Selecting Your Baby’s High Chair

Recently I wrote about my wife and my experience buying a crib for our new grandbaby’s first visit. The other item we were soon to need was a high chair. The big question became, how to select a high chair? Our number one concern was the safety of our grandbaby. We were sure the specifications and safety standards had changed since we last were in the market for a high chair. We wanted a good product. Since the baby would only be with us a few times before he was too big for a high chair, we didn’t want to spend too much for it.

Choosing a high chair for your baby is one of the most important furniture-buying selections you will make. Since your baby could be using the high chair at least three times a day until one or two years of age, when he/she moves to the table with mommy and daddy, it makes sense to spend the time to make the right choice. Researching the subject, I learn when selecting a high chair there are a number of things to consider before making a purchase.

You will want a model that will be stable, sturdy, can take kicking and being knocked around. You will also want it to take the spills and cleaning that may go on for one of two years.

The many high chairs on the market will vary greatly in terms of durability, features, quality and style. So how are we to know which high chair will have the features we need? Some features to consider are:

• Crotch post - To keep your baby from slipping under the tray and out the chair a post should be attached to the seat or tray.
• Foldability - If you want this feature make sure the system automatically engages when the chair is opened. Make sure the system is designed to prevent accidental folding while in use.
• Safety belt - The safety belt should hold your baby securely and comfortably.
• Seat adjustments - Seats can recline or move up and down.
• Toys - An option your baby may enjoy is a toy attached to the tray. This is optional. You can buy a toy separately and attach it yourself.
• Tray - The tray should be lightweight and capable of being taken off with one hand or swings to the side when not in use.
• Upholstry - A seat cover with a pattern is less likely to show dirt than a solid one. Be aware that the vinyl will clean up easier than the cloth.
• Wheels - Wheels make it easy to move the chair around. They also allow the chair to move when you put the tray on and off. Look for lock on the wheel. Locks will make the wheel more enjoyable.

While shopping for or immediately after receiving your high chair, while the return police is still in effect:

• Operate the seat’s safety harness to make sure it works properly and is easy to use.
• Make sure all the parts, especially the small ones, are included.
• Go through all the possible adjustments to make sure they are available if needed.
• Examine the entire exterior for rough or sharp spots that could scratch your baby.
• To the best of your ability, make sure the upholstery is durable and will last.
• Test the padding for comfort.
• If the high chair has wheels, make sure they lock properly. Wheel may make it easier to move around.
• Make sure the high chair is easy to fold and put away.
• Make sure it has a crotch post to prevent the baby from slipping down too far in the chair.
• Check the tray to see if it is easy to handle with one hand while the baby is in the other.

Whether you purchase you high chair from the local store, mail order of from the Internet, it will make sense to make these checks.

High chairs come in three general ranges:

• Basic high chairs – This group is normally priced under $70.00. They are normally simple, compact and generally work well.
• Mid-price high chairs – The price range for the mid-range high chair is from $70.00 to $150.00. They are normally sturdier and have a few more features than the basic models.
• High-end high chairs – The high-end high chairs are in the price range of $150 and above.

These high chairs tend to have extra features. Customers have reported more responsive customer service from the companies offering these high chairs.

The mid-priced models seems to provide the best value and are likely to have the safety and comfort features most will want for their baby. In all cases it is best to buy a chair that was recently made and certified to meet the current safety standards.