Can I put him in the high chair?

[sunnygir1]

I have a 6 month old (born at 35 weeks) who cannot yet sit unassisted, but loves to sit up on my lap or supported by my legs. As long as I don't let him tip over, is there actually harm in putting him in a high chair at the dinner table for short periods of time? I got him a Chicco chair that hooks onto the table top. He wants to sit up with us at meals, and he would love to sit up there and play with stuff while we eat. It would be so much easier than holding him on my lap while I eat and trying to keep his little hands out of my food!

It is so hard to tell if the warnings are just about falling or if it is actually bad for their development. Dd was a fairly late sitter too, and I think I had her in a saucer in the kitchen for limited amounts of time before she could sit completely unassisted. I know some think it is bad for them...give me some thoughts and resources to help educate me.

TIA

[Bokonon]

I had DD in the high chair at about 2 weeks adjusted age, LOL. Ours has a 5-point harness and reclines, so it wasn't all that different from being in a bouncer.

[sunnygir1]

Originally Posted by Bokonon

I had DD in the high chair at about 2 weeks adjusted age, LOL. Ours has a 5-point harness and reclines, so it wasn't all that different from being in a bouncer.

He would be upright in this one, but I would prop him with a rolled towel or something if he needed it. I don't think it would be much different than me sitting on the floor with him propped up by my legs, but I don't know everything...yet.

[Abraisme]

I put my DD in her highchair starting around 4mo. She was close to sitting at that point, but still unstable. I just shoved a small pillow in next to her to keep her upright. I think it's fine.

[sunshynbaby]

Originally Posted by Abraisme

I put my DD in her highchair starting around 4mo. She was close to sitting at that point, but still unstable. I just shoved a small pillow in next to her to keep her upright. I think it's fine.

Same here.

[tzs]

i don't see why not. mine could sit in a lap or in a chair long before she could sit on the floor. she's still not all that stable.

i like to think she CAN sit unassisted...just in a chair.

[blumooned]

DS sat in the highchair at the table starting around 5mos & loved it! He loved being part of dinner, even though he wasn't eating. Ours did recline slightly, though.
I would try it out. You'll be able to tell if LO is uncomfortable or at risk for falling. Keep him occupied & I bet he'll love sitting there with you.