods and sharp cutlery from the table. It is very convenient to place the baby in a special chair during this time. In addition, these chairs are high enough so that a simpleton can be on the same level as adults. Having your own chair will also help discipline your child in the kitchen.

Types of chairs

The market for children's goods is replete with a variety of models of high chairs. When choosing, you have to study many characteristics.

All chairs can be divided into two groups:

• Transformers. These are very functional and practical devices. While the child is still small, it is enough to use the assembled chair. As the baby develops, the structure can be divided into a small table and chair so that the child can sit independently and do his own business, as well as eat.
• At the same time, there are ordinary high chairs that cannot be disassembled and can only be used as a children's chair. They cost an order of magnitude cheaper than the first type, but are less practical and will not last as long.

Key Features to Consider When Purchasing

When buying a high chair, you need to choose environmentally friendly and safe materials. You must also follow safety rules to avoid accidents.

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