She won't sit in her highchair!

[dizzymama]

Dd is now 9 months and for the last month we have had real problems getting her to eat in her high chair. We've tried bolstering her with cushions incase she was uncomfortable but to no avail. She just screams until we take her out. Now I've given up and feed her sat in her 'V' pillow on the floor where she is much happier to take food. Should I persevere in trying to get her back into the high chair though?

[dizzymama]

Hi Chick!
Good point, she does tend to eat on own, will have to try all eating together (can you tell we've been a TV dinner couple for too long?!!)

[sassy]

Hi dizzy mate..
Do you all eat together, or does she have her food on her own? Cos, I found dd1 liked her highchair much more when she was having a meal with the family - social interaction etc. Can be a bit inappropriate in the evening (tho I got v used to eating at 5.30!) but while your dh is off, could you make lunch the main meal and all eat together maybe?

See you Weds. x

[dizzymama]

Hmmm - chair is already at the table iyswim but do have a travel one which I could put on dining chair without the tray and push her up to table, will try that thanks Compo.
Moondog - that may also be an issue, as I heat her food up after I've put her in the chair she does have to wait a while. Finger food while waiting is a great idea ta!
Kbear - I agree, love the idea of a safe place for her to sit so really, really want to get her back into it. Shall try all of these suggestions and see but, Elibean, I think I will wait a few days and hope she forgets highchair traumas!! But not too long........ooo this parenthood lark is tricky!

[Lel1972]

we had this problem but not until DD was 18 months. Altho, I must admit, if she was hungry and dinner was going to be a while, i did get into the habit of giving her a yoghurt first, but then she always ate her dinner as well. She didn't like sitting on her own, so we tried not to put her in it until the last minute, when we were about to sit down too. At 19 months, we bought her a booster seat, which she loves.

[Elibean]

With my DD at that age, things changed SO fast I found it much more effective to back off for a bit, then try again - rather than insisting. Personally, I'd not leave it too long before trying again - maybe a week or two - but not worry if she still hates it, and just keep trying on and off for a bit. My DD is 22 months now, and tactics like telling her 'wow, look, a BIG girl high chair' etc started working brilliantly at around 14-16 months, but before that physical comfort was her top priority!

[KBear]

It's now or never, dizzymama. If you don't persevere she won't sit in it later. Depends on how strongly you feel about it but once she is walking you will be so glad you kept trying if she is in the highchair at mealtimes or you will have no control about how she moves about when she's eating.

Sit her in, give her toys to amuse her but don't necessary fed her in it. Use it as a safe place for her to sit while you get on with things. Make it more common for her to sit in it rather than just at mealtimes and you might find she likes being up high and seeing you pottering around the kitchen.

In another few weeks she might change her mind again anyway and love it.

[moondog]

Is it the delay in gettting fod that upsets her?
My ds likes to eat as soon as he's in so I have it all ready prepared beforehand,or if not,throw a few raisins or chunks of cheese on the tray to keep him busy.

Or..have you tried outting her in for other things?
Ds loves watchnig his sister paint and mess about colouring in.

Mind you,sometimes he screams but he goes in anyway!

[compo]

How about trying a booster seat at the table. Perhaps she wants to feel more included?

[dizzymama]

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