Every year, hundreds upon hundreds of children come to emergency rooms because of injuries involving high chairs. Unfortunately, some of these cases are fatal. Most of these injuries happen when restraint belts are not used and when children are not supervised. Deaths often occur when children fall under the tray and get strangled.
To prevent such incidents, high chairs should have a 3-point harness, straps that run between the legs and across the waist. When in high chairs, children should be held in place by the straps, and the tray must never be used as a sole means of restraint. Without the straps that run across the waist and in between the legs, children may find it easy to stand up on the chair and fall. It is also possible to slide below the tray and get trapped between the seat and the tray. The high chair can also tip when the child pushes from a wall or table, stands up on the chair, or rocks it a little too hard.
Fortunately, these are easily avoided by careful supervision and by choosing high-quality high chairs. Here are some tips.
What to consider when buying high chairs
Choose one with a wide base for stability.
Check the straps to make sure the waist strap comes with a buckle. A good buckle will not fasten until the straps from the crotch are also used.
Look for restraining straps that are simple to use, as you will be using them every time you use the high chair. If they are difficult to handle, you might be discouraged from using them.
Look into high chairs that have posts between the legs so as to prevent from any accidental slips and entrapment under the tray area.
Already have your high chair? Buying second-hand?
Be sure to check the straps and attachments to make sure they are still attached and working properly.
If you find that a high chair does not have the requisite safety straps, do not hesitate to call the manufacturer and ask for a replacement.
Safety tips
Always use the necessary restraint straps provided.
Make sure that all locking devices are secure every time you set it up.
Never allow your child to stand on his high chair.
Never leave a child unattended, especially if they have previously managed to undo the safety straps.
Position high chairs as far away enough as possible from any tables, walls, counters, or any other surface that a child can use to push off.
Never let a child play or climb a high chair unassisted.
Do not allow bigger children to climb a high chair when a baby is in. They could tip the chair over.
Checklist for high chairs
Crotch strap (straps that run between the legs)
Restraining straps independent from the tray
Tray locks in securely
Easy-to-use buckles and straps
Wide base
Effective locking devices
Small parts are securely in place and cannot be easily pulled off and choked on by a child.
B. Summoy writes consumer product reviews and provides advice and tips for smart shopping. She regularly writes interesting articles on baby products. Visit the Eddie Bauer High Chair Review site for a more detailed review of this particular brand of high chair.
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