Between bottle-feeding and breast-feeding, parents quickly become exhausted. Switching to a highchair is soon a relief, as our little one will finally be able to taste new flavours and diversify his diet.
But how do you choose? Are some models of highchair really more practical or comfortable than others?
Tip no. 1: a high chair that complies with standards
There are lots of more or less fanciful baby highchair models on the internet. Before giving in to the temptation of that wooden model you've fallen in love with in the colours of your curtains, check 2 essential points:
- Vendor reliability: beware of drop shipping!
- EN14988": highchair standard, to ensure baby's safety
In France, legislation is particularly strict to avoid any risk of falling. An EN14988-compliant baby chair has a minimum of 3 attachment points for the bottom and 5 for the top, a safety harness and a backrest high enough for a child up to 2 years old (over 35cm)..
If in doubt, rely on the opinions of other customers. Parents are particularly quick to point out any problems they have encountered with their highchair swing or pushchair. A highchair model with 5 stars is bound to be a good option.
Tip 2: Choose a practical model
The baby high chair is a very practical 3-in-1 model. Part highchair, part bouncer and part swing, this type of baby highchair has often freed me up for a few precious minutes before and after mealtimes, just long enough to pour myself a yoghurt or do the washing-up.
The gentle movement of the swing helps baby to digest properly. This model of highchair swing, for example, goes even further with a cry sensor to automatically rock baby as soon as he needs it.
Tip no. 3: a highchair that's easy to clean and store is even better!
It may seem terribly mundane, but becoming a parent also means accepting that no plate of peas will be finished without finding some under the carpet.
Spending hours cleaning your highchair makes no sense when you've already got to deal with all the little hassles and good times of everyday life. So opt for a wooden or plastic model without too much embossing, with a detachable tray cover or removable, machine-washable chair cushion.
If the dining room is small or baby often eats in the kitchen, you can opt for a foldable plastic high chair, which is often much lighter than wooden models. If it's very light, you can even screw a coat hook to the wall or slide the highchair next to the bookcase.
Tip no. 4: Go for the long haul with a progressive high chair
It's easy to forget that baby is growing up. Buying a new wardrobe for each new season will require a substantial budget.
So it's best to plan ahead when buying furniture and choose a high chair that can grow with your baby.
I know, you'll thank me later ????
If you prefer to buy a non-evolving highchair, here's how to choose the right seat for each age group:
- Highchair for newborns: with a flat reclining backrest or a bouncer, baby stays safely on his back for his bottle feeding
- High chair for babies aged 4 to 6 months: the seat reclines slightly to help digestion and maintain eye contact while baby drops his applesauce on the cat (a pleasure, we tell you!)
Children's chair at around 8 to 9 months: baby is in a sitting position and can now eat at the table with his parents and try new dishes.
For children who have blown out their first candle and already want to eat like a grown-up, without the harness of a baby chair, a booster seat can be installed on an adult chair, as long as the seat belt is always fastened securely.
Tip 5: Order before the birth
As with all childcare furniture and accessories, it's best to prepare everything before baby arrives.
Installing a highchair in your living room or kitchen may mean moving some of the furniture around, or even making you want to redecorate a little. Once baby arrives, you won't have a minute to yourself, so make the most of the moment!