There are a few things to consider when picking out a highchair that will be both comfortable and safe for your little one and easy for you to use and maneuver. Take into consideration your lifestyle, space, and whether it's for your home or another's such as your parents' or caretakers'. For example a small living space may need a smaller highchair, while one kept at your parents' or caretakers' homes may not need many special features.
MINIMUM/MAXIMUM AGE/WEIGHT: Look for the minimum/maximum age and weight on a highchair. The weight and age range depends on how soon and how long you would like the highchair to be in use.
RECLINE: A highchair with a reclined position is perfect for younger babies who don't have the muscle development to sit up by themselves. The reclined position allows you to adjust the level of the recline until your baby can sit upright and allows you to start using the highchair earlier to bottle feed your infant. However, the reclined position should not be used when feeding a child solid foods as it may pose a choking hazard. Look for a one-hand adjustment feature so this can be easily adjusted even while holding your baby.
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: This option makes it easier to fit the highchair at the table and adjust for face-to-face feeding. Once again look for the one-hand adjustment feature so you can handle your baby while adjusting. Some models also offer multi-position footrests to provide more comfort for your child.
RESTRAINTS: The most important safety factor is the harness-restraint. Once upon a time highchairs just utilized a lap belt. Now-a-days you'll want to look for a three- or five-point harness to keep your child safe during feeding time. The five-point harness is preferred as it secures your baby at the shoulders, waist and crotch, and it will also keep your child from standing in the seat and possibly taking a fall. There's also a crotch strap that will prevent the little one from slipping or sliding under the tray. Also look for a center post passive restraint. This also helps keep your child from sliding out of the chair. It may come attached to the tray or as part of the seat. Look for ease of use when it comes to this feature as the easier it is to use, the more likely it will be used correctly every time.
EASE OF USE: Many features on the highchair are created to be easy to use such as one-hand adjustment, removable seat pads that can be machine washed and trays that can be put in the dishwasher. It's always a good idea to "test drive" a highchair to see that it fits your lifestyle.
SEAT PADS: Most seat pads can be wiped clean and some are removable for machine washing. Look for pads that wrap completely around the seat so there are no crevices for food to slip and hide.
TRAYS: You'll also appreciate an adjustable tray that slides smoothly with one hand. When you can push the tray right up to baby, you'll find it minimizes the amount of food that can fall. Many highchairs also come with dual trays so while one is being washed, the other can be used for feeding. Look for trays that are dishwasher safe. You'll want a smooth tray that provides for easy cleaning. It allows you to wipe away food and grime easily and food doesn't get stuck in crevices. There are also trays with toys attached to them for the child who may not be thrilled about meal times.
FOLDING FEATURE: There are also highchairs that fold which are great if you have limited space or you keep a highchair at your mother's place. Make sure there's a place on the frame to hang the tray for added convenience.
WHEELS: For convenience it's great to have a highchair that you can pull right up to the table or easily move from one room to another. You'll want castor wheels for mobility, but make sure they have a locking device for safety.
FRAME: You'll find that highchairs usually come with a metal, plastic or wood frame. All provide for easy cleaning. You'll also want to look for a wide base that will keep the chair stable. When checking out a highchair, make sure all four legs touch the ground evenly for stability.
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