Highchair Tears? 5 Gentle Checks to Make Mealtime Happy Again!

Dec 10, 2025Plate&Play Team

Mealtime is a wonderful adventure, but let’s be honest, sometimes the highchair can feel like a challenge, especially if your little one bursts into tears the moment they’re strapped in. Crying in the highchair isn't always about the peas or the purée. It’s often a sign that something else needs a little attention.

Here are 5 gentle checks to ensure your baby's highchair experience is happy, comfortable, and focused on fun skill-building:

1. Create a Calm, Positive Vibe

The highchair is a learning station, not just a fueling station!

Make mealtime a peaceful routine. The goal is to explore textures, build coordination, and enjoy the experience. Gently avoid pushing or pressuring your baby to eat a certain amount.

2. Time it Just Right

Make sure your baby isn't overtired or hungry when they sit down. Trying to introduce food when they are already close to a meltdown can turn the highchair into a place of frustration.

3. Check that Comfy Cozy Seating Position

Ensure your baby is sitting upright, not slouching. Good posture is key for safe swallowing and comfortable eating. A stable base means a happy eater!

4. Look Out for Hidden Discomfort

Sometimes, the highchair is just a messenger for pain elsewhere. Teething pain can make sitting still and chewing a miserable task. Take a peek for a diaper rash or any general skin irritation. Discomfort in their bottom or legs can make them reluctant to sit happily for any length of time.

5. Offer a Gentle Reset/ Break

Instead of ending the meal entirely, try a short pause. Take your baby out for a quick hug, a little walk around the kitchen, or just a moment on your lap. This break can often reset the mood, allowing you both to return to the highchair with a renewed sense of calm and playfulness.

Final Takeaways

It takes time, consistency, and a whole lot of patience to build a positive relationship with food and the highchair. That's why all Plate and Play menus are made with heart and can be easily customized to fit your baby needs, whether they are just starting solids or navigating new textures!

Frequently asked question

What is baby-led weaning (BLW)?

Baby-led weaning is a feeding approach where babies are given safely-textured table foods and allowed to self-feed, rather than being spoon-fed purees. It's associated with supporting oral motor development, pincer grasp and jaw development.

Does Plate & Play support both baby-led weaning and traditional spoon-feeding?

Yes. Meals are made with BLW-friendly textures, but every dish can also be blended down after reheating to a smoother, spoon-feeding consistency, so families can use whichever approach suits them.

I only spoon-feed my baby, not baby-led weaning. Can I still buy Plate & Play meals?

Yes. Plate & Play meals can be blended down to a spoon-feeding consistency after reheating, so families who spoon-feed exclusively can use the meals just as easily as families doing baby-led weaning.

Are Plate & Play meals meant to replace all my cooking?

No, and they don't need to. Plate & Play meals are designed to be your baby's weekly staples, so cooking becomes something you do when you want to, not something you're obligated to do every day.

Are Plate & Play baby meals delivered frozen?

Yes. All Plate & Play meals are delivered frozen using cold-chain delivery. Someone needs to be available to receive the order and move it into the freezer promptly.

Do Plate & Play meals contain added salt, sugar or preservatives?

No. Plate & Play meals are made with no added salt, sugar or preservatives.

What age range are Plate & Play meals suitable for?

Plate & Play dishes are suitable from 6 months onward unless stated otherwise. Infant portions suit babies roughly 6-12 months, and Toddler portions suit 13-24 months, though bigger appetites can extend toddler portions to 3-4 years.

How does the Plate & Play subscription plan work?

Choose a bi-weekly or monthly delivery frequency, select your meals, and Plate & Play automatically delivers baby and toddler meals on that schedule, so the weekly rotation is sorted in advance.

How do I reheat Plate & Play baby meals?

Meals can be reheated by microwave (3-5 minutes medium-high for dishes, 30-45 seconds for finger foods), double-boiling or steaming (10-15 minutes), or on the stovetop from defrosted (5-7 minutes covered). Air frying is not recommended for dishes.

How long can I store Plate & Play meals in the freezer?

Since the meals contain no preservatives, they're best consumed within one month of receipt when stored properly in the freezer. Once thawed in the fridge, consume within 24 hours.

How are Plate & Play meals delivered in Singapore?

Meals are delivered frozen via cold-chain delivery, Monday to Saturday, typically arriving within 1-2 working days between 3pm-10pm. Self-collection is also available at the East Village Mall store.