| Apart from a crib, a high chair is one of the | | | | hand. The tray should also have raised edges |
| most commonly used baby products. That is why | | | | or lips to manage spills easily. |
| you have to choose a high chair that not only | | | | |
| reflects your baby's personality, but offers | | | | - Adjustable: Look for a high chair that has |
| durability and function as well. | | | | everything adjustable. Reclining positions |
| | | | need to be adjusted to accommodate your |
| Types of High Chairs | | | | baby's growth. Trays need adjustments as he |
| | | | gains weight, and height adjustments are |
| Wooden: These are often pleasing to the eyes | | | | convenient for parents of different sizes. |
| and are usually heavy, solid and sturdy. They | | | | Older babies also need adjustable footrests |
| do have some drawbacks such as being harder | | | | to stay comfortable. |
| to store, and they normally don't have as | | | | |
| many features as plastic chairs. | | | | - Easy Clean-up: As you may well know, your |
| | | | high chair will easily get messy with your |
| Metal: These chairs have more features than | | | | baby throwing, playing, and spitting food |
| wood, such as easy storage and clean-up. | | | | wherever he can. You want a high chair that |
| However they are usually heavier than high | | | | has easy-wipe surfaces, machine-washable |
| chairs made of plastic. | | | | seats, and dishwasher-safe trays. |
| | | | |
| Plastic / Metal (Full Feature): These are | | | | - Wheels: High chairs with wheels are very |
| usually fully padded and reclining, with | | | | convenient, but make sure that the wheels can |
| adjustable heights, easy-clean removable | | | | be locked so they won't roll away when you're |
| trays, maneuverability with wheels, and | | | | not looking. |
| relatively easy storage. | | | | |
| | | | - JPMA Logo: Check your high chair for a |
| Shopping Tips | | | | Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association |
| | | | (JPMA) logo. With the American Society for |
| When buying a high chair, make sure to | | | | Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer |
| consider the following: | | | | Products Safety Commission (CSPC), the JPMA |
| | | | ensures that the high chair you choose has |
| - Stability: Choose a high chair that is | | | | passed industry safety standards. |
| sturdy and wide-based so it doesn't easily | | | | |
| tip over. | | | | Safety Tips |
| | | | |
| - Restraint Belts: For safety and security, | | | | - Always make sure that your baby is safely |
| your high chairs need to have restraint | | | | restrained. |
| belts. Restraint belts hold your baby in | | | | |
| between his legs and around his waist to | | | | - Never leave a child alone and unattended on |
| prevent him from slipping out or standing up. | | | | a high chair. |
| | | | |
| - No sharp edges: Check the seams, edges, and | | | | - Always lock the wheels, even if you're on a |
| underside of the high chair for sharp or | | | | flat surface. |
| rough edges, especially where your baby will | | | | |
| be sitting. Wooden high chairs are prone to | | | | - Before placing your child on a high chair, |
| splinters, so check for those as well. | | | | make sure that all latches are secured. |
| | | | |
| - Trays: The high chair tray should be easy | | | | - Keep in mind the maximum weight capacity of |
| to clean and remove. If possible, choose a | | | | your high chair. |
| tray that can be released or removed with one | | | | |