Parents typically start out paying close attention to high chair safety, but as their child grows and becomes more active, it's easier to become less cautious. It is important to remember that high chair-related injuries can happen at any moment, however, and often do. High chair safety should be practiced at all ages and every time a child uses his chair.
Injuries
As reported in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's booklet, "The Safe Nursery," thousands of children are taken to the emergency room every year with high chair-related injuries. The majority of injuries are caused by the high chair straps not being used and a child being left unsupervised. Left unstrapped, a child can slip down under the tray and become strangled on the strap or in between the tray and the seat. Children can also stand up in the seat and topple the chair over.
Straps
The Disney Family Parenting website suggests using a high chair that has a five-point harness. Most high chairs sold in stores today are equipped with this feature. The website also suggests checking the buckles to make sure they can't be easily undone. Families.com urges the use of straps every time a child is in a high chair. As tempting as it might be to use the tray instead, it is not designed to be used as a restraint. It is also important to readjust the straps as the baby grows.
Placement
"The Safe Nursery" booklet advises high chairs be kept far away from other surfaces (chairs, tables, counter tops). A child can push off from a chair or table and topple the high chair. Familes.com also warns against positioning your child too close to stoves, cords, shelves and blinds. The website also suggests placing the chair on a level surface. Disney Family Parenting encourages locking the high chair's wheels at each meal time.
Supervision
Never leave a child unsupervised while she is sitting in a high chair. A parent should never stray too far, especially if the child has shown the ability to unfasten the straps. A child also should never be allowed to play on the high chair or climb into it unassisted. Close observation of older siblings near the high chair is also advised. Other children should be kept from hanging on the chair or tray.
Quick Tips
Families.com urges parents to use a high chair that meets current safety standards. Avoid antique chairs, no matter how pretty they are. Today's manufacturers know much more about safety and are constantly making improvements to keep children safe.
Inspect the high chair regularly. Watch for loose screws, cracks in the plastic and a wobbly base.
Disney Family Parenting says to view meal time like drive time. Always buckle your child in.
