A baby high chair is very symbolic. It is an indicative of the importance given to the baby in the family, who is bestowed with love, care, attention and safety. The baby’s welfare is a parental obligation. It has to be cared round the clock, but more attention is given while feeding. Probably the high chair is designed to make the baby visible to the parents while engaged in other household activities. But the main purpose of the elevated seat is to facilitate easy feeding. If the baby is able to eat without the help of others, the high chair can be placed near the dining table which will ensure the parents that the baby is having food properly. The little one will also be able to enjoy the company of the elders.
The baby high chairs are available in many designs and colours. They are traditionally made of wood. But modern techniques have produced high chairs made of materials like steel, polymer, aluminium etc. Whatever the material, the piece should be safe. The chair should offer a comfortable seating, but the baby should not be able to slide down through the gap between the seat and the feeding tray. A safety belt should be provided to arrest the tendency to slide down. The baby should be able to recline in the seat during bottle feeding. A padded head rest is to be provided. The high chairs with wraparound tray will facilitate the child to sit comfortably while eating. The feeding tray should be washable. The whole unit may require daily washing to maintain it clean and hygienic. If the chair is provided with upholstery, the covers should be removable and washable.
Accommodating an active and vibrant baby and to make it remain in it for quite sometime is the purpose of high chair. The facility should have a wide base to maintain the equilibrium of the tall structure. It should be strong and sturdy in construction. The finish should be smooth without any sharp corners or protruding parts. Non-toxic paint or polish should be used. Remember, while eating, the baby may spill the food and usually it will try to collect the spilled food from the chair and put the same again into the mouth. Non-toxic paint is very relevant in this context.
The mechanism to adjust the seat height should be perfectly secured. Latches provided are to be safe and should not give way when the baby vigourously struggle in an attempt to come out of the unit. Seat at times fall to a lower position accidentally. Roller wheels are optional to facilitate easy movements without causing discomfort to the baby. Some models with footrest are also available.
A baby high chair is usable only for period during the early stages of the baby’s growth. As a short term facility, it is not necessary to spend too much money on it. For the same reason, the parents can go for a used one. Similarly the parents can give it to relatives or friends after their use.
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