A highchair is a necessary piece of furniture in a home with a small child. Such an acquisition is convenient, since the baby does not need to be constantly held in your arms. It is useful, since from a very early age the child's posture is formed, the baby learns to eat on its own. It is safe - modern models are equipped with everything you need to keep your baby healthy.
Taking into account the size of the kitchen, you can easily purchase a suitable stool: compact, medium-sized or large.
What is convenient and when to buy?
The purchase of this product can be carried out when the child has learned to take a sitting position. This usually happens at 6 months, but all babies develop in different ways, this event may come a little later.
From about six months, food is introduced into the children's menu, which is fed from a spoon (porridge, mashed potatoes). It is more convenient to do this when the baby is sitting in a special feeding chair. First, the child is fed, then gradually he gets used to holding a spoon and eating on his own.
Since the skill of self-eating has not yet been formed, half of the contents of the spoon will fall on nearby things. therefore it is important that the baby has a separate feeding area.
This kind of furniture is also useful in that it ensures the safety of the crumbs. The child is securely fixed in one place, and the mother can clean up the kitchen or cook at this time.
When the baby is a little older, the highchair can be moved to the dining table so that the child feels like a part of the adult community.
There are models of convertible chairs with different tabletop functions. In addition to eating, the child can draw, for example.
The highchair is usually used until the baby is 3-4 years old.
Classification
Models are classified into:
- Classic high chair. A tall, rather bulky wood chair. It does not have any additional devices, does not fold, is not regulated. It is used from 6 months to 3 years.
- Folding chair. The design is adjustable (you can choose the height), folds, so it is easy to store. Made of plastic and wood. It is used from 6 months to 3 years.
- Suspended construction. It does not have legs, it is attached to a large table with the help of special devices. It is used from 9 months to 3 years, but taking into account the weight of the child.
- Booster. This is a compact model. Attaches to a regular adult chair. The seat is convenient to store - it does not take up much space. It is used from 6 months to 3 years (up to 2, if body weight does not allow)
- Transformer. The highchair can be easily converted into a drawing area, desk, play table, etc. It is used from 6 months to 5 years.
Criterias of choice
When buying this piece of furniture, you need to focus on several parameters:
- Safety. The structure must be reliable, the fasteners must not protrude. Stool stability is essential; it is usually achieved with feet wide apart, which do not slide on the floor. It is necessary to have safety straps, footrests so that the baby has where to put his feet (to form posture). It is advisable to clarify when buying what materials were used in the manufacture.
- Position regulation. Since babies grow quickly, it should be possible to adjust the position of the height, backrest tilt and the presence of a removable footrest.
- Seat height. Should change as the child's growth changes.
- Backrest tilt. Especially important for half-year-olds. When they are not yet fully able to sit upright, the "reclining" position is chosen.
- Step. Needed for the correct formation of posture. It is necessary that the baby rests his feet on something. But with age, it will need to be removed.
- Dimensions. Small kitchens require compact furniture. It is desirable that the chair does not take up much space, folds quickly and is easy to transport. This is a versatile option.
- Appearance. Convenience and safety are certainly the most important criteria, but the design of the structure should delight you. Choose colors that are not too bright, not irritating to the eyes of the child.
Materials
It is very important to check the quality of the materials if the model is made of plastic. The smell of the product should not be strong. The opposite indicates that the materials contain toxic substances.
When it comes to upholstery, many parents prefer soft padding covered in eco-leather. It is convenient to wash this option from dirt. If you choose a model with textiles, try to pay attention to non-staining fabrics. It is advisable to take care of the covers in advance.
The best models according to buyers
The following manufacturers are most often distinguished:
- Bertoni CANDY. Compact foldable model, easy to use. Equipped with safety straps, wide table top, easy-to-clean cover, footrest, stable base.
- Mima Moon. A practical, adjustable version with an attractive, original design. Stable, comfortable, easy to move, transformable. Can be used as a cradle, highchair and chair for preschool children. Allowable weight - 45 kg.
- Peg-Perego Siesta. Attractive Italian transformer model made of plastic with a removable table top, which is equipped with a mug holder. It folds easily, has seat belts, artificial leather covers, an adjustable footrest, and locking casters. The height and tilt of the back are adjustable.
- Chicco Polly 2-in-1. A classic highchair with a wide range of colors. This is a compact option, especially when folded. The table top is removable, there are safety straps, but they are not very comfortable. The height and tilt of the backrest can be adjusted, and it is possible to accommodate a child under 6 months of age thanks to the double insert (for the seat and for the head).
- Babies H-1... Mini booster chair. It attaches well to any chair, has a table top with a cup holder, is adjustable in height, and is easy to transport. The maximum allowable weight for a child is 15 kg.
- Chicco Hook on Chair 360... Compact hanging chair, attaches to any table except glass. Easy to wash. The baby can be rotated 360 degrees in the chair at the table. There is a small table.
How to choose?
If you need a model for all occasions, choose a transformer to transform the highchair into a place for reading, drawing, playing, etc. There are multitransformers that can be transformed into lullabies and swings.
If you are constantly on the move and take your baby with you, boosters or mounted models will do. They are very compact and easy to move around. The same goes for small kitchens.
The purchase of this product should be approached very responsibly, as well as everything related to children. It is better to double-check the reliability of the structure, safety of materials, equipment several times. And don't forget that your child should be comfortable.
For information on how to choose the right highchair, see the video.
