About Baby High Chair Safety

A baby high chair is an essential piece of baby furniture in the modern home. From the time a baby is able to sit up, a high chair makes meals easier. When the time comes to buy a baby high chair, there are a wide variety of choices available. Choosing a baby high chair and starting to use it may seem overwhelming, but arming yourself with some knowledge about safety requirements will make the process easier and safer for both baby and parents.

Benefits

·  With baby safely strapped into a high chair, parents are free to cook, help other children and sit down to enjoy their own meals. Finger food can be placed on the high chair tray so babies can begin to feed themselves. Another advantage of a baby high chair is that it's usually made from plastic and vinyl and is easy to clean.

Safe Design

·  The design of a safe baby high chair should include legs that are far enough apart to eliminate the chance of tipping. If the legs are collapsible, there should be a locking device to keep the legs from unexpectedly closing. A high chair must have straps that wrap around the baby's waist and between the legs. Fasteners on the straps must be easy to use and secure. The tray on the high chair must securely lock into place.

Safety Features

·  When a baby high chair is purchased, the manufacturer's instructions should be read to determine how the chair should be set up and how to use the straps. Just like the seat belt in a car seat, the straps on a baby chair should always be used. Don't expect the food tray to keep the baby in the chair. The straps are needed to keep the baby from slipping out from under the tray.

Safe Use

·  Even the most conscientious parents can sometimes overlook hazards that are associated with common everyday items. A baby high chair that is not used correctly can pose safety risks. Make sure the chair is positioned away from furniture or a wall that the baby could push against to possibly tip over the chair. Don't let a toddler climb in or out of a high chair, because that could also cause the chair to tip. Most important, never leave a baby alone in a high chair.

Guidelines

·  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent agency of the federal government that works to protect consumers from the risk of injury or death when using products under its jurisdiction. CPCS works with high chair manufacturers to establish safety guidelines and to recall products that have been found to be unsafe. It's a good idea to research CPCS product recalls before deciding on a high chair to purchase. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is a national trade organization that includes manufacturers of baby and child products. The JPMA sponsors a certification program for baby high chairs and other baby products. Lists of certified high chairs can be found on the JPMA website.