The high chair is an essential childcare accessory. But before using it, the infant must be able to sit in a stable position. Generally, he develops this skill around six months, according to the Toulouse Rangueil Faculty of Medicine. Parents must respect their child’s pace and wait until he or she is ready.
Skills needed to sit in a high chair
For babies, sitting in a high chair is a first step towards independent feeding. But to achieve this, the infant must be able to hold his head up on his own, which requires good tone of the neck and neck muscles. He must also have good back muscle tone to be able to stand up straight. Before sitting in his high chair, baby goes through several essential stages:
- around 1 month: he begins to raise his head for a few moments when he is on his stomach;
- around 2 months: he keeps it upright for several seconds;
- around 3 months: he stands up better and better, without swinging his head;
- around 4 months: on his stomach, he manages to raise his head and chest by pushing on his arms.
However, it is important to remember that each child develops at their own pace.
Minimum age for placing baby in a high chair
To be able to thrive safely in a high chair, baby must have sufficiently toned muscles in the back, neck and neck. According to Pass’Santé Jeunes, these conditions are met between the age of 6 months and the age of 9 months. Baby can then sit with support without risking injury, falling or altering their proper development. Initially, however, it is subject to gravity given the weight of the head, and it tends to lean forward. He can use his hands to hold himself upright and should not stay in his high chair for too long. Little by little, baby becomes stronger and more confident. Generally, he manages to sit without support between 7 and 10 months.
How to help baby sit in their high chair?
Parents must absolutely refrain from placing baby in a high chair before 6 months. The ideal is to support him in his psychomotor development by following the principles of free motor skills. By letting baby move freely on a play mat or on a firm mattress, parents allow him to develop his muscle tone and balance. They can have toys to encourage him to move. It is essential to choose a high chair that meets standards, with adequate dimensions.
Sources
- Consultation at 4 months: psychomotor developmentFaculty of Medicine of Toulouse Rangueil, summary table of the child’s follow-up
- At what age does baby sit up?Youth Health Pass
- Living better with our child from pregnancy to two years, 2023National Institute of Public Health of Quebec
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