When Your Baby Is Ready to Use a High Chair

Every baby will be different, but most parents can expect that their little one will be ready to sit up in a high chair around 4 to 6 months—often closer to the 6-month mark.

Many parents are eager for this milestone because transitioning into a chair can free you up in the kitchen and at the table. It also lets your baby join family meals, which is beneficial for their social development.

To ensure the time is right, you can look for some key developmental milestones for before placing your baby in the high chair. Sitting up without support and starting to eat solid foods, for example, are good indicators that your baby is ready. Here's what you need to know.

When Can Your Baby Sit in a High Chair?

Once a baby can sit upright without support, they're developmentally ready to sit in a high chair. They should show fairly good stability and control when seated, with only a slight bobbing. The ability to hold their head up is also a must.

High chair manufacturers usually have an age recommendation for their products; most suggest waiting until a baby is 6 months old before using a high chair. That's a good starting point, but you'll want to make sure your baby is ready first. After all, each child develops at a different rate, and for safety reasons, you don't want to rush.

What About Reclining High Chairs?

If your baby isn't quite reaching these developmental milestones, but you still want to use a high chair, consider purchasing one with a reclining seat. They can be used in the upright position, so they're also useful as your baby grows.

Never feed your baby while they're in the reclining position; infants who need reclining aren't ready for solids, so this presents a choking hazard. Instead, many parents find the reclining position convenient as a resting place for their baby—maybe as they prep dinner or eat family meals. Once your little one can sit upright, you can set the chair to the upright position for feedings.

Getting Your Baby Started in a High Chair

Once your baby can sit upright, consider familiarizing them with the high chair. Taking the chair for a "test drive" can help them become more comfortable in their new little throne. Give them a plate, cup, and spoon to play with, and you'll have one less obstacle to overcome when it comes time to start solid foods.

Some babies love getting to be part of the social interaction during meals, so position the high chair so your baby can see you easily, but they can't reach anything on the table. They also shouldn't be able to kick the table with their legs, which could cause it to topple over.

Choosing a High Chair

Ready to find the best high chair for your family? Consider the following qualities, which can help you make the right choice for your lifestyle, space, and personal preference.

Cleaning: You probably won't want to completely take apart your high chair whenever you clean it. Look for high chairs with removable, washable covers. The ideal chair will also have minimal areas where crumbs and liquids can get trapped.

Durability: You'll want to be able to use the same high chair for at least two years, so make sure that it's built to last. A high chair should also be sturdy enough that it won't easily tip over.

Safety features: Well-secured safety straps will help prevent injuries, such as slipping down in the chair. A high chair with a five-point safety harness is the safest option. Ensure the chair doesn't have accessible areas where small fingers may get caught or pinched. If you're purchasing a secondhand high chair, check that it hasn't been recalled (though we don't recommend using a secondhand high chair for your little one).

Size: If need a high chair for small spaces, consider shopping for one that can be folded and stored when not in use. If you'll need to take your baby's high chair other places—like on vacation or to your babysitter's home—consider looking for travel high chairs that are easily transported.

Wheels: High chairs with wheels are convenient, but they come with additional safety considerations. The wheels should lock firmly in place when you're not using them.

Versatility: High chairs with features like a removable tray and seat height adjustments can more easily grow with your child, so you might want to consider options with these features,

After making your purchase, keep a record of the make and model number of your baby's high chair. It's also a good idea to register it with the company in case of a future manufacturer's recall.

Baby High Chair Safety Tips

As you move your little one into the high chair, keep a few important safety tips in mind.

• Always secure your baby into the high chair with the safety straps.
• Before every use, take a moment to look over the chair. Make sure everything's where it should be and that there's no damage to the chair.
• If your chair can fold, the locking mechanism should be securely in place before use.
• Check that the high chair is stable and can't be tipped over easily. Your baby can tip the chair over by kicking a nearby wall or piece of furniture.
• Keep the high chair close to you at all times. You should be able to see your baby from wherever you go.
• Never leave babies unattended in a high chair. Kids also shouldn't play with the high chair.

It's important for your child to feel comfortable in the high chair, but it's equally vital that anyone who will be supervising the baby during meals is familiar with how it works. Know how the chair folds, where the locking mechanism is located, how to secure the straps correctly, and how to remove the tray.