How to buy a highchair

by Anne-Marie O’Leary

Baby Cino High Chair

Safety First

Make sure any highchair you consider has:

• A safety harness (that little fingers can’t undo) so your baby can’t climb/fall/slip out during meal times
• Stability – highchairs should rest solidly on all four feet without wobbling
• Sleek fittings – trays should be fitted without any exposed nuts, bolts or catches for your baby to injure themselves on
• Lockable hinges – if your highchair unfolds, make sure hinges lock when open so it can’t collapse with your baby in it

Where will it go?

Will it fit in the space you need it to? And, if you’ll be storing it in a cupboard/taking it out and about with you, does it fit in your cupboard/car boot?

Tray or no tray?

Do you want your baby to sit separately from you with their own feeding tray, or with you at the table with no tray? Some parents prefer to integrate babies into family meal times at the table; others find it easier to feed babies separately.

Wipe clean?

It needs to be easy to clean. And not just the seat and tray/s, but the back, legs… babies aren’t known for their table manners.

Other features to consider…

• A parent tray – a tray positioned out of your baby’s reach (usually on the side) where you can safely store bowls/cups etc while feeding
• Removable trays – these tend to be easier to clean than the fixed variety
• Wheels – great for moving your highchair around, just make sure they’re lockable for maximum safety
• Height/size adjustments – children grow quickly. Make sure your highchair will ‘grow’ with your baby i.e. the seat is wide, moves up and down the frame, and the harness straps are adjustable

Budget

Highchairs come in all shapes, sizes… and prices. The more durable the material (wood and leather will last longer than plastic and vinyl), the higher the price. Ditto the number of additional features. Decide what you need most before making your decision.

You may want to check out my other guide on Getting The Best Baby Jogging Stroller and Tips to Pick A Travel Stroller.

Tags: High Chair, High Chair Guide