High Chair Refusal

This is a common feeding challenge. Baby cries as soon as they see the chair. Caregivers have to practically force baby in, kicking and screaming, and the whole meal falls apart. If this sounds like your house or therapy room, or even if you see a milder version, try this:

1️⃣ Take a break from the high chair. Put it away for a bit. Find a different (maybe temporary) seating set-up for your child. Try a kid sized table, booster seat, or a caregiver’s lap. Our main goal here is to reset baby’s focus, start fresh, and help baby learn eating can be enjoyable.

2️⃣ Take a moment to consider why baby might be refusing the high chair. Is mealtime stressful? Baby uncomfortable with eating? Meals too long? Are you forcing baby to eat? If yes, acknowledge it and address these issues. Remember eating should be enjoyable and pressure-free. Seek out a clinical feeding evaluation with a SLP or OT if you need help with this.

3️⃣ Build positive memories around the table, around eating, and around the high chair. After about a week break, have baby sit in the high chair for a very short amount of time (<5 min) without any pressure to eat. Try when the family is talking after dinner, during a family game, or during play. It’s okay to have a toy in the high chair during non-meal times, just keep in mind, our goal will always be eating there, without any toys or distractions.

4️⃣ Begin to put baby back in the high chair for, again, very short amounts of time (<5 min) while eating. Start at a snack time when baby doesn’t need as much, and offer only her favorite foods. End the snack on a high note. Stop BEFORE baby starts to become tired or frustrated. Over time, make these eating times longer and more frequent, and go back to offering your planned family meals when they’re ready.

OTHER TIPS:

✔️Always pull the high chair up to the table so baby participates in the family meal (and can see everyone).

✔️ Eat with baby; it’s no fun to eat alone and baby needs you as a role model.

✔️ If the alternate seating is going great, no need to change back.