Best Seats in the House

There’s been a lot of innovation in the seating arena lately—from toilet seats to high chairs, designers haven’t been ‘lounging around’.

We think you’ll be on the edge of your seat with our first-ever ‘seat guide’ for families:

Problem
The Dora potty seat clashes with the bathroom and having to touch it all the time…well, you know what we mean.

Solution
The Kohler Transitions Quiet Close toilet seat is designed to accommodate the needs of both adults and children without attaching a separate seat. The child ring with the smaller opening, which just flips up and out of the way when it’s a grown-up’s turn, and the Quiet-Close Quick-Release mechanism (which also allows the seat to be removed for easy cleaning of hard to reach areas) help you avoid some of the common toilet-training impediments—fear of falling in and fear of getting fingers pinched.

Available from TAPS Bath Center and various Home Depot locations across Canada (approx. $70)

Problem
You’d love little Jack to “chill” in the living room with you but that flammable fuzzy Thomas chair is taking away from the serenity of the room.

Solution
Monte Design’s Cubino kids’ chairs don’t need to be hidden away when guests arrive. They’re high style and high comfort for the savviest little kids. Made from thick foam covered with two-toned canvas in four different colour combinations (one to match every décor), the covers are completely removable and machine washable. Perfect for kids 18 months to 7 years.

Available from www.babyguru.ca (approx $90)

Problem
Those big fancy high chairs have a 9 square foot footprint and your kitchen only has 10 square feet of open floor space.

Solution
The HandySitt chair is designed to fit in most dining chairs (square or round backed) with its novel system of hooks and a safety harness. Folds flat for easy storage (say in the broom closet) and made from solid beech, this Danish-designed chair allows baby to join everyone else at the table. (For 7 months to 4 years).

Available from www.modernbabybarn.com (approx $120).

Problem
You’re in that dreaded in-between chair stage—too big for a high chair and refusing to wear the straps but too small for the full-size chair—and that little someone just isn’t staying still at mealtime.

Solution
The Cooshie Booster is made from comfortable non-porous (read: non-staining) foam that is calming to sit on (really—our 18 month old savvy tester was very ‘attached’ to it and stayed still for much more time than in his old booster). The specially-designed bottom has a suction mechanism to help keep the booster on any chair without straps or ties. Ideal for children between 1 and 4, it can be used for sitting anywhere (watching TV, reading and restaurants are some of the ways our tester tried it out).

Available from Cater Tot Consignment and at www.sweetpz.ca (approx. $50).

So, take a seat. You won’t have to fly by the seat of your pants on this one.

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