What's behind our high chair Ratings? High chair user reviews and provide valuable feedback to other members and our testers. High chair buying guide When it comes to selecting a high chair, try not to be overwhelmed by the choices on the market: there are literally dozens: classic or modern, wooden, plastic, or metal, among other options. But the right high chair can help make feeding a hungry baby a lot more enjoyable for both of you. Here's what's to consider.Today's high chairs–whether they're made of wood, metal, or plastic--are loaded with features such as adjustable trays with dishwasher-safe inserts that make cleanup a cinch, seats that recline to multiple positions, and chair heights that accommodate your growing baby and give you flexibility to feed her at different levels.Regardless of the materials, you should look for high-chair safety features that include a crotch post; a safety-restraint system with a five-point harness; wheels that lock in place (or no wheels);
and, when folding, chairs that won't scissor, shear, or pinch you or your little one's fingers.At a minimum, you'll want a stable, sturdy high chair that can stand up to heavy use, spills, and regular cleaning for at least a year. Although they're intended for children from infancy up to about three years (the typical top weight is 40 to 50 pounds), some babies can't bear to sit in one once they become adventurous toddlers.Many high chairs now convert to toddler chairs when your child is ready to sit at the table with the rest of the family. You usually make the switch by removing the tray and adjusting the chair height so you can scoot your toddler right up to the table. That's a good thing because a regular kitchen or dining room chair will probably put your child at chin level to the table. Since you'll need some kind of transitional chair, you might as well get the most mileage from a high chair.5 Baby Items You Can Live Without With so much baby gear out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and sometimes even buy too much-- but don't worry, here are five items you won't need to splurge on.
How to Choose the Best High Chair Important questions to ask when choosing Baby's high chair. 9 Easy High Chairs Still looking for a seat to feed your little one? These slim high chairs keep things simple.High Chair and Hook-On Chair Safety Feeding time can be hectic when baby is hungry. Follow these simple guidelines for high chairs and hook-on chairs to ensure your baby's safety at mealtime. The Must-Read High Chairs Buying Guide High chair shopping doesn't have to be a task. To find the perfect seat for your tot, read what to look for here -- then check out these 10-star options. Reader-Tested High Chairs Finding the right high chair--a key factor in making meals a pleasant experience--can be tricky. See what our testers had to say about popular brands. Prevent High Chair Injuries: How to Keep Your Child Safe High chair-related injuries are on the rise. Learn why this is happening and what you can do to keep your child safe by watching this video courtesy of Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Search Our Toy and Product Recall Finder Start Now High Chairs Shop Now The Lowdown on High Chairs High chairs are typically designed for use from infancy to three years of age, with a top weight limit of around 50 pounds. Here are some important factors to consider when shopping: Safety features are a top consideration. Look for these main components: A crotch post; wheels that lock in place (or a chair that doesn’t have wheels); and if it’s a folding high chair, make sure it won’t pinch your fingers when closing. From conventional to contemporary, high chairs come in a range of décor-enhancing styles. Some are functional—adjustable trays with dishwasher-safe inserts make for quick cleanup; seats that recline to multiple positions are handy when bottle-feeding, and chair heights that accommodate your growing baby are a plus. (Height adjustment can be equally convenient for the parent; you can lower the high chair seat to match your chair, allowing you to sit while feeding the baby.)
Others are downright practical—such as high chairs that convert to booster chairs when your child is ready to sit at the table. If space is tight, consider a chair that folds or has a smaller footprint. A certification sticker shows that the manufacturer has met safety standards set by ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials), and that it takes part in a certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. JPMA certification can provide some level of assurance that the product meets safety standards, but is not a guarantee that it does. You might not know what high chair will best suit your child until you try it. Keep your receipt or packing slip. If you receive a high chair as a gift, ask that a gift receipt be included. Some high chairs require assembly and can come with more parts than you might expect, or can be tricky to put together. If you're not handy, you might want to buy a high chair that comes fully assembled.
