A highchair is not a mandatory, but still a necessary attribute in a family where there is a six-month-old baby. At this age, in most cases, the child already knows how to sit on his own, it is interesting for him to observe the world around him from just such a situation. In addition, at this time the first feeding is started, and it is unsafe to feed a lying baby from a spoon. You can, of course, put him on his knees, but this is inconvenient for mom. It is much easier to purchase a special stool, which will greatly facilitate the process of introducing complementary foods and help the baby enter a new stage in his life.
The variety of highchairs offered by stores often causes confusion among parents - after all, your baby wants to buy only the best, but how to make the right choice when there are so many different options before your eyes?
What to look for when choosing?
Before you go shopping for a store or make an order on the Internet, you need to study the purpose, functionality of each of the presented samples, read the reviews of those who already use this model. After all, it may turn out that some functions are no longer relevant due to the age of the child, but some, on the contrary, are needed, but not all models have them. It is necessary to consider in which room it is planned to use a high child's chair, whether it will clutter up the space, interfere with the aisle, whether it will need to be folded, whether it will always stand in one place or will have to be moved from room to room.
Different types of chairs are presented in stores, which differ from each other in their design, purpose and functionality.
Transformers
Transformers are a practical, multifunctional type of children's furniture. They allow you to use the once purchased chair for a long time, adjusting it to the needs of a growing person. When assembled, it is first used as a highchair, then, as the child grows up, it becomes an ordinary children's high chair for a dining table and allows you to sit with adults, and then it is converted into a set of a table and an armchair. Often they are combined with swings, walkers or deck chairs.
The swing chair has two functions: feeding and motion sickness. There are models with a battery and a choice of rocking speed. Many children, but not all, love to ride on a swing, so this option is not suitable for every family. It happens that the set includes arcs that are attached to the legs, turning the chair into a rocking chair.
A high chair is suitable for children from birth, as the back can recline in a position suitable for the baby. In this model, the baby can be next to her mother, watch her while she does household chores, play with hanging toys.
In the classic version, the transformer consists of a high children's wooden chair, which then becomes a desk with a high chair.
There are models made of durable, safe plastic.
It can be used up to about five years of age, depending on the complexion of the child. At such a table it is convenient to eat, draw, play, sculpt from plasticine, learn letters and numbers.
Boosters
Boosters are a design that is fastened with straps to an ordinary, but very stable chair with a back. Suitable for small children who know how to sit well. But you can’t leave a baby in it unattended. It takes up minimal space and is easy to carry. Suitable for traveling and visiting guests.
Hanging chair
The seat is attached to the table with the help of fixing clamps and as a result a high children's chair for a table with a strong smooth wooden tabletop is obtained, another surface cannot be used. It is compact, suitable for small apartments. It’s probably not worth taking it on trips, since it’s not allowed to attach it to any table.
Folding highchair
A folding chair is common even despite the high cost. When folded, it takes up little space, so it is possible to use such a high chair for the kitchen or living room in small apartments.
In such models, the inclination of the back changes, sometimes it decomposes to a lying position. The countertop can recline or be completely removed, it is convenient to wash it. Height is adjustable to the required level. The footboard is installed in accordance with the growth of the child. If it is equipped with wheels, then it can be easily moved around the apartment and used not only for its intended purpose. Some models are equipped with a basket for toys, an arc can be attached to them, on which bright toys and rattles are hung.
Key Features
Safety comes first! When choosing any children's furniture, it is necessary to consider not only the appearance and functionality, but also such important characteristics as safety, stability and materials of which the furniture is made.
All fasteners must be reliable, so that a high child's chair does not fall apart under a sitting baby. Sharp edges, corners and protruding parts are not acceptable. Stability of the design gives a wide base.
Seat belts are usually adjustable in height and girth in order to hold the restless baby well and to prevent him from sliding down. It is desirable that they be five-point with a jumper between the legs and securely snap into place.
If there are wheels on the legs, then they should be well fixed, more convenient when there are four of them and each is fixed by a separate blocker.
Materials for production
Plastic, metal, wood - these are the main materials used in the production of children's furniture, including chairs. The sharp unpleasant odor emanating from the product, and the flimsy cranky design indicate low-quality materials. You can verify the safety of the materials from which all the components are made by examining the quality certificates. If they are not, then it is better not to risk it and choose another product of a trusted company.
Seat and back
The seat and backrest of high children's chairs, as a rule, are made of durable plastic or wood, and a cover is put on top. The most successful models are with removable covers that can be washed. Covers are fabric made of water-repellent material and glued. The main thing is to make it easy to care for them: wash, wipe with a wet cloth or wet towel after each meal and paint. The child will be comfortable in it if the back is comfortable, wide, high and can be adjusted in several positions.
Countertop
A worktop is commonly used for feeding, games, and creativity. Therefore, on it, in addition to dishes, paper, paints, as well as favorite toys should be placed. There are countertops with a recess under the glass and sides at the edges - this is extremely convenient. But even more practical is the option with a removable tray. A good countertop is adjustable, it can easily be pushed and moved, and also removed completely when it is not needed.
Footrest
The stand serves as a support for the legs so that they do not hang in the air, but are firmly fixed. It is desirable that it is height-adjustable and grows with the child. This is important for emerging posture.
Colors
The coloring of a high dining high chair can be the most diverse. Calm tones will help him blend harmoniously into the interior, dark ones will mask food stains, but bright, colorful drawings will not leave indifferent either children or parents.
Popular manufacturers
The most popular among buyers are the chairs of such foreign manufacturers as Chicco Polly, Peg-Perego, Cam, Happy Baby, Sweet Baby, Geuther, Bebe Confort. Russian manufacturers mainly produce wooden transformers. Such furniture factories as “Red Star” of Mozhga, “Gnome” of Bryansk, “Wilt” of Ryazan, Priozersky furniture woodworking plant have established themselves well. All domestic furniture is made of environmentally friendly wood and has quality certificates.
For parents, a highchair is an indispensable assistant when feeding a little fidget. And for a child, a high chair can become not only a place for eating, but also a whole entertainment center. He will help him explore the world around him, eat on his own, observe his parents, learn to behave at the table, looking at mom and dad.
This purchase will never be a waste of money, but will only delight the growing baby and its parents. Therefore, the choice of such an assistant must be approached with great responsibility and remember that a small person should be comfortable in a large chair.