Feeding times can be demanding and messy, especially when your baby is starting to move a lot more.

That’s why a high chair makes it to our top 5 essential item list. Not only because the right high chair can make mealtimes less of a struggle, but the life span of high chairs is also generally longer than other baby products.

The next big question is… when is your baby ready to sit on a high chair?

But before moving on, safety first! Here are high chair safety precautions all parents need to know.

Combi JOY Parenting Station High Chair

Baby High Chair Safety Tips

What to look out for
Construction Check the different parts of the high chair and feel the materials used. Is it a rough or smooth finish? Play around with the moving parts to spot any lose, exposed or detachable bits.
Stability The high chair should be sturdy to carry the weight of a child. Test by pushing on the seat and backrest. Rock the high chair and move it around. Does the high chair feel like it can be toppled easily?
Five-point safety harness Does the safety harness comes with shoulders, waist and crotch straps? The harness should also be non-removable or not easily removed from the high chair.
Seat Support Ensure that there is sufficient back and side support in the seat. A reclining seat is useful for seating an infant. Do check that its well-padded.
Ease of Use Is operating the chair user-friendly and easy to perform? Test the functions of the high chair such as folding and unfolding, adjusting and locking the seat heights. Feel the weight of it. The high chair should be sturdy but not super heavy.
Danger-prone areas Get your fingers into the nooks and crannies. Look out for any small gaps.
Wheels Wheels are handy to have but they should come with brakes to prevent any sudden accidental movements.
Always be around This might sound obvious but no matter how safe or secure a high chair is, never leave your baby unattended.

 
The above is a general outline of safety tips and is not exhaustive. It is crucial to check with the relevant parties and do your research before making a choice.

Now, returning to the main question, how to tell if your baby is ready to sit on a high chair?

It depends.

High chairs are mainly used during meal times when babies are starting on solids. However, there are many different high chairs out there to cater to certain ages and uses.

There is no fixed rule on the perfect time to introduce a high chair to your baby. When to introduce a high chair depends on the type of high chair you are planning to buy and the age and development of your baby.

For example, the use of a reclining high chair is different from an upright high chair.

Upright High Chair vs Reclining Baby High Chair

The upright high chair is a raised chair that allows your baby to sit at your level. If your baby is sitting up well in an upright position and show stability, it’s a sign that you can slowly transition them into an upright high chair. If you are uncertain, please check with your baby’s doctor.

Reclining types of high chairs usually come with adjustable heights and positions to grow with your baby. Hence, the reclining high chair can be used when babies are as early as a few weeks old.

However, the recline position is only for your baby to take a nap or hang out in. The recline position is not safe and not meant for feeding your baby solid food.

Combi High Chair JOY Parenting Station

Still confused? We weigh the pros and cons of these two high chairs.

Upright Baby High Chair Reclining Baby High Chair
Function: A raised chair that allows baby to eat at your level. A multi-purpose chair that has adjustable positions and heights.
Pros:

Inexpensive and simpler to use.

Lightweight, easy to pick up and transport.

Multiple functions: Can be used in different ways when baby is older, e.g. for napping, diapering and feeding.

Built to last as it grows with your baby from infant to toddler, better value for money.
Cons: Baby must be able to sit upright first. Short life span, chair size can’t be adjusted, less flexibility. Might need more time to familiarise with different set ups.
Cost: $ – $$ $$$

 
Choosing A High Chair For You And Your Family

How much help do you have at home? Are you the sole caregiver of your baby in the day? These are questions to ponder before buying a high chair.

If you have little help at home, it may be wise to invest in one that has multiple functions early on. The Combi high chair, also known as JOY parenting station fits the bill.

A ‘mini-station’ for parents equipped with 4-in-1 multipurpose use, its innovative design allows you to watch your baby play happily in their high chair while you go about doing your daily chores.

Combi high chair is packed with a list of smart and thoughtful functions.

Putting the JOY in Parenting: Combi High Chair Top 12 Features

Combi JOY Parenting Station Baby High Chair

  1. Multifunctional, use Combi high chair as baby’s day bed, diaper change table, swinging bed, play chair or high chair
  2. Help baby to sleep with Combi Manual Swing, clinically designed to soothe baby to sleep
  3. Able to accommodate a taller child with the 5 adjustable seat heights (if you have an older kid, double win!)
  4. Smart simple usage, grooves to allow easy adjustments to the backrest, with a push of a button, locking it in place
  5. Able to grow with the baby with the 5 adjustable backrest angles and 3 adjustable food/activities tray
  6. One-touch 5-point seat belt ensures safety
  7. Box-shaped design makes baby feel safe
  8. Easy to wash and clean, reversible and machine washable seat cushion
  9. Silent rubber wheels that can be locked and don’t damage floors
  10. Easy storage, only 36 cm folded height
  11. Toy bar to keep infants curious and engaged
  12. Designed for newborn to approximate 4 years (can hold up to 18kg)

Finding The Best High Chair For Baby

There is no hard and fast rule when your baby is ready for a high chair. It all depends on your baby’s age, your needs, how much help you have at home, and your lifestyle. These will affect the kind of high chair you need.

As parents, our to-do list never seems to end. We are constantly multitasking and on the move, ensuring our babies’ needs are met. Things can get hectic and chaotic at times, but help is always there when you know where to look.

Combi: Your Extra Helping Hands

Combi Baby High Chair JOY Parenting Station

For over 60 years, Combi commits to be your helping hands from home to public spaces. The heart of caring and the attention to detail is in the blood of Combi’s culture.

No matter where you are when you need a hand, Combi is with you.

Where to find Combi high chair: Online at Lazada or Shopee.

For more information on Combi products, visit Combi Singapore Facebook or combi.com.sg.

Founded in 1957, Combi has been manufacturing baby products for over 60 years. Combi’s mission is to be your helping hands, assisting parents in bringing up their babies by developing and providing quality products and services.

This post is brought to you by Combi Singapore.

By Michelle Ang.

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