Most Important Tip! Never buy a high chair or any baby product that has been recalled by the manufacturer.

High Chair Selection Pointers

Knowing and understanding the types of high chairs available in the market is very important. It makes the selection process much easier. Depending on your needs and space constraints, make your purchase. The types of high chairs available are: Basic metal- or plastic-frame high chairs are very simple to look at, as they are just molded plastic chairs with the option of seat belts, trays, wheels, and cushioning. They are not heavy on the pocket and are light in weight, but are not very safe or comfortable for your baby. Full-featured high chairs are equipped with features like wheels to roll the chair from place to place, cushioned seats with safety belts, detachable trays, height adjustments, and reclining options. They are on the expensive side due to all the features that they provide. Portable and hook-on high chairs are those that are not freestanding, and can be hooked on to the table. They can be moved and stored easily, and they do not take too much of space. The best part about this type of high chair is that it can be attached to a regular chair, and it costs less than a regular high chair. Wooden high chairs look awesome, but are full of drawbacks. They are expensive, heavy, uncomfortable for your baby as the seat is too deep, the footrest is too low, and it is not very safe. These chairs are difficult to clean because they are made of wood and also because these chairs have too many crevices where crumbs can get lodged easily. This factor makes it a bad choice for babies.

After you know and understand the types, safety is the next important concern. Make sure to buy a high chair that has the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) approval stamp on it. Apart from the JPMA stamp, look for safety features as mentioned below. ◆ Look out for blunt edges, points, and projections so that your baby does not sustain any injury, while in the chair. ◆ Opt for a chair with a sturdy construction and good stable balance so that your baby does not tip over or fall. ◆ The legs of the baby chair should spread wider than all the other parts of the chair. ◆ There should be no gaps, traps, or crevices, where your baby's fingers and food might get stuck. ◆ The chair should not have small parts that can be a choking hazard for your baby. ◆ A secure locking mechanism should be present to keep the baby in place, the chair from collapsing, and operable only for parents. ◆ Wheels with a 'lock and hold' feature are the best. ◆ Go in for an adjustable 5-point harness that goes over the baby's shoulders, between the legs, and around the waist to prevent her from slipping out or standing up, while in the chair. ◆ Choosing a chair with a crotch restraint is also very important. ◆ The back and side of the chair should not have very large gaps. ◆ The high chair should be devoid of pinch points to avoid your baby's limbs from getting injured. This point also directly benefits parents, as even they might get their fingers pinched while adjusting or folding the chair. ◆ The chairs should be made of non-toxic material. Even the paints and glue used in the chair should be made from the same.

After you check all the safety features thoroughly, you should also think about other features that you would like to have for your baby's chair. Things like size of the tray, ease of cleaning, adjustability, storage, comfort, and cost are also very important factors in determining your purchase.