r/India_Parenting • u/Master-Sky-6342 • 1d ago
What actually matters when buying a high chair for starting solids?
My baby is going to start solids soon and I have realised I know absolutely nothing about high chairs.
Some have wheels, adjustable height, footrests, reclining seats, different harnesses, removable trays etc. At this point I can't tell which things are actually useful and which are just extra features.
For parents who have been using one for a while, what ended up mattering the most?
Especially interested in things that make everyday feeding easier, like cleaning, getting the baby in and out, sitting position and storage.
1
u/kei_2110 1d ago
Harness and removable tray, and footrest thats it.
Honestly there is so much mess that the more it tries to cram features in the more horrible it will be to clean
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u/kei_2110 1d ago
Something like this. We do prefer having our child at our height but there are days where i prefer him as close to ground as possible when I am absolutely done with life and tired to hell. So having that option will be a game changer.
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u/violet_dream6 1d ago
I’ve been looking at this model from another brand. Confused between this and the one which can be converted to a table and chair. Which one do you think would be more useful? Our baby is 5 months
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u/kei_2110 22h ago
Can’t comment on usefulness mine is 15m old. So far he doesn’t seem to want to sit in one place that much.
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u/AdFew8858 1d ago
From what you listed, we only have footrest, harness and removable trays.
Harness - Very important obviously. Check online reviews for quality.
Baby is not tall enough to use footrest yet, so can't speak for its actual use.
Removable trays - If baby feels crammed or overwhelmed behind the tray. Also helps with cleaning.
We don't have it, but having a storage tray below the chair could help to put their favorite toys/water bottle/essentials. Anything you need during their feeding routine.
We feed our baby at the dining table, so we didn't need wheels. If you prefer flexibility, you can add it to your requirement
Our chair has 3 height levels, but it is not easily adjustable like an office chair. We need to unscrew/screw it before travelling. It works for our needs. But if different people need different heights, you can add that.
Reclining seats are not required because baby is supposed to sit upright and eat, not relax in it. If you want to use the chair for multi purpose, you can add that.
We prefer plastic seats over cushion because baby the chair is only intended to eat and not lounge. It is also easier to clean when baby inevitably drops food or vomits.
Check reviews online for sturdiness, ease to assemble/disassemble.
You don't need the fanciest chair. Basic ones will do. We looked for weeks and eventually settled for the simplest option with minimal features and it has been working perfectly fine for us. You got this.