Many of these chairs can be fitted with toys to keep baby entertained. They are also useful when weaning is started as it can sometimes be easier to feed baby in one of these chairs rather than a normal highchair, especially if he or she is not yet sitting confidentally. When everything is calm and Mum is relaxed and in control, that feeling passes through to baby and baby is less likely to fuss.

Many chairs can be used from birth. The three point harness is very important and in tried and tested features the amount of padding in this area is one feature often commented on, with seats that are considered to be lacking in this area being downrated and criticised. Other important points include the amount of padding on the seat and how well the product packs away for storage.

An alternative to a chair is a swing. These are usually driven by battery and will rock and calm a baby. They are reputed to be very good for calming a colicky baby. The seat unit is also higher off the ground This is useful if there are pets around and also gives baby a better view of what is going on. True, the legs of the swing means it takes up more space, it isn't as convenient for taking out and about, and it does cost quite a bit more but in my book it's worth it. And worth trying to up sell from a bouncing chair, especially if the customer is interested in the more expensive ones. They'll thank you in the end - and tell all their friends!

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