Baby gear takes up a lot of room, so one of the positive aspects of your children growing up is that the amount and size of the items they need can shrink. One notable example of this is the transition from a high chair to a booster chair since a booster frees up space in your dining area. As with any product for kids, there are safety considerations to keep in mind when using a booster chair.
Function
A booster chair allows children to sit at the table with the rest of the family by elevating their small bodies so they can reach their meal without resorting to squatting or kneeling. Booster chairs work with an existing dining chair so they take up less room than a high chair.
Types
Some chairs are as simple as a plain bench, while others resemble a miniature armchair. Some models are very elaborate with removable and washable covers, padding, attached trays and adjustable legs so parents can change the elevation to suit their particular table. Most are made of plastic, though some models are offered in wood or foam.
Safety Features
Many chairs come with seat belts to secure children safely in the seat and prevent them from standing up in their chair. Some seats also feature non-skid bottoms to prevent them from slipping, while others incorporate straps that hold the chair snugly in place. You should use all safety features on the chair when in use to keep your child from falling, and you should help younger children into and out of the seat.
Considerations
Children cannot use a booster seat until they can sit up easily on their own because booster seats do not provide the sort of full, reclining support that high chairs do. Parents with young children should be cautious because kids who throw themselves backward or rock from side to side can dislodge the booster chair, resulting in a fall or injury. Avoid basic booster chairs unless your children are old enough to sit still at the table. Never leave children unattended when they are in a booster seat, and teach kids not to push back from the table with their hands or feet because it can cause the entire chair to tip backward.
Pros and Cons
Booster chairs work well for families with little space, and the nicer models can be used for babies who are self-feeding. Basic models are easily portable, and you can take them places like a movie theater where your child needs to sit higher.
Unless you use a protective cover for your chair, it may get stained with food spilled by your child. Basic booster seats without any safety features can be unstable, easily tipping over when your child moves, and they are not as stable as a high chair or regular dining chair.
