Key takeaways: High chair injuries are often caused by falls when children climb or stand. Always use the full harness, including the crotch strap. Place the chair away from tables, counters, and walls your baby could push off. Choose a stable chair that meets current safety standards and check for recalls.
High chairs make mealtime easier, but they can cause injuries if not used safely.
Common Injuries
Research on nursery product injuries, including a 2017 study in Pediatrics by Gaw and colleagues, found that many injuries involve falls from products like high chairs. Head injuries are common.
Choosing a High Chair
- Meets current CPSC safety standards (look for JPMA certification).
- Stable, wide base.
- Five-point harness or a three-point harness with a crotch strap.
- Tray that locks securely.
- Check for recalls at CPSC.gov, especially for secondhand chairs.
Using It Safely
- Always use the harness, including the crotch strap. The tray isn’t a restraint.
- Never leave your baby alone in the high chair.
- Place the chair away from tables, counters, and walls that your baby could push against.
- Don’t let older children climb on or play with the high chair.
- Lock wheels if your chair has them.
- Make sure the tray locks in place.
Hook-On Chairs and Boosters
- Hook-on chairs: use only on sturdy tables; don’t use on glass tables, tablecloths, or table leaves. Check weight limits.
- Booster seats: strap securely to the chair and strap your child in.
Feeding Safety
- Seat your baby upright for meals.
- Supervise closely for choking.
- Avoid choking hazards.
The Bottom Line
Choose a stable, certified high chair, always use the full harness, and never leave your baby alone in it.
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Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. High chairs; recalls. https://www.cpsc.gov
- Gaw CE, Chounthirath T, Smith GA. Nursery product-related injuries treated in United States emergency departments. Pediatrics. 2017;139(4):e20162503.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. High chair safety. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
