How To Buy A Safe Highchair For Your Baby
Buying a highchair is a very important decision to make in regards to your baby’s safety. Every year hundreds of children are admitted into the Emergency Rooms for injuries from highchairs that are not safe and secure. When you are out shopping for a highchair, make sure it has a 3-point harness, which are the safety straps that go between the legs and around the waist. The child needs to be restrained to prevent him from standing or crawling out of the highchair. He should not be able to move around. And never rely on the tray to protect your child in the highchair.
As you are looking for your highchair, you want to look for one with a wide base; this will give it the stability needed to keep it from tipping. Check the straps to make sure there is a buckle that connects the waist with the crotch strap. Also, try it out a few times, make sure it is easy to use, or you may eventually become discouraged and stop using it. Look for a highchair that has a crotch post, this is a post that is between the legs. This is a great feature because it prevents your baby from sliding down and getting caught under the tray.
If you are buying a highchair from a second hand store or yard sale, make sure to check for all straps and attachments and that they all work properly. If their safety straps are missing, you may call the manufacturer for a replacement.
Here are some safety tips when using a highchair for your little one. Always use the safety harness; this is mandatory to keep your baby safe. Make sure that all the locking devices are secured every time you use it. Never leave your child alone and unattended. Never allow your child to stand up in the highchair; this is as bad habit and an accident happen without a moments notice. Place the highchair as far away from anything that your baby can push off of, such as a table, wall, counter or other surfaces his hands or feet can reach. Never let your children use the highchair as something to play with or climb on, and don’t allow bigger children to climb on the highchair when there is a baby in it, the chair will tip over. Always make sure the tray locks in position before you step away.