How to Use the Highchair Safely
A highchair may seem like the perfect place to hold your toddler or toddler while you eat or try to cook dinner in the kitchen. Throw a few Cheerios on the tray and everyone is happy. But the highchair is also one of those things that parents of toddlers use so often that your safety precautions can weaken over time.
As US News & World Report reports that high chair-related injuries (mainly falls) are on the rise, it might be worth taking a short course on high chair safety.
Most of these injuries occur when the child gets up while trying to get out of the chair. The resulting injuries to the head, neck, and face can range from cuts to concussions.
To avoid falls and injury, follow these guidelines, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics :
Check the stability of the chair
The chair should not wobble or tip over easily.
Check the lock
If your highchair folds down, it will need to be locked in place each time it is opened (you should hear and feel the lock click). If the chair has wheels, make sure they are locked.
Use seat belts
It is important. Children cannot be trusted to sit without restrictions, even for a short period of time. Use a three- or five-point harness with a crotch strap that prevents your child from slipping and falling.
Keep the chair away from the table
Also a counter, wall or any other furniture. If their legs can get some kind of leverage, they can push or kick a chair. Also, keep sharp objects, tablecloths, dishes, plates, hot foods and liquids out of their reach.
Don’t leave them alone
Children should always be supervised while in their highchair to make sure they are not trying to escape and so that siblings do not try to climb on top of it, which could also cause it to tip over.
High chairs that attach to tables are not as safe as freestanding chairs.
However, if you use it in a restaurant or when traveling, get one that is fixed to the table. The table must be heavy enough to support the child’s weight without toppling over, and the child’s feet must not touch the table support. Any pushing with your feet can move the seat off the table.
When you buy a highchair, look for one that carries the JPMA (Baby Products Association) certification stamp. You can check if your highchair has been recalled by searching restarts.gov .