A Complete Guide to Feeding Your Baby in a High Chair (including Baby Led Weaning Tips)

1. When Can My Baby Start Using a High Chair?

Soft and squishy is only good for your baby’s cheeks not their mattress.  Check that the mattress is tested to the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 8811-1:2013 – Sleep Surface Test for Firmness) so you know that you reduce the risk of your baby suffocating or blocking their airways.

Most babies are ready to start solids and use a high chair at around 3-6 months of age — but it’s not just about age.

Your baby may be ready when they:

• Can sit upright with minimal support
• Have good head and neck control
• Show interest in food (reaching, watching, opening their mouth)

A supportive high chair helps your baby feel stable and secure, which is essential when introducing food. Many parents feel forced to start this stage early but take your time and watch your baby milestones, as every child is different.

2. Why Proper Posture Matters When Feeding Your Baby

One of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of feeding is your baby’s posture.

A well-supported seated position helps your baby:

• Focus on eating
• Stay comfortable during meals
• Feel stable and confident
• Reduces a chocking hazard

For optimal positioning, your baby should be:

• Sitting upright (not leaning back or slumping forward)
• Supported through their back
• Positioned close to the table or tray
• Able to rest their feet on a stable surface as they grow

Good posture supports safer feeding and creates a more positive mealtime experience, so don’t be tempted to use a high chair that leans your child back as this is not the optimal posture for feeding.

3. Why a Footrest is Essential in a High Chair

A footrest is one of the most important features of a well-designed high chair — and something many parents don’t realise they need.

Without foot support, babies can feel unstable, which may lead to:

• Increased wriggling
• Poor posture
• Less focus on eating

With proper foot support, children are more likely to:

• Sit comfortably for longer
• Feel secure and balanced
• Engage more confidently with food

This is especially important when introducing solids and encouraging self-feeding.

4. What is Baby Led Weaning?

Baby Led Weaning is an approach to introducing solids where babies feed themselves soft, appropriately prepared foods instead of being spoon-fed.

This approach encourages:

• Independence
• Motor skill development
• A positive relationship with food

To support baby led weaning, your baby needs:

• A stable, upright seated position
• A safe and supportive high chair
• The ability to sit comfortably at the table

Whether you choose baby led weaning, traditional spoon feeding, or a combination of both, the right high chair setup and cutlery num num spoons and cups plays an important role.

5. Should My Baby Use a Tray or Sit at the Table?

Both options can work well — it often comes down to your home and routine.

Using a tray:

• Convenient and easy to clean
• Creates a defined feeding space

Sitting at the table:

• Encourages social interaction
• Helps your baby learn by watching others

Not all high chairs are designed to allow both options so select carefully to ensure your highchair is designed in Australia for our dining tables.

6. Do I Need to Use a Harness?

Yes — especially in the early stages.

A harness helps:

• Keep your baby safely positioned
• Prevent standing or climbing
• Reduce the risk of falls

Even if your baby seems settled, using the harness provides an important layer of safety during mealtimes.

7. How Can I Support Safer Feeding?

While no product can eliminate risk, there are important steps you can take to support safer feeding:

• Ensure your baby is sitting upright and stable
• Always supervise your baby during meals
• Use a supportive high chair with proper positioning
• Avoid feeding when your baby is overly tired or distracted

Creating a calm, supported environment helps your baby focus on eating and exploring food safely.

8. Choosing the Right First Cutlery

As your baby begins exploring food, the right utensils can make a big difference in building confidence and coordination.

Traditional spoons are often difficult for babies to use independently. Modern weaning spoons are designed to support early self-feeding by allowing babies to grip, dip and bring food to their mouth more easily.

What to look for in a spoon:

• A flat head design that works from any angle
• Easy grip handles for little hands
• A shape that supports early self-feeding without needing scooping skills

These types of spoons help reduce frustration and encourage babies to actively participate in mealtimes.

For a range of options see [Cups, bottles and utensils]

9. Supporting Independent Drinking

Learning to drink is another important milestone during the feeding journey.

Transitioning from bottles to cups can take time, and a well-designed training cup can support this process by helping babies learn to sip independently while reducing spills.

What to look for in a sippy cup:

• Easy-to-hold dual handles
• A controlled flow to help reduce spills
• A design that encourages independent drinking

Like self-feeding, learning to drink is a gradual process — and the right tools can help make it more manageable for both parents and babies.

For a range of options see [Cups, bottles and utensils]

10. How Long Should My Baby Sit in a High Chair?

High chairs are designed for mealtimes — not extended sitting.

It’s best to:

• Use the high chair during meals and snacks
• Avoid using it as a general seat for long periods

This helps support your baby’s development and keeps mealtimes positive.

11. What Should I Look for in a High Chair?

When choosing a high chair, look for features that support both safety and development:

• Stable, sturdy construction
• An adjustable tray to bring meals closer
• A supportive footrest
• Upright, ergonomic seating
• Adjustability that does not require tools
• Secure harness system
• Easy-to-clean surfaces
• Adjustable design that grows with your child

A well-designed high chair can support your child from their first tastes through to toddler independence and beyond.

12. What Should I Avoid in a High Chair?

• A high chair that lays back or leans back
• A high chair with no adjustable footrest
• A plastic high chair
• A high chair with lots of crevasses
• A high chair with wheels
• A low high chair
• A high chair that does not position your child too low or high on the dinner table
• A high chair that has no anti tip features (skinny pronged legs)

13. Making Mealtimes Easier (and More Enjoyable)

Feeding your baby is about more than just nutrition — it’s about connection, learning and shared moments.

With the right setup, your baby can:

• Feel confident exploring new foods
• Join in family mealtimes
• Develop independence over time

And for parents, a thoughtfully designed high chair can make everyday routines simpler, safer and more enjoyable – even with the mess!