Think Twice About Secondhand We recommend against buying or accepting a second-hand chair. If you do, get the model name and date of manufacture—which should be on a label permanently affixed to the chair—then check www.recalls.gov to be sure the chair has not been included in any safety recalls. High chairs have grown up and some of the newer ones are packed with features. You'll find the features for each high chair in our Ratings on the features & specifications tab on each model page. This category includes basic models to high-end models. Meant primarily for home use, traditional high chairs are not designed to fold for travel, or transform into on-the-go child seats. Basic models make good second high chairs to leave at a grandparent's house. Pros: Top-end models tend to have a sleeker, more upscale look. Some have higher-end fabric or styling and offer greater adjustability. There's an endless selection of models, materials, and features. Cons: High-end high chairs don't necessarily deliver top quality;
less-expensive models can be just as durable. Watch for protruding or widely spaced legs that can be a tripping hazard. Grooves in the molded plastic of the tray or seat can trap food and dirt. You want double-action latches, which are more difficult for a child to undo. These high chairs have a base and a seat unit with a tray. When needed, the seat unit can be lifted directly off the chair frame (with or without the tray) and strapped to an adult dining chair to serve as a booster seat. As your child gets older, the booster tray can be removed and the seat base moved closer so your child can dine at the table. Pros: You can potentially seat two kids with one high chair by using the base for the older child, and the high chair/booster for the younger one. Cons: Many modular chairs have a base that does not fold. Grow With Me High Chairs A Grow With Me high chair is a chair, almost always constructed of wood, that converts to a toddler or youth chair (ages 3 to 5 years), with some models lasting into young adulthood (or up to 175 pounds or more).
Not all wooden chairs do all three conversions, but this style is gaining in popularity in part due to their design aesthetic and adaptability. Pros: A chair that fits many developmental stages. The style, more like furniture than another piece of baby gear, appeals to many parents. Cons: Seat height is adjusted with a hex key/Allen wrench so you'll need to keep that tool handy indefinitely. High chair conversion kits or “baby sets” can be awkward to use. Spacing can be tight with the seat platform in the designated position(s) for use with a baby set. Shopping and Safety Tips Open and Close the Safety Harness Fastener Make sure you can easily operate the harness fastener but your child cannot. If it's difficult for you to use, you might be tempted not to use it every time your child is in the seat, which is a mistake. Although the current safety standard set by ASTM International doesn't call for a five-point harness (a waist and crotch restraint with shoulder straps), a three-point harness (waist and crotch restraint) is required for certification.
On some chairs, you can convert a five-point harness to a three-point one, but we don't recommend it. Five-point harnesses are safer because they can prevent a child from standing or leaning over in a high chair and possibly falling or tipping the chair over. It should be easy for you to engage, adjust, and disengage—but not for your baby. Tray latches shouldn't be accessible or visible to your baby. Check for a Crotch Post The voluntary industry standard requires high chairs with completely bounded openings to have a fixed post attached to the tray or the seat of the chair. Adjust the Seat Height Adjustable seat heights allow the high chair to be used at the level of your dining room table, so your baby can eat with the rest of the family, or at a height that works well for a seated caregiver. Remember it isn’t safe to adjust the height when your baby is seated in the chair. Assess the Seat Cover Look for durable upholstery. The seat cover should feel substantial, not flimsy.
Make sure upholstery seams won't scratch your baby's legs. Seat covers should be easy to wipe clean or be machine washable. Too many seams, or decorative stitching or piping, can add to the chore of keeping the seat pad clean. Rubber or foam seat pads are easier to keep clean, and the sleek, modern look appeals to many parents. Make Sure That Wheels can Be Locked If you're buying a model with wheels, make sure they lock or become immobilized by the weight of your seated baby. Watch Out for Rough Edges Examine the underside of the feeding tray and edges of the seating area, including the armrests and seatback. Make sure nothing is sharp. Avoid high chairs with small holes or hinges that could trap little fingers. Check for Small Parts Before using, and periodically while the chair is in use, make sure the caps or plugs that cover the ends of metal tubing are well secured, and that labels, stickers or tags are firmly attached. Check any fasteners for tightness.
Parts small enough for a child to swallow or inhale are a choking hazard. If you plan to fold up your high chair every day, practice in the store. Some chairs’ folding mechanisms can be stiff or awkward. Some chairs may take up nearly as much space when folded as they do when opened. Give the Chair a Good Shake Push contenders around to see how well they hold their ground, or lift it if that’s how you would move it within your home. A chair should feel stable and sturdy, not wobbly. Look for a high chair with a wide base for stability. Baby on Board: Features to Consider Safety is a prime consideration when buying a high chair because you don't want your child slipping, sliding, climbing out, or possibly falling. The ease of use of several features can also affect safety. If a harness is hard to use, or a buckle is hard to operate, parents or caregivers might be tempted to not use them. Trying them in the store can help. Check our High Chair Ratings for our assessments of the safety and ease of use of high chairs.