When is too old to be in a high chair?

[Mum of girl, boy, boy]

My DD is 2 in June and I am not keen to move her out of her highchair just yet. It's a really safe place for her to be when eating. I have a young baby and often find that I might need to leave the room and I know she's strapped in and can't do too much other than get on and eat. She is happy in it but I recently shaw a programme where a little boy of 2 was told he was too old for a high chair and should be in a booster.

What do you lot reckon?

I can't see the problem for another couple of months at least.

Cheers

J

[ella&jack'smum]

Ella was in a booster seat at 15 mos. Jack is still in a highchair at 2!!!!! If I let him out he'd redecorate my dining room with his dinner!!!!! He eats on a normal chair at nursery, but I think he follows the crowd there - at home he'd be jumping round like a jackrabbit (no pun intended!).

I don't think there's an age where it's a really BAD thing (unless they aren't happy there, or are about to start school!!!)

[15milner]

i wasn't aware of there being an age recommendation for being out of a high chair.  Matthew (2yrs 3mths) is still in his.  Although in some ways I just consider it as a HIGH chair rather than a  high-chair (KWIM?) since it didn't have a tray attachment so he's always sat at the table.  To me, if he's on a booster (a) our one isn't as stable, so therefore not as comfortable. (b) it doesn't get him high enough to use cutlery properly etc - he's not tall enough, so depending on the table etc he's at eye height with the food  - not something i'd want to be.  I don't think that the ergonomics and body posture aspects are good. (c) I like somewhere that I can contain him for a wee while too!!


Alex

[Gabriel and Tristan's mommy]

My ds was in his high chair until he was about 2 1/2. And then in a booster until about 3 1/4.
He just did better in it because he couldn't squirm and get down and so he focused on the meal and ate great.
Even now that he is almost 4, he squirms and I have to remind him to sit still.
I'd keep her in it as long as you can!

[tylersmommy]

Tyler was in his high chair until 2 yrs 2 mo, and I would have kept him in there longer if I could. He saw his cousin (same age) eating at the table in a regular chair and refused to even sit in a booster after that. I don't think there's any age where they should move out of the high chair, unless there's a weight limit on it or something. I think the longer you can wait, the better...it's much easier to teach them how to eat at the table properly if they're older!

[matthewsmama]

I think if he likes it and you feel comfortable with it, you should leave him there as long as you want.  Its the same with moving out of a crib, when it is necesary, you do it, if not, dont worry about it untuil they are ready.  Christie

[jobi]

I think if he likes it and you feel comfortable with it, you should leave him there as long as you want. Its the same with moving out of a crib, when it is necesary, you do it, if not, dont worry about it untuil they are ready. Christie

Me thinks the same!!
Marc has only just started sitting at the table with us and he's 3, 4 in june!!

[Mum of girl, boy, boy]

oh I am glad. I feel much better about leaving her in it.

You know what it's like when mums start chatting as well.

If it's not who goes into the forward facing car seats first, it's who is the first to put them into a bed, if it's not that it's who drinks out of their cup first, then the bed and high chair. The list will go on and on.

Thanks again.

J

[jobi]

Lol!!! Mine have been the last to do everything!!!!!

[Deb_in_oz]

alex just started sitting at the table a couple of weeks ago (approx 31 months+ at the time) she loved her high chair and i waited until we went on a trip and when we returned i let her sit at he table and encouraged her to continue... i did all this because i hated her high chair (a very popular model that i cannot fathom why others love it - so messy with lots of nooks for collecting food  ) that was my only motivation for retiring it.

[CanadianMom]

My oldest two stayed in the high chair until the next one needed it, they absolutely refused to sit in a booster seat - (especially never at a restaurant (not that I get out much....) so they sat at the table on their knees.
Lisa

[Jaime]

at 34 months jaina has just recently decided she has wanted to sit at the table like a big girl.  i would've kept her there longer but she is doing quite well now that's she understands what kind of behavior is okay at the table.   

[alyssa1]

My lo does both.  We find that at dinner time he really likes his booster seat and likes to sit right at the table with us but in the morning it is more convienant to be in his highchair.  I think it depends on the child and what works for you.