Abstract
Two experiments tested the effects of a test chair with a height adjustable seat and footrest on the functional abilities and mealtime behavior of toddlers. Experiment 1 showed that the provision of a footrest increased the reach distances of toddlers and decreased their fidgeting and body stabilization movements, but did not affect their task persistence. Experiment 2 was conducted in the homes of subjects, and it compared the mealtime behavior of toddlers when they were sitting in the test chair and in a booster seat. Although no significant effects of seating type on either the frequency or duration of patterns of mealtime behavior could be demonstrated, all families reported a preference for the test chair.
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