Cleaning your Baby’s Highchair
As any mother of a baby or toddler will tell you, most highchairs were simply not designed to be cleaned. They are filled with crevices and tiny openings that can only be reached by putting a paper towel on the end of a knife. Highchairs are easily cleaned when your baby is eating baby food and being fed by a parent. Sanitation and Sanity gradually go downhill after your baby starts solid foods and gains more and more independence.
Babies and toddlers need the sensory experiences that they learn from feeding themselves and playing with their food. Unfortunately these learning experiences come with a very messy highchair. Following a few simple tips can make it easier to let your child enjoy mealtime while maintaining a clean highchair.
Wipe the highchair down after each meal.
It is tempting to skip this step, especially after snacks or small meals. Wiping the highchair down after every meal will prevent food from sticking to surfaces and make cleaning easier.
Take the cover off of the highchair and wipe down the entire high chair several times a week.
You may need to do this daily as your baby begins to feed themselves more. Baking soda works well for scrubbing the cover and the highchair. It will neutralize odors and clean without leaving behind any harsh chemicals.
Be sure that the cover is dry before putting it back on the highchair.
Putting the cover back on the highchair while it is wet will promote the growth of mildew and other bacteria. Drape the cover over the back of the highchair to dry overnight if possible.
If your cover tears, use superglue to seal it closed.
Openings in the cover will allow food and liquids, especially water used for washing, inside the cover. Once mildew and bacteria enters the inside of the cover it is nearly impossible to remove. At that point you will need to purchase a new cover.
Use a bib with a pocket in the front to catch food.
The more food you can prevent from falling into the seat of the highchair and other openings, the easier it will be to clean. Larger bibs catch more of the food and will make clean up easier.
Research your high chair choices before purchasing one. Some highchairs are better than others. It is important to consider the space that you have available and how often the highchair will be used. Talk to other parents and read reviews so that you can make a good choice.
Highchair covers can be fabric, vinyl, or leather.
They all have their positive and negative points. Fabric covers can be washed in the washing machine. This simplifies clean up and assures that the entire cover will be cleaned but you will have nothing to use on the highchair while the cover is being washed. Vinyl is easy to care for but it tears easily. Leather is tough but is more prone to water damage and the growth of mildew.
Some highchairs have no cover at all and can be easily wiped clean after a meal.
These chairs are excellent for older children but do not recline or provide support for younger infants. Wooden highchairs are wonderful for cleanup but must be protected from water damage.
Whatever highchair you choose to purchase or cleaning routine you adapt, do not let messy meals overly concern you. Your baby will soon grow up. Enjoy the time that you have while your baby is young and the memories of mealtime messes that will make you laugh for years to come.
