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Choosing a High Chair
Home » Nursery » High Chairs » Choosing a High ChairWhen you are shopping for a high chair, keep safety at the forefront of your mind. In addition to safety, there are several features that you may consider:
o Stability: Picking a high chair with a wide base will increase the chairs stability and will be more difficult to topple over.
o Security Restraint Belts: The high chair you purchase should come equipped with security restraint belts to hold your child in place and keep him from standing up while in the chair. The belts should go around the waist and between both legs to prevent baby from slipping out from underneath.
o Sharp Edges: While shopping, feel underneath the high chair tray to make sure there aren’t any edges that could poke your baby while he is sitting in the high chair. If you purchase a wooden high chair, make sure it is splinter-free with smooth wood.
o Comfort Level: Choose a high chair with seats that are well-padded, or buy a cushion that can be attached to a wooden high chair. If the cushion is made of upholstery, make sure it is thick enough without being too thick, and won’t puncture easily.
o Detachable Tray with Raised Edges: A detachable tray allows you to clean the tray in the sink and provides easy removal of the baby when feeding time is over. A tray that is easy to remove can be invaluable since you will be holding your baby in the other hand most of the time. It is also nice to have a tray with raised edges so spills (and there will be plenty of spills) won’t run off of the tray onto the floor.
o Adjustable Features: Since not all parents are the same height, it is convenient to have an adjustable high chair that makes it comfortable on the feeder as well as the consumer. Adjustable trays can allow the high chair to grow with baby as he increases in girth. Adjustable reclining positions are nice for a baby who is just learning to sit up or is tired, and it makes it easier on the baby who likes to drink in his high chair.
o Easy to Clean: There is no doubt that your high chair will be a center for messes, so finding a model that is easy to clean is essential. Look for high chairs that don’t have as many cracks and crevices for food to get stuck in. Also look for surfaces that are easy to wipe as well as seats made out of vinyl or plastic that are easy to clean. As mentioned before, some high chairs offer a tray that is small enough to fit into your dishwasher for extra easy clean-up.
o Wheels: If you could be moving your highchair from room to room or to different sides of the table, you might want to consider a chair with wheels. If you do choose to purchase a chair with wheels, be sure to always lock them in place once you have your chair situated and baby is inside.
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