Mealtimes with a baby can be messy, unpredictable, and—let’s be honest—sometimes downright chaotic. While it might seem easier to quickly pop your little one on your lap for a feed, the reality often tells a different story. From flying spoons to sticky fingers and unexpected spills, lap feeding can turn a simple meal into a major clean-up operation. That’s where a high chair truly earns its place in the home.
Having a dedicated high chair isn’t just about mealtime routine—it’s about creating a safe, supportive, and more enjoyable experience for both babies and parents. Here’s why investing in a good high chair can make all the difference.
1. The Mess Factor: Lap Feeding Gets Out of Hand Fast
Feeding a baby while they’re wriggling on your lap can feel like trying to eat dinner with a wiggly puppy in your arms. Food ends up everywhere—your clothes, the floor, their hair. Without a high chair, there’s no tray to catch dropped food, no harness to keep your baby safely in place, and no barrier between that puree and your new jeans.
Lap feeding often means constantly shifting positions, juggling utensils with one hand, and battling gravity with the other. Not to mention the back and shoulder aches from holding a baby awkwardly for 20 minutes or more. It’s no surprise many parents start to dread mealtime.
2. Structure and Routine for Happier Mealtimes
Babies thrive on routine, and having a dedicated high chair creates a clear signal: “It’s time to eat.” When a baby is fed in the same space each time, they begin to associate that seat with mealtime, which helps reduce fussiness and distractions.
With a high chair, your baby is upright and supported, focused on the food in front of them—not grabbing at your plate or looking around for toys. This sense of structure can help encourage healthier eating habits and a more positive attitude towards food from an early age.
3. High Chairs Give Parents Two Free Hands
Trying to manage feeding one-handed is no easy task, especially once solids are introduced. High chairs safely secure your baby in one spot, allowing you to use both hands to prepare, serve, and even enjoy a bite of your own meal.
Many high chairs come with adjustable trays, removable covers, and wipe-clean surfaces—features that make life so much easier when the inevitable mess does happen. It’s a level of convenience that lap feeding simply can’t match.
4. Safer Posture for Eating and Digestion
Feeding babies in a seated, upright position isn’t just more convenient—it’s also better for their safety. High chairs are designed to support a baby’s back and neck, ensuring they’re sitting at the proper angle to swallow food easily and safely.
This is especially important as your baby transitions from milk to solids. Eating in a reclined or unsupported position (as is often the case on a lap) can increase the risk of choking and lead to digestive discomfort. A well-designed high chair offers peace of mind during these critical feeding milestones.
5. Encouraging Independence and Family Bonding
As babies grow, high chairs allow them to sit alongside the family at the table—helping them feel included and encouraging them to mimic adult behaviours. Watching siblings or parents eat helps little ones learn about chewing, using utensils, and social interaction.
Some high chairs even convert into toddler seats, growing with your child and supporting independent eating habits as they become more confident. It's a small investment that pays off in smoother mealtimes and shared moments around the table.
While lap feeding might seem like a convenient short-term solution, it rarely stays that way for long. High chairs provide a cleaner, safer, and far more manageable feeding experience for both baby and parent. With better posture, greater convenience, and a clear routine, a high chair isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s a tool that helps bring more ease, confidence, and joy into everyday family life.
