Use a distraction
Many parents have successfully used distractions to help get their child to sit still. Some have used the television, others have tried books, and some have used the toys that come with the high chair. Parents may be wary of using this method because they …show more content…
Babies tend to be more receptive when you put them in a booster seat on a chair and pull them to the dinner table where everyone else is sitting. You might consider purchasing a booster seat if you think your baby is ready to graduate from their high chair. If you’re starting fresh, you might want to consider the option of buying a high chair that is ALSO a booster seat. Some high chairs are 2-in-1 products so that babies can grow with their high chairs.
Eat with your baby
Don’t let your baby eat first. Instead, prepare your meal so that you can eat together. If you let your baby eat first and he or she notices that you’re busy walking around doing other things, he or she will want to join you. You become the distraction of their meal. Rotate between feeding yourself and your baby. You will both learn to enjoy a meal together.
Be …show more content…
Keep a strict pattern. If your baby is not eating and fussing around, remove the food and just let your baby sit on the high chair. Don’t do anything until they stop fussing around, and explain to them that they will need to eat their food if they want to get off, and that they can’t get off until they have eaten their food. Once they’ve stopped, give them their food back. At first, your baby will not respond well to this, but if you keep doing the same thing, eventually they will understand your rules. Do not try different things, like picking your baby up, giving them a toy, or moving them around. Let your baby understand a set of simple rules and follow it through.
Timing is everything
Don’t keep your baby in the high chair for too long. Most babies don’t have a large attention, so I personally keep a 15-minute rule. I will make sure to put my baby on a high chair only once I have prepared the meal and he will take about 15 minutes to eat. Before he or she eats, I will try my best not to put them in a high chair at least 2 hours before so he doesn’t feel like he’s always in a high chair. If he munches on a snack, I will make sure to do it at least 2 hours beforehand.