Mealtimes are one of the few instances when the entire family is together in one room sharing stories and news. Therefore, to make your new baby part of this social experience it is important to purchase a baby high chair. A baby is ready for a high chair when they can support their own weight and sit upright.

There are many brands and styles of baby high chairs on the market today — Graco, Peg Perego and Cosco all offer a wonderful assortment of high chairs. However, the brand of high chair should not determine its quality. When you’re searching for the right chair look for ones that are safe, durable, functional and easy to clean.

Once these requirements are met then you can choose the style of high chair that is right for you.

photo credit: missmac

There are five main types of baby high chairs available:

Adjustable Chairs
These high chairs are extremely convenient for parents because they can adjust as your child grows. The height, seat and tray are all parts of the chair that move around making it a very economical purchase. Most adjustable chairs have wheels with casters so the parent can move the high chair around effortlessly without compromising safety. Some other features this chair has are cushioned seats and a folding capability.

Examples of adjustable high chairs include: lightweight folding high chairs and adaptable multi-level folding high chairs.

Wooden Chairs
If you desire a high chair with a more sophisticated look that conforms with your decor, a wooden chair might be for you. This type of chair is extremely sturdy and can last a lifetime. Most styles come with a wooden or plastic tray, however, the wooden tray stains easily and is hard to clean. Wooden high chairs can also be a burden because they are not padded or cushioned and some are even missing a safety strap. These chairs are also difficult to disinfect and can look run down with use. Ultimately, a wooden chair will last a long time, but you must put more effort into taking care of it. Wooden chairs are not recommended for extremely busy parents.

Conventional Chairs
The conventional model of high chair has very simple and basic features. These chairs have a plastic tray, safety restraints, and either a plastic or metal frame. Because these baby high chairs are minimally outfitted it makes them very lightweight and portable. This design is great for parents who want a safe and economical product.

Booster Chairs
Eventually your baby will grow out of his high chair, but will still not be tall enough to sit on a regular chair at the table. This is when your child requires a booster seat. The booster seat does exactly what it sounds like it does; it gives the child a boost. Therefore, he can avoid discomfort and sit at the table with the adults. The actual booster chair is most commonly made of plastic and has straps that attach to the kitchen chair to keep it in place. Some booster seats are even adjustable or portable.

Convertible Chairs
Many manufacturers are trying to make baby products that have dual functions; the convertible high chair is one of these hybrids. These high chairs basically have the ability to change into a table and low chair when the child outgrows the regular high chair. Most of these chairs are made of high quality wood and come with the necessary safety straps.

Apart from a crib, a high chair is one of the most commonly used baby products. That is why you have to choose a high chair that not only reflects your baby’s personality, but offers durability and function as well. When buying a high chair, make sure to consider the following:

Shopping Tips

Stability: Choose a high chair that is sturdy and wide-based so it doesn’t easily tip over.

Restraint Belts:
For safety and security, your high chairs need to have restraint belts. Restraint belts hold your baby in between his legs and around his waist to prevent him from slipping out or standing up.

No sharp edges:
Check the seams, edges, and underside of the high chair for sharp or rough edges, especially where your baby will be sitting. Wooden high chairs are prone to splinters, so check for those as well.

Trays:
The high chair tray should be easy to clean and remove. If possible, choose a tray that can be released or removed with one hand. The tray should also have raised edges or lips to manage spills easily.

Adjustable:
Look for a high chair that has everything adjustable. Reclining positions need to be adjusted to accommodate your baby’s growth. Trays need adjustments as he gains weight, and height adjustments are convenient for parents of different sizes. Older babies also need adjustable footrests to stay comfortable.

Easy Clean-up:
As you may well know, your high chair will easily get messy with your baby throwing, playing, and spitting food wherever he can. You want a high chair that has easy-wipe surfaces, machine-washable seats, and dishwasher-safe trays.

Wheels:
High chairs with wheels are very convenient, but make sure that the wheels can be locked so they won’t roll away when you’re not looking.

JPMA Logo:
Check your high chair for a Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) logo. With the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC), the JPMA ensures that the high chair you choose has passed industry safety standards.

Safety Tips

• Always make sure that your baby is safely restrained.
• Never leave a child alone and unattended on a high chair.
• Always lock the wheels, even if you’re on a flat surface.
• Before placing your child on a high chair, make sure that all latches are secured.
• Keep in mind the maximum weight capacity of your high chair.

Have a happy baby high chair hunting !

Tags: Choosing baby high chair tips, Chicco high chair, Graco high chair, baby high chairs, booster high chairs, Peg Perego high chair, conventional high chairs, wooden high chairs, high chair, adjustable high chairs, high chair cover, convertible high chairs

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