Highchair advisor

Features and functions of the highchair

There are many highchairs available today. Many come with a range of accessories and add-ons. Though the majority of these are promoted as beneficial, many detract from the highchair's design, functionality and purpose. When purchasing a highchair, there are several aspects to consider to ensure that the highchair you choose is the ideal chair for you and your child.

1. Toys
   A number of highchairs come with various toys and other distractions aimed at providing educational value for your child. Your child´s physical development is better encouraged outside the boundaries of the chair, through activities such as crawling, walking, running and playing. Although providing distractions for your child in the highchair may seem beneficial, your child should not be placed in a high chair for long periods of time. The use of a highchair is primarily for eating purposes.
   
   

2. Adjustability
   The ideal highchair should enable you to adjust its height so that your child can sit together beside you at the dinner table. Many highchairs provide limited or no adjustment features, which provide less interaction with you and others around the table. Adjustment in depth and a footrest add further comfort and maneuverability. A footrest allows your child to rest dangling feet and moving legs in order to change seating position and posture.
   
   

3. Tray
   Highchairs are often designed with a tray. As an adult sitting at the table to eat, you do not use a tray that is attached to your chair as it would distance you from the table. A tray also keeps your child away from the table, reducing interaction.
   
   
4. Wheels
   Many highchairs are equipped with wheels for added maneuvering and portability. Wheeled highchairs must be locked once your child is in it to ensure your child´s safety. Forgetting this or experiencing a failure in the locking mechanism represents a safety hazzard. A wheeled highchair is more likely to encourage your child or siblings to move the chair, even with a child in it.
   
   
5. Cushions
   Highchairs which are highly cushioned may restrict the normal flow of air around your child, creating perspiration and discomfort. Make sure your highchair, even when cushioned, provides ample space to promote natural movements and posture for your child.
   
   
6. Folding
   Some highchairs fold for easy storage, allowing you to take the chair away from the table. However, repeated folding and unfolding may be time consuming. Your highchair needs to be a high-quality product that can endure repeated folding.
   
   
7. Harness, rail, and safety
   The majority of highchairs are fitted with a harness and security rail. The harness and rail reduce the risk of climbing and falling out of the highchair. Look for a system that enables you to easily secure and release your child for daily use, as well as detach the harness and rail from the highchair when your child is old enough to enter and leave the chair on their own.
   
   

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