Podcast

How to Choose a Safe Seat for Your Baby to Eat with Kirsti Vandraas

Why high chair expectations differ in the U.S. vs. Europe, and how that shapes designs that bring your baby right up to the table for family meals (often without a tray).
How straps and restrictive setups can get in the way of functional movement at meals—and when kids are developmentally ready for more freedom in their seat.
Why a truly adjustable footrest matters for stability and torso control, supporting an upright “ready-to-eat” posture from your baby’s first bites.

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Episode Description

Ever wonder why some high chairs seem to “work” for starting solid foods while others leave your baby slumped, feet dangling, and frustrated? In this episode, I’m joined by physiotherapist and ergonomist Kirsti Vandraas to break down what a safe, supportive baby seat should actually do.

We cover the key features that matter most for independent eating—like a stable base, an adjustable footrest, and a setup that lets your baby move their arms freely. Kirsti also explains why high chair designs and safety standards can vary between countries, and what parents can do to create a safer, more comfortable eating setup at home.

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Links from this Episode

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Baby-Led Weaning for Beginners free online workshop with 100 First Foods™ list to all attendees, register here: https://babyledweaning.co/baby-led-weaning-for-beginners

Other Episodes Related to This Topic:

Episode 7 - Why Your Baby’s High Chair Needs a Footrest
Episode 488 - Best High Chairs for Baby-Led Weaning
Episode 490 - Tripp Trapp vs. Nomi High Chair: Which One is Better?

Katie Ferraro

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The Program Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro

A step-by-step digital program for starting solid foods safely and navigating the original 100 FIRST FOODS™ meal plan with baby-led weaning.

EXPERT-LED, PROVEN APPROACH TO EATING REAL FOOD
CONCISE VIDEO TRAININGS TO MASTER BABY-LED WEANING
100 FIRST FOODS DAILY MEAL PLAN WITH FOOD PREP VIDEOS

Baby-Led Weaning for Beginners Free Workshop

Is your baby ready to start solid foods, but you’re not sure where to start? Get ready to give your baby a solid foundation to a lifetime of loving real food…even if you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused about this next stage of infant feeding.