Getting Your Seat At The Table-Why The Highchair You Choose Matters.
If you’re a new parent, choosing the right highchair for your child can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this blog post, we will explore just how vital seating is for successful meals and look at some of the different highchair features and benefits.
Why does seating and positioning matter?
When children are not positioned properly at their trunk head and neck they may have difficulty swallowing and be more likely to choke. When kids have a stable base of support in their big muscles (core, hips, trunk), they are better able to control their small muscles (fingers, hands, and mouth). It is important to position them in a chair that provides them with enough support so that they can focus on the most important task at the table- Eating!
Tiny Tastebuds Mealtime Seating Tips
1. Get your kids up at the dinner table with you.
After 14-16 months of age, ditch the highchair tray and give your child a seat at the family table! The proximity will help to incorporate them into the routine and enjoy the social benefits of eating together. They can watch how you and other family members model mealtime behaviors such as how you hold your fork, chew your food, and lift your cup.
2. Be sure your child has a solid surface for their feet.
Dangling legs and feet will leave your child feeling unbalanced and unstable. If the highchair your child is seated in does not have a footrest or a footplate, DIY it! You can use stacked up textbooks, a stool, or even another smaller chair under their feet
3. Follow the 90-90-90 rule of thumb.
This simple and easy rule is the basis for providing the best possible base of support for your child. Always look for 90-degree angles at your child’s elbows, hips, knees, and feet. Use supports such as cushions, yoga blocks, or books to achieve this whether it be under their sit bones or behind their backs.
4. Eliminate slipping and sliding.
Use Dycem mats under your child’s bottom or under their placements to prevent either themselves or their food from sliding around.
Tiny Tastebuds Approved
Infant Feeding Chairs: Birth-14 months
At this age, it is important to ensure proper support at the head. Start babies in a slightly reclined back position to fully support their head and neck. Once they are able to pull forward and begin reaching for a spoon, you can transition them to the 90-90-90 position as mentioned above.
Adjustable Wooden Chairs and Hook-on Chairs: After 14-16 months of age
Wooden chairs are adjustable, provide incredible support, and are easy to clean. They are an investment but can support your child as they grow for years to come.
Hook-on chairs work well for families who only have a tall kitchen table or island. It is important to provide a footrest with these chairs, and always place an adult chair underneath it for support. Look for a hook-on chair with a solid bottom, rather than a sling or cloth bottom.
