How to Choose a Highchair for Your Baby?

Whether you're searching for the best highchair for baby-led weaning, planning to follow a traditional spoon-feeding approach, or combining both methods, there are a few key features to consider when choosing the right baby highchair.

· Choose a highchair that helps your baby sit up straight

While many highchairs come with a reclining feature, it’s important to remember that a reclined position may not be ideal for solid food meals. Though it might be fine for bottle feeding, reclining during mealtime can increase the risk of choking. For safety, it’s best for your baby to sit upright with their hips, knees, and ankles at 90° angles.

Chewing and swallowing involve complex motor skills, and when a baby isn't sitting fully upright, gravity can cause food to move too quickly toward the back of the mouth and throat before they’re ready to swallow, or before the food has been properly mashed with their gums.

· Pick one with an adjustable footrest

Have you ever sat on a barstool at a tall table with your feet dangling? It’s uncomfortable, right? Without a place to rest your feet, it puts pressure on your lower back and makes sitting still nearly impossible. The same goes for babies in highchairs—keeping their feet supported during mealtimes is key to improving their comfort and stability. It helps them stay focused, feel more grounded, and become more interested in their food. Plus, it can even reduce the chances of mouth stuffing and discourage highchair or food refusal.

If your highchair doesn’t come with a footrest or if it’s too low, there are simple ways to fix it. For instance, you can tape a tissue box or stack wooden planks to the legs of the chair to create a footrest at your baby’s level. Another option is to tie a scarf, receiving blanket, or a resistance band around the legs of the chair. I find resistance bands work best as they stay in place, but you can use elastic bands too.

Alternatively, you can place a stack of thick books under your baby’s feet or even pull the highchair closer to you so your baby can rest their feet on your knees. If your baby’s legs don’t reach the footrest, try shifting them forward in the seat, then place a small pillow or inflatable cushion behind their back to bend their legs and make it easier for them to reach the footrest. The key is to find a way to support their feet, so mealtime is more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

If you’re looking for a versatile and comfortable highchair for your baby, our 8-in-1 Baby High Chair is a great choice. It can be converted into multiple configurations, such as a full-size feeding highchair, booster seat, or kids' table and chair set. Designed with safety in mind, it features an adjustable 5-point harness and a sturdy pyramid structure with anti-slip foot pads. The highchair is easy to assemble and clean, with a removable tray and adjustable positions. Ideal for babies aged 6 to 36 months, it’s perfect for all your little one's mealtime needs!

· Make sure it’s easy to clean

When choosing a highchair, a simple, easy-to-clean design is key. The fewer crevices where food can get stuck, the better. Opt for materials that can be quickly wiped down. If the highchair has a padded seat cover, make sure it’s washable and can be removed easily. Removable trays are a game-changer for hassle-free cleaning, especially those that are dishwasher-safe and fit in the bottom rack. This makes maintaining a clean highchair much easier and less stressful.

· Look for a highchair with a safety harness

When selecting a baby highchair, a 5-point safety harness is the best option. However, if that's not available, at least look for a highchair with a T-strap safety harness. Since 2019, all highchairs are required to have highchair straps to prevent falls, which are common and can cause injuries.

When securing your baby, ensure the straps are snug but not too tight like in a car seat. Your baby should still be able to move their arms freely enough to self-feed and reach up above their head. Also, avoid using bibs that cover the safety straps. In case of an emergency requiring first aid, you’ll want quick access to the straps without having to remove a bib.

· Find a highchair that can grow with your child

When choosing a highchair for your baby, consider how it will grow with your child. The best highchairs can transition into toddler highchairs, allowing you to get the most use out of your investment. Ask yourself a few key questions:

1.Is the footrest adjustable to accommodate growing legs and torsos?

2.Does it have an adjustable or removable tray and varying seat heights?

3.Can it be converted into a toddler chair that can be placed right next to the dining table?

Additionally, look for highchairs that offer a higher, supportive back. Soft chairs that let babies recline don't provide the necessary support for proper feeding posture. If your current chair lacks back support, consider using a small pillow at your baby's back or rolling up towels to prevent slumping to the sides.

How to Ensure Safety in a Highchair

Ensuring your baby's safety in a high chair is paramount. To minimize risks, always supervise your child during mealtimes and use the safety harness correctly. Ensure the high chair is stable and has a wide base to reduce the risk of tipping over. The chair should have a safety strap that fits between the child’s legs and a waist belt that is easy to fasten.

Before each use, check that the highchair is properly assembled and all parts are secure. Keep the high chair away from hazards such as windows, doors, stoves, electrical appliances, and curtain or blind cords.

Additionally, ensure that the highchair meets current safety standards, such as the ASTM F404-21, which includes requirements for stability.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable mealtime experience for your child.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

When choosing a highchair for your baby, ease of cleaning and maintenance is essential. Opt for a highchair with smooth, seamless surfaces to prevent food buildup, making it easier to wipe clean. Additionally, removable and machine-washable seat covers and trays can significantly reduce cleaning time and effort. Regular cleaning helps prevent bacteria buildup, ensuring a hygienic mealtime environment for your baby.

Our 7-in-1 Baby High Chair features an easy-to-clean design with detachable, machine-washable seat covers and trays for convenient daily maintenance. Its sturdy structure and non-slip footpads ensure safety and comfort during mealtime. This highchair not only meets the various needs of your growing baby but also saves you time on cleaning and maintenance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Highchair

When choosing a highchair, avoid these common mistakes:

· Skipping Safety Features: Always opt for a 5-point harness or at least a secure T-strap. Ensuring the straps are snug but not too tight will keep your baby safe and allow them some movement for self-feeding.

· Lacking Adjustability: Choose a highchair with adjustable height, footrests, and trays. Look for one that can convert to a booster or toddler chair to grow with your child.

· Ignoring Easy Cleaning: Avoid highchairs with hard-to-clean designs. Look for smooth surfaces, removable trays, and machine-washable seat covers to simplify cleanup.

· Overlooking Comfort: Ensure the chair provides solid back support to encourage proper posture and feeding position. A supportive chair reduces the risk of discomfort and choking.

· Neglecting Portability: If you need to move the chair around, choose a lightweight model that’s easy to transport without compromising stability.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right High Chair for Your Baby

Choosing the right high chair is an important decision for both you and your baby. It’s not just about comfort; a highchair plays a crucial role in your baby’s safety and development during mealtimes. To make this choice easier, we offer two versatile and practical high chairs that combine safety, convenience, and comfort.

Our 8-in-1 Baby High Chair is designed to grow with your child, transforming from a full-size feeding chair to a booster seat, table set, and more. It comes equipped with a 5-point harness, anti-slip foot pads, and a removable, easy-to-clean tray. This adaptable design is perfect for babies aged 6 to 36 months, making it a long-lasting investment for your child’s mealtime needs. This is the best highchair for parents who need a long-term, multifunctional solution.

On the other hand, our Multifunctional High Chair offers adjustable features like six height positions, three tray settings, and an ergonomic backrest for optimal comfort. With a large storage basket, lockable wheels, and a removable PU seat cover, it’s ideal for easy storage and quick cleaning. Plus, with its foldable design and wheels, this highchair is the ultimate portable highchair, making it perfect for families on the go.

Both highchairs provide the safety, comfort, and flexibility you need to make mealtime enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your baby. Whether you’re looking for versatility, easy maintenance, or a chair that grows with your child, these options deliver the perfect solution.