When the baby enters the weaning stage and the first solid foods are introduced into their diet, parents begin searching for the ideal high chair. So, what should you pay attention to in order to buy the right one?

Safety

Your priority when choosing should be the safety of the child. For this reason, there are certain points that require special attention, such as:

5-point safety harness

This specific type of harness secures not only the child's waist but also their shoulders, preventing them from standing up or leaning dangerously to one side or the other. With a 3-point harness (which is required by law), the child is not at risk of slipping out of the seat, but it is not enough, especially if the child is quite active. The harnesses should be placed on the child, even if we are in the same room, as accidents related to falls from high chairs, according to statistics, should not be underestimated.

Fixed leg divider

Contributes to preventing the child from slipping out of the seat. Practical, but not sufficient on its own, as the seat belt remains the number one for their safety.

Wide base opening

Stability is one of the basic safety parameters of a high chair. The relatively high center of gravity imposes the largest possible opening at the base, even if it comes at the expense of the space you have available.

Wheels with brakes

The wheels, which many models provide for easy movement, must definitely have an integrated brake or a lock in a permanent position. Some seats have two rear wheels and two fixed legs at the front to ensure greater stability.

In addition, it is important to comply with the high safety standards of European legislation and to have certification that it has been tested for lateral, front, and rear stability, in order to eliminate the risk of tipping over with the child inside. It is also useful to have non-slip ends, which contribute to its stability while also protecting the floor from scratches, and to have no protruding sharp edges and corners.

Functionality

Once you have made sure that the high chair meets all the necessary safety criteria, the next step is to check whether it has all the features that make it easy to use. Some basic elements are the following:

Chair height adjustment 

The ability to adjust the height to as many positions as possible is considered essential, as it must be able to follow the child’s age stages, and also fit different table heights.

Backrest recline adjustment in positions 

With this adjustment, if the child falls asleep in the high chair after eating, we simply tilt the seat back and there is no need to move them urgently.

Footrest adjustable in positions

Children, at this stage of their development, grow so quickly that without this adjustment in a short time their feet will no longer be able to be supported.

Serving tray

It is very important for the serving tray to be removable, so it can be easily washed in the sink or even in the dishwasher. Also, in this way it can be removed when the child sits at the table with the rest of the family. Some models have a double or even triple tray: in models with a double tray, you remove the top tray and wash it without depriving the seat of the lower tray, while in those with a triple tray you also have an extra surface for the toys. What you should also pay attention to is for the tray to lock in two or more positions, so that the child’s belly does not “hit” against it as they grow.

Storage basket / net

If provided, it will certainly prove useful. It is placed between the legs of the base and has a large capacity. In this way the kitchen toys are kept in order without needing extra boxes and storage spaces.

Some models also include a toy bar so that the child can be occupied until their meal is ready.

Comfort

The department that ensures comfort is the seat. A sufficiently reinforced and soft position can support the baby's body and neck, while an extra cushion can provide even greater comfort during feeding.

Multifunctionality

A highchair is used by children from 5 to 36 months (or even longer), making multifunctionality a key criterion in your choice. There are chairs that "grow with the child" following their developmental stages, as after their initial use as highchairs, they can be transformed, with minimal adjustments, into simple chairs for the table, even into adult seats!

Tip: Some more innovative, but also higher budget options, are the ultimate definition of "all-in-one", as they are simultaneously a crib, a bassinet, a recliner, a seat, and a chair together!

Storage capacity - Portability

A very important selection factor, since in many homes there is not enough space to spare! If you want the high chair to fold, so that it is not permanently open, make sure to check the dimensions it occupies when folded. Prefer models that are compact and self-supporting when folded and that fold easily and without effort. Also, prefer models that do not weigh many kilos (with an aluminum frame, for example), so that they are ideal for moving around as well, of course without compromising stability.

Cleaning

Since children often end up dirtying the serving tray during feeding, it is good for it to be detachable for easy transportation and washing in the sink or dishwasher. The seat cover also needs frequent washing, so it is necessary to be removable.

Tip: For even greater practicality and time savings, plasticized and waterproof fabrics are an ideal choice, as they can be locally washed using a damp cloth or sponge.

Design

The choice of dining chair based on design is solely dependent on your personal taste. In the market, you will find chairs made of plastic, metal, and natural wood - a choice that definitely suits the kitchen or living room furniture more, due to its natural beauty and durability.

Other Solutions

If the lack of space combined with a preference for seats that are easy to carry when going out plays a key role in your choice, the market offers worthwhile options that are sure to meet your needs.

• Fabric seat: It adjusts easily and safely to almost all chairs with backs. Its main advantage is that it fits in your bag or even in your… pocket! The ideal choice for travel and restaurants.

• Booster food seat for chair: It is placed directly on any chair, making it an ideal choice for any visit or outing away from home. Most models of this type adapt as the child grows, as they can be used as portable seats with a tray for younger children, as well as a booster seat for older children who eat at the table with their parents. What you need to watch for is that the base has non-slip stops for greater safety.

• Portable food seat for table: It is placed and secured on the table, which must be stable and able to support extra weight on one side. It takes up very little space, is lightweight and easy to carry. Choose seats with a high and stable backrest for greater safety, and of course with a 5-point safety harness and crotch divider. It is also important to pay attention to the age and weight of the children it is intended for.