How to Find the Best High Chair for your Baby

By Kim Proulx

Choosing the right high chair is an important decision to secure your child's safety and to establish a mealtime routine. Sure, there are many seating alternatives for your child during mealtime. But a high chair keeps your precious little one in a secure, stationary position and makes mealtime more enjoyable for parents. Your child will recognize that when he/she is placed in a high chair, it is time to eat. It also provides a convenient eating surface for, believe it or not, less of a mess to clean, and elevates baby to eye level. If these benefits seem worthwhile to you, then here are some buying tips to help you make an informed decision on the right high chair for your child.

These days, there are adequate high chairs for just about any budget. The price typically ranges from $50-$300, with lower-end high chairs with basic seating arrangement, to mid-range high chairs with convenient, safety features, to high-end high chairs with all the bells and whistles. Mid-range high-chairs are often the best deal, and are often made of plastic with vinyl upholstery. Having a comfy, easy-to-clean cushion will allow your child to be more comfortable and encourage him to stay in the high chair for a longer period of time. If the high chair has a cushion accessory option, buying one is strongly recommended.

Safety

A very important feature to look for in a high chair is a five-point safety harness. Just like a car seat, a five-point safety harness fastens your child over the shoulders, across the lap, and snaps all together at the torso. This will prevent your little one from climbing out of the high chair and having a dangerous fall.

With so many innovative and stylish designs, you want to make sure the high chair has a sturdy, wide enough base. If the high chair gets bumped by a big dog or other children, it will remain standing. But you don't want a base that is too wide as to avoid a tripping hazard. Most new high chairs should come with a warranty for several years. Make sure you get one that has a good warranty for recalls or damaged parts.

Convenience

Many high chairs come with a tray that is removable, to make it easier to unstrap and pick your child out of the high chair. A removable tray is also easier to clean by placing it over the sink and washing it. High chairs with wheels also make it easier to move your child around to an ideal spot. Whether it is somewhere around the dining table, or next to you when washing the dishes, make sure there are locking mechanisms on the wheels.

Bells & Whistles

High-end high chairs come with features that make it even more comfortable, stylish, and safe for your child. With an adjustable height high chair, you can adjust the level to any table height. There are even ones that recline, depending on child's height. But make sure your little one is angled at an upright position to prevent choking hazards. You'll find high chairs with places to store items, such as bibs, wash clothes, wipes, etc. There are also ones that have built in toys, and special slots on the tray for food and a sippy cup.

There is a large selection of high chairs that will fit your needs. With all of the added features, you should now know which attributes you will need for your child. Hopefully you have enough information to make an informed decision on the right high chair that works best and within budget.