High chairs have come a long way from the wooden variety of yesteryear. Today's baby high chairs have a variety of features such as wheels, one-hand tray release, height adjustment and seat recline.
Babies don't really need high chairs for feeding purposes until they start eating solid foods, usually after 4 months of age. Some parents prefer to buy a high chair early on, though, because high chairs can be useful as a landing place for baby even before the little one is throwing carrots. Even parents who are delaying the introduction of solid foods due to extended breastfeeding may find use for a high chair, which allows baby to join the family at the dinner table and see all of the action.
You'll start to use a highchair when your baby can sit up by itself, usually around 4-5 months. You can start using the Super Nanny Highchairs earlier as they have a reclining seat. You'll use the highchair usually until your child is 2 or 3 years old.
Most parents choose a free-standing highchair. However, if you're wanting to save on space, two options are a table-mounted seat or a booster seat, which allow your child to eat at the table with you.
Free-standing highchairs generally feature a wide tray, for eating and playing on, that is easy to release and keep clean. They have comfortable padding, a 5-point safety harness and a smooth folding mechanism. Some models have adjustable heights so they can be used as a low chair or highchair.
A table-mounted seat is generally quick and easy to fit to a table, so is useful when travelling. Check that the table is stable before fitting, and check that the seat is fastened securely before putting your baby in it.
A booster seat straps to a dining chair. Just check that your baby can't tip the chair backwards onto the floor.
