How to Get Through High Chair Struggles 

The answer may be one adjustment away!

Sept. 8, 2022

Baby led weaning bib by Bibbrella

Many of us take for granted that all babies will naturally and calmly stay seated when placed into a high chair. But many parents with little ones know that simply isn’t the reality! Weaning is a highly individual experience and not one size–or chair–fits all. Wondering what to do about your babe’s resistance to high chairs? The answer may be one adjustment away!  

It’s All in the Details

Sometimes, a small fix could resolve the resistance to being in a high chair. Details such as an unreachable foot rest, a scratchy strap, or a confining tray can be all that needs to be adjusted to make things right. A couple of things to check as your child grows and develops preferences are:

• Width and comfort of the strap
• Height or lack of foot rest
• Nearness of tray
• Thickness of padding
• Placement of high chair

All of the above factors may not have been an issue when first using a high chair but can become uncomfortable as children grow. Plus, kids develop a sense of agency and independence as they mature that can make high chairs feel increasingly restrictive. 

Other reasons that a child may have difficulty staying put in a high chair are:

• Your child is full. Look for cues that your babe is satiated. They may start to look around and appear distracted or begin to act out because they’re bored with having to stay seated. Baby led weaning may be a helpful approach for those who want to give their children the reins when it comes to mealtimes. 
• The baby bib is uncomfortable. Just as with chairs, babies can outgrow their bib. Uncomfortable straps or ties aren’t just annoying, they can restrict movement and make eating challenging. Bibbrella’s full-length bibs are not only a great way to prevent messes, they’re also the perfect bib for offering the most versatility for situations such as these. With a slit that can accommodate high chairs or stay secured with a velcro, Bibbrella’s bibs offer the most coverage possible for any type of seating and are adjustable for growing kids! 
• Your child isn’t sure what to do. This can be especially true for young babies who may not know why they’re in a high chair and what they’re supposed to be doing. Eat together to model appropriate behaviors while seated in a chair and also to let them know that staying seated doesn’t mean they’ll be stuck somewhere alone.

Alternative Seating

For some babies, high chairs may simply not be their preferred type of seating. If using a wooden high chair, more padding might be an easy fix to any discomfort your little one might be experiencing. If making the seat more comfy doesn’t seem to do the trick, higher booster chairs or feeding seats may prove more successful.

For little ones who are able to sit and stand up on their own, a high chair can feel restrictive. Growing children may do better if they’re able to be a bit more independent. While the typical route goes from high chair to booster seat to full-sized chair, some kiddos may appreciate a kids table that mimics what the adults are using. Kid-sized tables and chairs offer a sense of ownership for those who are eager to eat independently but may not be big enough to sit in a regular chair yet. Just be sure to grab a full-coverage bib to help keep mealtime messes contained!