Get a high chair you can get the most out of
Mar 20 '05
The Bottom Line Look for a 5-point harness, a secure middle bar, a safe tray, a reclining, washable, and height-adjustable seat and casters that lock.
When I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed by the purchasing decisions I had to make. So, I asked several of my mom-friends, those who had opinions I could trust, what features I should look for in a high chair. They each provided me with a lot of great tips. And, after using mine for at least 6 months, I have some of my own. I've compiled all of our advice here.
Safety first:
1) Make sure the high chair you get has a 5-point safety harness.
2) Look for a child-proof tray. That is, find a tray that your baby won't be able to remove by him/herself. The release for the tray should be out of his/her reach.
3) Find a high chair with a secure middle bar one that will stay between the child's legs so that he/she won't slip down and out. That is, avoid high chairs where this bar is attached to the tray. There are times you will want to remove the tray while your baby is still sitting in the chair.
Extend the life of your high chair:
1) Get a high chair with a reclining seat. This way, you won't have to wait until your baby is sitting or eating solids to use the high chair. With a seat that reclines, a newborn can "sit" next to you at the dinner table while you and the rest of your family is eating. (No more taking turns eating while someone else holds the baby!)
2) Make sure the seat is washable, removable, and durable. While some prefer vinyl seats that you can wipe, other prefer fabric seats that you can throw in the washing machine. Either way, make sure you get one that is easy to clean since you'll be cleaning it quite a bit.
3) Look for a high chair with a sturdy steel frame.
Make your high chair do double- or triple-duty:
1) Get a high chair that is height adjustable. A chair that can be lowered to the floor can also serve as an activity chair. Just think, no need for a bouncer.
2) Get a high chair with casters that lock. Being able to move the high chair with ease is very convenient. Since the high chair serves as a safe place for the baby to sit, it gives you the opportunity to keep an eye on your baby while having your hands free to do something else, at least for a short while. (I've even rolled it with me to the bathroom.) But, in order to be safe, make sure you put on the breaks once you wheel your baby to your destination.
Don't get distracted with things that don't matter:
1) You don't need a toy bar or other toys that attach to the high chair. Your baby may get tired of these toys after a while. Instead, keep some small toys in a box or bag by the high chair. Rotate the toys to keep him/her interested.
2) Don't think that the more you spend the better high chair you'll get. I know of two high chairs (one from Baby Trend and one from Fisher Price) that (as of March 2005) have all of the key features I've described above and are less than $90. There are a number of high chairs out there that are priced much higher that are simply not worth it.
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Epinions.com ID:
sskein
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
A PhD mother, researcher and coach focusing on work-family issues.
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