How to Buy a High Chair

Babies spend quite a bit of time in their high chairs for at least the first two years of their lives. It's important that the high chair is safe, sturdy and full of the features you need to make mealtime a pleasant experience for both you and your baby. With a little forethought and planning, you can buy a high chair that fits the needs of your family perfectly.

Instructions

1. Determine where the high chair will reside in your home. If your kitchen or dining area is small, you might want to purchase a small high chair that folds easily for storage. If space isn't an issue, and you want to use the high chair for many years, consider purchasing a more expensive chair with features to accommodate a growing child.

2. Research the safety features of the high chair. Ensure that it has both shoulder straps to use when your baby isn't able to sit up without support and waist and crotch straps to secure your baby's lower body. If the high chair folds, ensure that it properly locks into place when it's open and make certain the high chair has a wide base for stability.

3. Look for a high chair that contains a solid post in the center of the seat. This post, which rests between a baby's thighs while she's seated, will stop your baby from slipping out of the chair and hurting herself.

4. Purchase a high chair with a vinyl or plastic seat, if possible, because these surfaces are easy to clean. Also look for a high chair that has a removable tray, so you can unlock the tray for cleaning in the sink or the dishwasher.

5. Make certain the tray has a large lip all the way around to prevent food from falling to the floor.

6. Buy a high chair that you can maneuver easily. Slide the tray on and off to make certain you can accomplish this task without a struggle, and make sure you can fasten and unfasten the safety straps without having to tug at them.

7. Decide if the high chair will move from room to room. If so, buy a high chair with wheels, but ensure the wheels lock into place when the high chair is stationary.

Tips & Warnings

• Since your baby will use the high chair for at least two years; buy one with a seating area large enough to accommodate her as she grows.

• Once you've found a high chair that's safe, durable and in your price range, look for one that matches the decor of the room it will reside in as well as your own personal style.

• Make certain to lock the removable tray back into place once you've finished cleaning it. If it's not secure, your baby could easily toss it to the floor during her next meal and cause a big mess.

• Always supervise your baby while she's in the high chair and never leave her alone.