Toddlers and Highchairs

**1492** · 01-07-2011 14:17

At what age did your toddler stop using their high chair? DS1 has just turned two and likes sitting on mum and dad's chairs yet likes to climb on and off for the fun of it and drives me crazy every time I try to have him on one at a meal time. I need to have him out of it within the next 6mths to make way for DS2 who's 4mths now. Any tips?

**bubbleandme** · 01-07-2011 14:23

The day DS turned two he simply asked me to take his booster off his chair (didn't have an actual high chair as there wasn't enough space). So I probably don't have any great tips, but what about using a cushion on a special chair for him? And that way he has to stay on the cushion or there's a concequence. Plus, the cushion will boost him up a bit, which can make it more comfortable for them.
We've had a few issues with toddlers running around at dinner, but being firm and fair with them as to what we expect of them seems to be working.

**just her chameleon** · 01-07-2011 14:24

DD is 3 in September and still uses her high chair. Most tables are pretty high for a little kid to eat comfortably (ie without arms extended to the max!) DDs chin is in line with our table lol

Have you looked at the booster seats? They attach to an ordinary chair making them sit higher

**Hulahoop** · 01-07-2011 15:04

We have a little table and chairs set that DD (20 months) has her breakfast and lunch at, but dinner is always in her highchair so that we eat dinner together as a family. Could be a good transition arrangement? In saying that - if DH is home for breakfast we all end up at the little table with our knees around our ears! She just accepts that dinner is at the big table in her highchair.

She does wander a little bit from the little table but I find that's a signal that she's finished or lost interest. We have the TV on at dinner time (not kids programs) but no kids TV at breakfast or she will focus on that instead of eating.

I'd suggest a booster seat like in a car? Perhaps dress it up with stickers of his favourite animal or something to make it fun?

Good luck.

**themissingpiece** · 01-07-2011 17:50

When my DD was almost two we bought her a kiddy chair from ikea. It's the best move we made! It is just a white wooden chair which is higher and narrower than an adult chair. She absolutely thought she was a little lady sitting up in it and we will be able to use it til she is 8, maybe longer.
So when her brother started climbing up on it for his dinner at 15 months we bought him one too! He also loves it. And it's cute cos they have matching chairs

**RmumR** · 01-07-2011 17:54

DD1 is almost 4 and uses our old portable highchair as a booster seat at tbe dining table.
maybe that would be an option for you a portable highchair without the tray on attached (strapped) onto a normal chair. you can choose keep the straps on if you need to restrain him.

**RoseKathleen** · 01-07-2011 21:17

DS was 27 months when DD was born and he REFUSED to give up his highchair. Luckily I had another second-hand highchair I had purchased for my niece to use (she is a couple of months younger than DS).

In the end I forced DS to give up his highchair at 3.5 years old. I packed it up and put it in the shed. He has a little table & chairs for breakfast and lunch, and sits on his knees on a big chair at the table for dinner.