Portable High Chair

The portable high chair is one of today’s seemingly minor, yet extremely convenient inventions, especially for mothers on the go. Unlike the old high chairs, some of which were also semi-portable in the sense that the legs could be folded up, the new innovations in high chairs are lightweight, some can even be collapsed and packed away in bags. This makes it very ideal for families who have to eat out and can’t afford to leave their baby at home, and many restaurants do not have more than a couple of high chairs in stock. Now, all they have to do is hook the chair directly onto the dining table, and there is an instant and secure place just the right size for the child.

But is the portable high chair always secure? Moms and Dads might feel uneasy, seeing their baby suspended on a chair with nothing beneath to support it. With that in mind, here are a few tips and precautions to keep the little one safe and sound.
 
Before you buy a portable high chair, do a careful and thorough inspection.

1. First of all, test the fasteners or seat belts. Make sure that they are easy to put on, so that you are able to do it with one hand, keeping the other firmly on the child to support him. On the other hand, once it is completely fastened, make sure that it is not too easy to remove, or else it might come off with a little squirming or fiddling by the child. The best kinds of fasteners are the ones that come up between the legs and attach the waist belt. That way, the child is doubly protected from sliding out.

2. Test that the tray is easy enough to remove by an adult, but not by a child.

3. Inspect the chair for small parts that can be detached. Babies have the natural tendency to put anything small enough in their mouths. In this event, the child might swallow or choke on the object.

When you have found the right chair that suits your needs, select the right place at the table to place your child. Although the portable high chair is built for stability, you must always think of the worst case scenario. So before attaching the high chair to the dining table, make sure that the spot is safely away from table edges and other sharp or heavy objects. If it is possible to clear the area directly beneath it, then do.

If you have other young children old enough to walk, keep them away from the baby in the high chair. Children may lean on the tray or tug at the chair, or perhaps get carried away while playing with the baby that they end up loosening the hook that is holding the high chair.

These tips cannot ensure the baby’s security 100%, as there are always unexpected occurrences even in the most seemingly safe situation. Hopefully, though, they will be helpful in maintaining the baby’s well-being to the highest extent possible. Just in case, it is prudent to have an adult right beside the baby in the portable high chair all throughout the meal, and right within the baby’s reach. That way, whatever unforeseen circumstances may occur, someone will always be there to attend to the baby in time.

In case you are interested to purchase your own portable high chair, Amazon.com offers a wide array of them online. Three of the most highly recommended ones, with the best customer reviews, are the Regalo Easy Diner Portable Hook-On High Chair, the Chicco Caddy Hook On Chair, and the Inglesina Fast Table Chair.