Let’s Talk High Chairs — What Makes One Safe + Supportive?
A Real-World Guide to Posture, Positioning, and Peaceful Mealtimes
A cute chair is great. But a safe and supportive one? That’s where the real magic happens.
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High chair setup might not be the first thing you think of when starting solids — but it’s one of the most important.
Why? Because how your baby sits affects how they eat.
In this episode, we’re breaking down what to look for in a high chair (and how to tweak what you already have), so your baby can sit safely, eat more easily, and stay focused at the table.
Your baby’s posture matters — more than you think
Slouchy, dangling, or sliding in the seat? It’s not just uncomfortable — it makes eating harder and can increase gagging or frustration.
Here’s what you want instead:
Upright posture (not reclined)
90° angles at the hips, knees, and ankles
Feet fully supported — no swinging or dangling
Tray or table at chest height
Secure straps, ideally a 5-point harness
Good posture = safer swallowing, better motor control, and more peaceful meals.
Real-life example: small tweaks, big changes
One mom I worked with had the cutest chunky baby who kept sliding forward in his chair. We rolled up a towel behind his back, added a box under his feet, and that was it — feeding got smoother that very same day.
Sometimes all it takes is a little support (and a fresh set of eyes).
What to look for in a supportive high chair
Whether you’re shopping new or tweaking what you’ve got, here are the must-haves:
✅ Adjustable or DIY footrest
✅ Upright seat (no bucket-style recline)
✅ Tray or table at baby’s chest level
✅ Secure harness straps
✅ Easy to clean (trust me on this)
I personally love the Stokke Tripp Trapp — it grows with your baby, checks all the boxes, and is the one you’ll see in my course videos. But you don’t need to splurge to make it work.
In fact, some of the most expensive high chairs still don’t support proper posture — while a basic one can work beautifully with the right adjustments.
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Choosing a high chair based on looks or foldability alone
❌ Forgetting about foot support
❌ Using a reclined or bucket-style seat
❌ Skipping straps (babies love to wiggle!)
Function > aesthetics every time. And yes, ease of cleaning is a real concern — food will go everywhere.
You can modify what you already have
Not ready to buy something new? You don’t have to.
Try these quick fixes:
Rolled towel or blanket behind baby’s back
Yoga block, cardboard box, or footstool under their feet
Non-slip mat to stabilize wiggly seats
These simple tweaks can turn an “eh” setup into one that’s actually working for you — without a single purchase.
4 steps to a high chair that supports success
Check your baby’s angles. Look for upright posture and feet support.
Add support as needed. Towels and foot props go a long way.
Prioritize fit and function. Your baby’s comfort > chair design.
Upgrade if you want — but don’t stress if you can’t. You can make it work.
Ready to feel more confident about starting solids?
This episode kicks off a special daily podcast series (June 18–24), full of snack-sized tips to help you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared.
But the real game changer?
🎓 Orientation Day: BLW 101 — my free live class that walks you through everything you need to know before that first bite.
We’ll cover readiness signs, what to serve, how to introduce allergens, and how to start BLW without chaos. Plus: live Q&A and instant replay access if you can’t attend live.