A high chair is a necessary item on most new parents’ lists of things to buy for the new baby. Because of its height and convenient tray, a high chair allows you to feed a child aged four months and up with ease. In addition to mealtime, the tray also makes it easy for a young child to play with small toys, use crayons or just sit and observe the goings-on around her.
As with any baby product, the high chair should follow all current safety guidelines. To make sure your child is safe and comfortable, it’s a good idea to know what to look for when purchasing a high chair.
For a safe and secure baby, a five point harness is a must for keeping baby in her seat. This type of harness has two shoulder straps, a strap between the legs and two straps to keep the hips in place. Though this sounds confining, it’s actually quite comfortable if baby is strapped in properly.
For comfort, the seat should be padded in all the right spots. If the high chair is uncomfortable, the child won’t want to sit in the seat and might not stay focused on what she is doing. The straps should fit securely without digging into baby’s skin. The seat should also recline for the smallest baby’s comfort. Remember, a comfortable meal is a productive meal.
Portability is another important feature. It may not sound like a major detail now, but a high chair that can be folded up and easily placed in the trunk of one’s car is always a plus. With a portable high chair, parents can visit family and friends and enjoy their meal without having to feed a young child on their lap. Being able to stow the chair under a bed, or couch, or in a closet when company comes is also a bonus.
An easy to use high chair is a must. Check to see if the seat can be raised and lowered without effort and if the tray slides on and off easily. Make sure the straps are simple to adjust, open and close. If you think you’ll find yourself cursing the chair every day or worry that certain aspects may frustrate you, it would be best to select a different model.
A good high chair is also easy to clean. Make sure that food can be sponged off easily. A tray top that lifts off for convenient clean up in the sink or dishwasher is an excellent feature. Also look for a chair cushion that can be unsnapped without difficulty and dropped into the washing machine when necessary.
When shopping for a high chair, one should always do some research first. Read up on which models have received the highest ratings and which brands can be trusted. It’s always wise to check product recalls as well. Our children’s comfort and safety is our top priority, including when they’re sitting at the table.