High Chairs

High chairs can be really helpful. They give children a safe place to try new foods and learn how to feed themselves. They can also make clean up easier for parents!

As helpful as they are, high chairs do come with some safety risks. There are a lot of different styles to choose from, and it’s important to keep safety in mind when choosing one for your child.

What to look for in a safe high chair…

• A wide base.
  So it won’t tip over easily.
• Sturdy straps that are easy to use.
  Safe high chairs should always have one strap that goes across the waist and one that runs between the legs.
• Locking wheels.
  Even if it has only 2 rear wheels, if your high chair can roll, you should be able to lock any wheels so it won’t move when your baby is in it.

Safe high chair use…

• ALWAYS use all safety straps. Buckle the straps as soon as your child is in the chair and unbuckle the straps only when it’s time to take him out.
• Remember the tray is not a safety strap. The feeding tray will not prevent children from climbing out or sliding down.
• Check the locks. Be sure that the locking device is locked each time you set up the chair.
• Stay near and supervise. Don’t stray too far from the high chair.
• Prevent tip over. Keep the high chair far enough away from a table, counter, or wall so your child can’t use them to push off.
• High chairs aren’t toys. Don’t let children play around the high chair or climb into it without help.
• No standing. Never let a child stand up in a high chair.

Q & A
Q: My baby has started to be able to pull herself up on things and cruise around our living areas. She has a lot of fun moving on her own, but I worry about her safety. What are some important things to childproof at this stage?

A: Once your baby starts cruising, she will probably find danger zones that you never even knew about.

To keep your cruising baby safe, look for:

Dangling cords
Use cord spools to wind them, or tie them up so she can’t reach. Electrical outlets
Cover any outlets with outlet covers.
Furniture that can move or be pulled over
Make sure furniture like bookcases are dressers are secured to the wall.
Tablecloths
Secure them whenever they are under hot or heavy items.
Stairs
Use gates in any doorway leading to a stairway. 
Sharp corners
You can use cushioned edge protectors.
Garbage
Most garbage items are unsafe for small children. Make sure garbage cans are stored in locked cabinets or have child-resistant covers.

Be prepared!

Make a well-stocked first-aid kit and keep it nearby. Having first-aid supplies together ahead of time can help you in case of an emergency. You can purchase first-aid kits at most drugstores, but many parents choose to make their own.

To make your own first aid kit…

• Choose a container that’s big enough to fi t all the supplies you need.
• First-aid kits should be easy to carry and open.
• Plastic boxes that usually store art supplies are great for first-aid kits since they are lightweight and have handles. You can also use an old lunch box or tote bag.
• Common things to include in a first-aid kit: an emergency first-aid guide, Band-Aids, tweezers, and emergency phone numbers, the Poison Control Center, your child’s doctor, and a nurse helpline.