Is 3 years old too big for a high chair?

[mary174]

My 2.7 y/o sounds a lot like your son. He loves standing up in the booth and talking to his neighbors. This kept him in a high chair until just recently. We will not use the restaurant booster seats. In normal seats he has to sit on his knees to eat, but he loves the freedom. He does want to get up and look around in a booth, and he wants to get down to wander in normal chairs. He likes saying hi to strangers and exploring. He is getting better however, and I will remind him that we can request a high chair if we need to. We tried no high chairs as an experiment at first, but now he is refusing to get in them. He knows now that he can go without. I find non-booths actually easier. I am more aware of my son trying to leave his seat, and he doesn't usually do that unless someone else in the family does. He also will start trying to explore if he finishes eating, but usually he is a slow eater and the rest of the family will finish before or with him. The worst part is when we are waiting for the check or for my older son's trip to the bathroom. In a booth I am constantly finding him in a conversation with a friendly neighbor or looking over someone's head. Considering the occaisional state of his hands and face, not a happy sight.

 

[Nini]

My dd is 3 and she *Loves* sitting with the "big people"! Besides the fact that she is just too big for the restaurant highchairs (even the wooden ones are too small). I would definately start with a booster seat at home on your dining chair.

My dd just sits on the inside of the booth seat...for containment purposes! However, it it is not a crowded restaurant, we do allow her to get up and "visit" the other side of the booth (usually daddy). She would be downright offended to use a highchair!!

Do what suits you and your child best!

 

[seetheworld]

I see nothing wrong with a 3 year old in a high chair. If the child is happy and will sit pleasantly in a high chair for a meal, I see no problem with it. I think it makes for a much more enjoyable meal for all! Don't worry, have fun and like a PP said, he won't be sitting in a high chair at 10 amymore - I promise!

 

[Sheaboys]

Hey if your happy and your child is happy do what works for you. Our oldest stayed in the high chair until he was about 2 yrs 3 months, then it was time for baby number 2 to go in it, baby number 2 was about the same age since it was time for baby number 3 to use it. Baby number 3, stopped using it at around 20 months, since the other 2 boys sat at the table, no boosters ever. The baby will be 3 in July and has never used a high chair or booster since he was 20 months. But at home he stands and at a restaurant he sits. As long as your child is not screaming to get out and is happy leave it be. Don't change a good thing.