Highchair advisor
Childrens chairs
The ideal children’s chair should not only provide a safe place for your child to sit, but also be one in which they can sit comfortably whilst being able to move.
Our children are not meant to be seated in a chair for long periods of time. They become restless, uncomfortable and stiff.
Medical experts agree that our children’s physical development is supported by allowing them to move freely, and unrestricted from the boundaries of a chair. "If your child is seated for too long, this can even be harmful to the development of your child´s spine and back " (Johnson and Blascoe 1997, Casses, 1996).
As your child grows it is natural to allow your child to sit on a dining room chair or kitchen stool at mealtimes and relax on the sofa during the evening. But kitchen stools, chairs, and other furniture are typically designed with adults in mind and the correct support of your child´s back, development, and comfort are not necessarily met by these types of chairs.
Unlike a child, when we are seated our feet touch the floor. This "enables us to sit comfortably as well as shift our body weight whenever our backs or legs become stiff " (Hedge 2002).
Your child also needs to sit comfortably. But does your kitchen stool or sofa allow them to do so? Does your child´s feet dangle unsupported in mid-air or do they rest comfortably upon the floor?
Whilst the majority of children´s chairs are designed with safety in mind, sadly very few are really designed to provide the correct ergonomic support and comfort that your child requires.
Highchairs allow us to place our children in a chair where they can remain safely. Yet no child should ever be seated in any chair for too long, and when your child must be seated, it should be in a chair that not only provides safety and stabilty, but support, comfort, and the ability to adjust move freely. Only then can you be certain that the childrens' chair you have choosen is in the best interests of your child.
Sources/references:
Casses, Rochelle L. “Infant carriers and spinal stress.” www.continuum-concept.org
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Johnson C. and P. Blascoe. “Infant growth and development.” Pediatrics in Review, July 1997; Vol. 18, No. 7.
Casses, Rochelle L. “Infant carriers and spinal stress.” www.continuum-concept.org
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Johnson C. and P. Blascoe. “Infant growth and development.” Pediatrics in Review, July 1997; Vol. 18, No. 7.
Casses, Rochelle L. “Infant carriers and spinal stress.” www.continuum-concept.org
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Alan Hedge et al, "Effects of an adjustable chair footrest on toddler behavior." Cornell University (2004)
Johnson C. and P. Blascoe. “Infant growth and development.” Pediatrics in Review, July 1997; Vol. 18, No. 7.
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