Starting Solids— Seating
What makes a good high chair? As a feeding therapist, I look for chairs that offer adequate foot support and core support, and allow babies to engage in mealtimes with their families. As a mama, I want chairs to be durable, easy to clean, easy to move around and quick to get baby in/out. Here are chairs that meet these requirements on their own, or can easily check those boxes with a few adjustments.
For Home
Keekaroo Chair with Infant Insert
Stokke Trip Trapp
Adjusting your current chair
Do I need to buy a new chair if I already have one?
No! Check out this post by “Mommy and Me PT” on how to adapt your seating with towels, scarfs, and pillows. This is also helpful when eating places other than home. Proper support helps your little one put energy into learning to use the muscles of their mouth/lips/tongue/jaw without needed to work so hard on controlling their head/neck/trunk. Your supports do not need to be perfect, but they go a long way for improving safety and even intake!
On the go
I recommend the up seat over the bumbo because it is better for hip placement and development. The physical therapy clinic I work alongside has provided the code below for 10% off.
My baby needs more support
If your baby has specialized support/movement needs, work with your feeding therapist and physical therapist to individualize their seating. As they get older, specialized chairs like the Tomato chair or Rifton chairs may be good options. If your insurance plan offers developmental funds or covers medical devices, talk with your therapist about getting specialized seating covered (including the seating listed above).
