Toddlers are often seen mimicking the actions of the adults in their lives. They learn from the behaviors they see in the environments they are in. This is why there are toys that have been developed to enhance that childlike ability to copycat the adults in their youthful playtime activities. It is popular to see household items like vacuums, kitchen appliances and more that have been designed for a child's imaginative play. Along with toys, there are pieces of common household furniture that have also been adapted to the needs of a young child, and one such item is the common household chair.
Junior chairs, also called toddler chairs, are chairs that have been scaled down to size for safe use by a small child. They look like normal adult sized chairs, only smaller. Junior chairs are designed out of a variety of material and styles, but the main principle remains, which is to help a toddler-aged child feel comfortable in a seat that is made for them.
What to Look for
Standard junior chairs are made out wood, hard plastic and a combination of a hard plastic molded seat fastened to metal legs. They come in a variety of colors and even themes that incorporate fun familiar characters that your young toddler can identify with. Some junior chairs come as part of a set that also includes a child-sized table or desk component. Still, other junior chairs are designed to look like adult sized rocking chairs and recliners.
In choosing a junior chair, you will want to make sure to find one that is the right size for your child. The child's feet should touch the floor, but not necessarily do they have to rest flat on the floor. The chair should be sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of your child and should be manufacturer tested to withstand weight up to 120 lbs. and most junior chairs are designed for young children between the ages of 18 months and four years of age. The edges on a junior chair should be smooth and there should not be any uncapped protruding fastenings like screws.
Common Pitfalls
Some wooden junior chairs are coated with paint that may be toxic if ingested. Check consumer product recall lists to ensure the safety standards have been met for the specific junior chair you are planning to purchase. This may be difficult to do when buying second hand junior chairs or family heirlooms. A junior rocking chair or recliner might look like a cute item for your toddler, but rocking chairs can be unsteady and recliners are known to pinch little fingers.
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