In the beginning, it may not seem super necessary to have a high chair. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feeding baby real food may be the furthest thing from your mind. Don’t completely forget about this milestone though because it will be here before you know it! Meaning now is the time to do your research and find the best non-toxic hair chairs to make mealtime with baby easy and safe.
First, let’s dive into some important information regarding feeding baby.
When do I need a high chair for baby?
You will most likely need to have a high chair once your baby starts eating solid foods. This could possibly be anywhere between 4-6 months of age depending on what your pediatrician recommends based on baby’s development.
Just a few of the developmental factors your pediatrician looks out for during your visits to decide baby’s readiness for solid food includes:
- If baby can sit up unsupported with good head control
- If baby expresses any interest in food when you are eating
- If baby has started developing the pincer grip (a developmental reflex where they hold items between their thumb and index finger).
If you are ready to purchase a high chair, there are some important things to avoid and include to make baby’s eating experience happy and healthy!
What to look for in non-toxic high chairs
Safe materials
First and foremost, we all know the dangers plastic can have when it comes to the ingredients used to make it. There are so many baby products out there made of plastic making it crucial to learn some fundamental information regarding plastic and babies. The following are things to look out for in all plastic products but especially non-toxic high chairs!
You will want to look for high chairs that do not contain:
- Polyurethane foam
- Phthalates
- PVC
- BPA
- VOCs
Avoiding all of these chemicals and ingredients in any product is completely necessary for baby’s health. Though, it is even more so when it comes to baby’s high chair because both baby and their foods will be exposed to these chemicals.
Safety
Making sure the high chair you purchase is stable is beyond important! In the beginning, your little one may not move around that much. As time goes on though, you will find your little munchkin being to most wiggly creature around.
High chairs are known tipping hazards so making sure the one you buy is stable for baby is an absolute must. Finding a high chair that also has a five-point harness is a bonus! That way, you can secure your wiggle worm in place as they eat.
Easy to clean
Now, this is definitely something to look out for that doesn’t necessarily impact the safety of baby but it for sure helps mom and dad out!
First, look at the material of the high chair seat. Some chairs have fabric seats while others have a more plastic material. The fabric seats are made to easily be thrown into the wash. However, you will quickly find that you don’t want to wash it as often as it needs to be washed. The plastic seats were made to easily wipe off between mealtimes and are highly suggested!
Some high chairs don’t even come with a separate seat and these are the non-toxic high chairs that every new parent needs! It is the most minimal chair out there and the easiest to clean.
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Grows with your child
Finally, one of the most convenient aspects of some high chairs is that they grow with your little one. We all know that kids grow like weeds! Some non-toxic high chairs are convertible and can be used for years ensuring the most use.
This is perfect for those toddlers that are just not ready yet to transition to the kitchen table.
The Best Non-Toxic High Chairs
BABYBJORN High Chair
The BABYBJORN high chair is the chair of dreams for many parents. With the crazy amount of baby products you find yourself with now that you are a parent, it can all be quite overwhelming. The BABYBJORN is specifically made for compact spaces and completely BPA-, cadmium-, lead-, phthalate-, and bromine-free.
This chair is made of steel and plastic coming pre-assembled. Again, making life so easy for parents! We simply cannot ask for more.
Except, there is more.
The chair can also be folded up eliminating the overwhelm of yet another baby product at times when it is not needed.
Stokke Tripp Trapp
The Tipp Trapp high chair is made of solid beechwood and water-based paints. It is one of the non-toxic high chairs made entirely BPA- and phthalate-free!
This amazing high chair comes in 14 different colors making it easy to match any kitchen or dining room theme. Since this chair grows with your little one, all accessories are sold separately making it possible to only buy items you need at the time. These may include the separate tray, cushion, or baby seating set.
This chair is on the more expensive side of non-toxic high chairs. Though, you can rest assured knowing you will have this high chair for years to come as it is very durable.
Keekaroo Height Right High Chair
If you are looking for non-toxic high chairs similar to the Tripp Trapp since it is slightly out of your price range, the Keekaroo may be right up your alley! It is an adjustable wooden high chair coming three different color options.
The Keekaroo also comes with the option of a foam cushion for you little baby’s bum. We would recommend looking into this foam cushion further however since it may be made of materials not deemed safe or healthy for baby.
Though, if you find baby is needing a little extra cushion during mealtime, looking into the seat may be worth it!
Eat Easy!
Mealtime should never be a time of stress. In fact, it should be the exact opposite. Baby should explore the world of food with the different colors and textures it brings. This starts by parents giving them this type of environment!
Start thinking about the benefits of mealtime now and research which of these non-toxic high chairs is best for your household.
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