During the past twenty years, the standards that have been laid out for child safety equipment has been set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They have taken an active role in preventing child injuries and even death when it comes to consumer products that cater to children’s needs.
The following five tips are designed to help you better maintain your child’s safety if he is at the age where he needs to sit in a highchair:
- If you have a folding highchair, then be sure that the locking device is secure each time you set it up for your child.
- Ensure that you select a chair that has a wide base. This is to prevent the highchair from being tipped over if someone accidentally bumps against it.
- Do not allow your child to stand up in the highchair, for obvious reasons.
- Never forget to strap your child into the safety strap whenever he sits in the chair.
- Avoid placing the highchair anywhere near a counter or a table. He may be able to push against the counter just hard enough to tip the chair over.
What safety features should a highchair have to prevent tip-overs?
Look for a highchair with a wide, stable base — the wider the base, the harder it is to tip accidentally. If the chair has folding legs, confirm that the locking mechanism engages fully before placing your child in it. Never set the highchair next to a counter or table where your baby could push off and tip the chair over.
Should I always use the safety strap on a highchair?
Yes, every single time. The safety strap is one of the most important features on a highchair and should be fastened before your child is seated, without exception. A baby who slips, slides, or tries to stand can fall out of an unstrapped chair very quickly, even in a moment when you look away.
Is it safe to let my baby stand up in the highchair?
No. Standing in a highchair is one of the leading causes of highchair injuries. Children should always remain seated with the safety strap fastened. If your child is trying to stand, address it immediately — never leave a standing child in a highchair unattended.
What should I check on a folding highchair before each use?
Every time you unfold and set up a folding highchair, verify that the locking device is fully engaged before placing your child in it. Folding mechanisms can loosen over time, and a chair that is not properly locked can collapse unexpectedly. Make this a five-second habit — check the lock every single time before use.
About the author
Maya Bennett
Meet Maya Bennett Maya Bennett is a pregnancy and parenting writer and a mom of two. After navigating two very different pregnancies of her own — and years spent reading, researching, and trading stories with other expectant parents — she fell in love with helping families feel ready for what’s ahead. At More4Kids, Maya turns the big questions and quiet worries of pregnancy into warm, practical guidance, from the first positive test through the tender early days with a newborn. She believes every parent-to-be deserves clear answers and a little reassurance along the way.
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