When choosing a high chair for your child, it is very important to consider what the chair will be used for and where.  Are you looking for a primary high chair that will always be out in the kitchen or dining area?  A secondary chair to be kept at grandma’s that needs to be stowed away when not in use? Once you’ve determined those things you’re almost ready to start shopping.  Before you do, consider these things:

Make sure your new high chair has a five-point safety harness to keep your baby seated.  The tray alone isn’t sufficient.  Are the harness straps strong and durable?

How stable is the chair?  Will it tip easily?  Look for wide legs with a stabilizing cross bar between the front or back legs, or both.  How will it react when your little one is wiggling around?  Test it.  Tip it back and forth, shake it, make sure it is stable.

Find a high chair with a tray that has a spill-resistant rim.  Test taking the tray off and putting it back on to make sure it is easy to use.  Try to remove while it is locked in.  Is the tray dishwasher-safe?  Also be sure to take a look at the chair without the tray, can it be used when your child is older?

If the high chair is fold-able, can it accidentally be folded while in use?  Examine the joints, are they sharp, can a finger easily get caught in them?  Make sure that the high chair’s folded size can fit into the space you plan to store it.

Do you want wheels for easy movement around the room?  Does the high chair’s heigh adjust for use as the child gets older? Is the seat comfortable and durable?  Can it be cleaned?  And of course, do you like the look of it?  Pick something that has a color, pattern and design that you like.

Did we forget anything?  What other factors did you consider or are you considering as you purchase(d) a high chair?

What features does your ideal high chair have?