Babies don’t always make it easy for you to feed them but with the right chair, the feeding experience can be more pleasant for you and the baby. The average high chair consists of the frame and a seat that has been attached with a safety belt. Some also contain a foot rest. There are numbers of high chairs to select from and they range from metal, wooden, classic and ultra modern high chairs amongst others. Here we will give you tips on how to select the best high chair for your baby.
How to Choose the Best High Chair
Usually, a baby is able to sit upright by the age of 4-6 months and this is around the same time that many babies are introduced to solid foods. During this time, you need a good feeding chair and here is what you may need to consider when buying one.
- 1. Safety. Safety is priority. The high chair must have a certification sticker which shows that it is manufactured with the ASTM International (once known as American Society for Testing and Materials) standards and that it is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufactures Association (JPMA).
- 2. Weight capacity. Check out the weight capacity to make sure if it suits your baby.
- 3. Appropriate type. As mentioned, there are different types of high chairs and each comes with its own pros and cons. You can go for a high-end model with great features such as whistles and bells. There are chairs that can be attached to your table or, you can also go for the basic types with a simple tray.
- 4. Multifunction. A good high chair should be versatile and you might want to consider one that converts into a kiddy chair or booster seat which you can use when your young one is much older.
- 5. Cozy for baby. Comfort is an important consideration and you need a seat that will not be too hard on the baby’s bottom. Ensure that the seat does not have sharp edges that could easily hurt the child. A foot rest is also a nice addition.
- 6. Suitable size. Check out the dimensions of the chair as it needs to be spacious enough for the child yet not take up too much space in the home especially if you live in an apartment or smaller home.
- 7. Easy to adjust. Go for a chair that allows you to adjust the height and recline as well. If it has wheels, you should be able to lock them along with other adjustable features.
- 8. Easy to clean. If it has a cushion, make sure that is removable and washable in a washing machine. The same applies with the tray, let it be removable and dishwasher safe.
- 9. Reasonable price. Prices of high chairs range from $60 to almost $450. Take quality and price into consideration.
Best High Chairs for Kids
The above high chairs are recommended due to their safety, multifunctional, comfortable and handy features and some parents’ comments.
1. Graco Blossom 4-In-1 Seating System
This is a multifunctional chair that adjusts to the needs of your growing baby. It’s designed to allow two children to seat at the same time and it can be adjusted to 6 different height positions and 3 recline levels as well. The removable tray is dishwasher-safe. Although some said there was something wrong with the wheels.
2. Evenflo Compact Fold High Chair
This is a compact high chair that is comfortable for the baby thanks to the padded seat and safe as well, as it features a 3-point harness. The padded seat is wipeable and the tray is dish-washer safe. It is easy to set up and fold. The maximum weight recommendation is 40 pounds. Although some said that it needed some design improvements.
3. Fisher-Price EZ Clean High Chair
You can adjust the height and recline for a more comfortable position. It’s easy to clean and you simply wipe down the straps as well as the frame. It is crevice free so food will not be stuck. It’s a foldable chair and convenient for storage. The maximum weight recommendation is 1.76 ounces. Although some complained that the chair was not roomy enough.
4. Safety 1st Adaptable High Chair
This ultra-compact chair saves space and is protective as well with a slide guard post that prevents slipping. It’s also versatile and has 3 recline levels which can be used to feed a newborn, infant and toddler as well. The tray can be placed in 4 different positions. Theseat cushion is machine washable. Although certain parent said that the wheel lock feature could be stronger.
5. Keekaroo Height Right High Chair
This wooden high chair is JPMA certified. The chair can be used by babies from the age of 6 months and can hold 250 pounds. It has a dishwasher safe tray and cloth cushion for comfort. The foot and seat plate are adjustable. It is easy to get it clean. You can use a wet cloth to wipe it. Although there was complaint concerning the tray.
6. Baby Trend High Chair
This high chair has good adjustable features. You can recline it to 3 different levels and adjust the height to 6 different levels as well. It comes with a large storage basket and is foldable making it a handy chair. The seat pad makes it comfortable for the baby to be seated. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher safe tray and washable seat pad. Some said that it was kind of bulky and hard to maneuver.
7. Joovy Nook High chair
This high chair is quite handy since you can completely fold it into a flat design. The feeding tray can be swung open and it can easily be removed for cleaning. The trays and the fabric seat are all machine washable. Baby will feel cozy when sitting in this simple yet cool chair. Although there were complaints about the tray.
8. Summer Infant Wood High Chair
This is a cost-effective high chair as it can be used until the age of 3 years with a weight limit of 40 lbs. The high chair has a dishwasher safe tray that can be adjusted into 4 different positions. It also features a 5 point safety harness and footrest which can be used by older children. The seat pad is cute to attract babies.
A professional at Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers safety tips for parents to follow when using a high chair: