Are Cafe Chairs Suitable for Babies in Restaurants? A Parent's Guide
Eating out with your little one is one of the best times of your life, as it is a time to spend time with family. However, this also involves planning to ensure that your child is seated safely and correctly. As a parent, you may wonder: are café chairs suitable for children in restaurants? This guide you will find all the information you need about seating for children in restaurants, when to use high chairs, and how to ensure that your child is comfortable and safe.
1. Can Babies Sit in Cafe Chairs?
Cafe chairs which are mostly designed with adults in mind are not safe for babies. Infant recliners do not have the following essential elements to suit the needs of babies such as straps, side support, and the right height. Although these are considered small and portable chairs, cafe chairs are most likely to cause your baby to slip or fall, especially when the chairs are wobbly or your baby is still learning to sit properly.
Why Cafe Chairs Aren’t Ideal
- No safety harness: Some cafe chairs do not have safety harnesses and in most of those chairs, the baby may fall or slide off the chair uncontrollably.
- Wrong height: Standard cafe chairs can bear weight, but they are not at a height that the baby can easily reach the table.
- Lack of support: Children under one year of age need support on their back and neck, which these café chairs cannot provide.
2. When Can Babies Sit in High Chairs at Restaurants?
High chairs are entirely unsafe for infants and small children and high chairs give the security that these seats cannot offer. However, few parents are clear about when the appropriate time is to move a baby from the restaurant stroller to a high chair.
The use of a high chair should not be started before the child is 6 months old, and most children are ready to sit in a high chair while eating by themselves at the age of 6 to 9 months when the child can sit independently. But of course, every child is different and so some children may develop this ability earlier or later than described here. In the case of using a high chair in a restaurant, it is necessary to ensure that the child can sit on his own with a little support.
3. Ideal Age for High Chair Use at Restaurants
There is no specific age that comes with a high chair but there are certain ages that are given as a guideline depending on the development of the baby.
Key Signs Your Baby is Ready for a High Chair:
- Sitting unassisted: Children should be able to sit without help for some time before using a high chair.
- Good head control: Children should have enough muscle strength as well as the ability to hold their heads upright and bend over.
- Interest in food: As long as the child shows interest in food and mealtime, he or she can benefit from sitting at the table in a high chair.
Generally, most children start using a high chair at the age of 6 to 12 months. If your child is not mature enough at this age, it is advisable for you to make him or her wait until he or she is more developed.
4. Are Restaurants Required to Have High Chairs?
Most parents find themselves wondering whether restaurants are legally required to provide high chairs to their tiny tots. The short answer is no. In several countries having a high chair within a restaurant is not necessarily legally required. However, restaurants that are suitable for families, provide uncomfortable high chairs or boosters for small children.
Tips for Parents:
- Call ahead: If one is not sure what height is appropriate for a restaurant, it is better to contact the restaurant and get some information about the chairs. This way you will be able to tell whether you need a durable and easy-to-carry high chair or a booster seat.
- Bring a portable high chair: Feeding your baby outside is just as easy, as many travel high chairs can be easily fitted onto most tables.
5. Taking a Newborn to a Restaurant: Is it Safe?
The idea of dining out with a newborn can appear inconceivable for people particularly first-time parents. But there is no excuse for not having a good time – especially if it is properly prepared in advance.
Things to Consider When Taking a Newborn to a Restaurant:
- Timing: Avoid going during lunchtime and on weekends as it can be very noisy at these times which can make your baby uncomfortable.
- Sanitation: Make sure it is clean and always clean your hands after touching anything in the room, especially during flu season.
So, when it comes to going out, to the restaurant business with a newborn, it is not as much for you as it could be seen as a necessity. It is always advisable to choose a restaurant that you find baby-friendly, for example, a restaurant that has enough space for a stroller and is less noisy.
6. Tips for Dining Out With Babies and Toddlers
Here are some tips to make your dining experience with a baby as smooth as possible:
- Plan Ahead: It will also be important to call the restaurant in advance to ask about the availability of high chairs, as well as to check the availability of a children's menu.
- Bring Supplies: Bring an extra set of clothes, bibs, wipes, toys, and snacks to keep the child entertained while waiting for his food.
- Choose the Right Time: Avoid having dinner at busy times to avoid a lot of inconvenience. Breakfast or dinner for children means less chatter which is much better for them.
- Stay Close: Choose a seat next to the aisle or at the end of the table. This will give you more space to move around or make it easier to try and comfort your baby if he gets uncomfortable.
- Engage Your Baby: It is better to carry some socks, a few books, or small toys to ensure that the baby stays entertained while waiting for the meal.
7. Alternatives to Restaurant High Chairs
If you are not sure if a restaurant will have a high chair or you are concerned about hygiene, there are portable high chair options you can bring with you:
Travel High Chairs
These are foldable and portable for use during dining plans such as when carrying foods from one place to another. Most of these lean firmly on the table and have loops for a harness that holds your baby tightly.
Booster Seats
Booster seats are suitable for toddlers or babies who can sit up properly on their own, in particular. They help you get your child to the right height for the table and are easy to carry around.
Clip-on High Chairs
These chairs clip right onto the edge of the table, allowing your child to sit comfortably and eat with you at the table. They are portable because they are made in a small and compact design.
Conclusion: Safe and Enjoyable Dining Experience for Your Baby
Standard cafe chairs are not very suitable for babies, however, high chairs and portable booster seats are the best to guarantee the safety and comfort of your baby when eating out. High chairs are used for babies who are between 6-12 months of age most of the time though as a parent you may have to determine if your baby is ready. No matter if you are dining with a newborn baby or an older baby the key is to plan and carry what is necessary to make the dining experience a comfortable and happy one.
You may find that not every restaurant has high chairs, so having one that can be carried with you is a godsend. First of all, bear in mind that dining out should be a comfortable experience for your baby and your family!