Written by Judith Lynn - Paediatric Dietitian

Next LIVE Fussy Eating Masterclass, Saturday 15th June @ 10.30am GMT. Join the waiting list to be notified when the checkout goes live and to secure you space. Join here.

OR

Need this information NOW? Get instant access to a recording click here.

It can be heart-breaking when your child cries when you place him in his high chair for meals, especially if you’re trying to be a good parent. You might wonder if you’ve done something wrong or if there’s something wrong with your child. The truth is, there could be several reasons why your child might be crying when placed in the high chair and it’s important to understand why so you can help your child feel more comfortable and secure.

Stressful Mealtimes

It's common for toddlers to go through a fussy stage, this is developmental in nature and is referred to as neophobia. Neophobia is a genuine fear of trying new foods or anxiety around eating in certain situations or environments. Often parents find this extremely worrying, but well meaning intentions to encourage their child to eat more or try more variety can actually make meal times very stressful for everyone. Children pick up on the tension and could potentially relate the highchair to this causing a negative experience.

To help reduce stressful mealtimes have a look at my blog '12 Tips on How to Diffuse Drama at Mealtimes'

Separation Anxiety

One potential reason for your child’s crying could be separation anxiety. Children can be very sensitive to being away from their parents, even if it’s just for a short amount of time. The high chair can be a reminder to your child that you’re not close by, and this can cause anxiety and fear. Additionally, the confinement of the high chair may also make your child feel trapped and helpless, which can lead to more crying.

Uncomfortable in the chair

Another possible explanation for your child’s tears could be that he’s uncomfortable in the high chair. Children can have difficulty adjusting to the new environment of the high chair, which can be overwhelming for some. He may not like the feeling of being so confined or the height of the chair. He may also be uncomfortable with the straps or buckles that keep him in place.

Bored

It’s also possible that your child is crying out of boredom. If he’s sitting in the high chair for extended periods of time without any stimulation, he may be trying to tell you that he’s bored and wants something to do. Children get bored easily and eating is pretty boring for them. It is best to allow no longer than 15 - 20 minutes at meal times for them to eat. This is why toddlers eat smaller more regular meals, to ensure they get all the nutrition they need.

Teething

if your child is teething, he may be crying out of pain. Teething can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for children, and the high chair may be rubbing against his gums and causing discomfort.

Independence

Your toddler is becoming more independent and wants to be able to get away from the chair to explore and play. Sitting to eat is boring for a young child and they feel penned in and restricted.  They also like to copy you. They see you sitting on a chair pulled up to the table to eat and they want to do this too. You may find that purchasing a booster chair for a dining chair will encourage them to sit at the table and eat along side you. They will feel all grown up.  Have a look at a booster chair I recommend here. 

Also sometimes the high chair can become a negative experience for a child especially of they feel restricted and trapped. Mixing up the environment is a good idea so using a booster seat on the kitchen chair or allowing them to sit on your knee or allowing them to sit and eat at their own toddler sized table and chairs can help them to feel like they have more control. You can have a look at toddler table and chairs here. 

Conclusion

No matter the reason for your child’s tears, it’s important to provide comfort and reassurance. Talk to him in a soothing voice, hold him close, and give him something to play with or look at while in the high chair. If he’s teething, give him something cold to chew on. You may also want to try to reduce the time he spends in the high chair, so he’s not in it for too long. Toddlers get bored easily so keeping meal and snack times short to no more than 15-20 minutes is best. 

Above all, it’s important to remember that this is a normal part of parenting and your child will eventually adjust to the high chair. With patience and understanding, you can help your child feel more comfortable and secure in the high chair.