When it comes to introducing solids, creating a safe eating environment is the most important prevention tool you have against choking, and the high chair plays a crucial role in this. The right high chair helps keep your baby safely secured and positioned for eating, reducing risks and making mealtime more enjoyable for both of you. Choosing the right high chair is an important decision!
I also wanted to answer this question before I move onto a buying checklist and my top 3 recommendations. The question I am always asked is "should I strap my child in while eating or leave unstrapped so I can get them out quickly if they choke?”
Your child should always be properly strapped into their highchair. Falls from a highchair where the child is unsecured are common and can cause serious injury. That’s why it’s essential to choose a highchair with a 5-point harness for optimal safety. Also, ensure that the highchair is not within your baby's reach of anything dangerous. In the unlikely event that your baby begins choking, you can quickly undo the straps to perform choking treatment. However, the risk of a fall from being unsecured is a bigger concern, so always keep them safely strapped in.
High Chair Checklist
Here are the must-have safety features to consider when purchasing a high chair, listed in order of priority:
1. 🪑 Stability is Essential
Look for a wide, sturdy base to prevent tipping, especially as babies can get wiggly during meals.
2. 👶 5-Point Harness
A 5-point harness ensures your baby is securely strapped in at the shoulders, waist, and between the legs. This is essential to prevent falls or risky movements during meals.
3.🦶 Foot Support & the 90/90/90 Rule
Proper positioning is crucial for swallowing safety. Ensure your baby’s hips, knees, and ankles are all at a 90-degree angle to provide stability and reduce the risk of choking.
4. 🚫 No Gaps or Pinch Points
Check for any gaps in the high chair where your baby’s hands, feet, or fingers could get caught or pinched. Ensure foldable high chairs lock securely to prevent accidental folding.
5. 🔒 Non-toxic, Durable Materials
Choose high chairs made from non-toxic materials free of harmful chemicals. This ensures safety and makes them easier to clean, reducing bacteria buildup.
6. 🍽️ Tray at the Right Height
The tray should be positioned at chest height to prevent your baby from leaning too far forward or backward, helping avoid choking hazards.
7. ↕️ Height Adjustability and Portability
High chairs with adjustable height settings allow for better interaction during meals and can grow with your child. Portable options are great for travel but must still meet safety standards.
8. 🧽 Ease of Cleaning
Opt for a highchair with easy-to-remove, washable parts to prevent food buildup and ensure hygiene.
9.🚶 Minimise Tripping Hazards for Parents
Ensure the high chair is positioned in a way that minimises the risk of parents tripping over legs or base parts. This keeps everyone safe in the kitchen and during mealtimes.
10. ✔️ Certification and Standards
Make sure your highchair meets Australian/New Zealand safety standards (AS 4684:2022), ensuring it’s tested for stability, durability, and safety.
My Top 3 High Chair Recommendations
After considering all the key safety aspects, here are my top 3 high chair recommendations that meet the highest standards for safe eating:
- Bugaboo Giraffe – Offers excellent flexibility with an adjustable footrest, a 5-point harness, and non-toxic materials. This is what I use for Bambi. Originally, I didn't like how tight it was to clip her in, but after using for a while, I have gotten used to this and now love it! It’s safe and beautiful!
- Stokke Clikk – Lightweight, easy to clean, and equipped with a 5-point harness and stable base.
- Stokke Tripp Trapp – Known for its long-term use, stability, and adjustable seat and footrest options with an optional 5-point harness.
Our friends at The Memo have given Tiny Hearts parents an exclusive discount code for use on the Bugaboo Giraffe and Stokke Tripp Trapp - use TINYHEARTS10_
Introducing solids soon and worried about choking?
Make sure you're prepared to act when it matters most. The best course combo to gain this confidence is our SOLIDS course (just $35) and BABY AND CHILD FIRST AID course. We'll equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently save your little one. Add both to cart to get 15% off .
*The Memo discount code T's & C's:To be used online only. 1 x limit per customer. Not be used in conjunction with any other offers. 10% off Stokke Tripp Trapp & Bugaboo Giraffe. Discount offer is from 22nd October 2024 5pm AEST- 1st January 2025 11.59pm AEST.
