At about seven months, most children are able to use high chairs. When buying a high chair, make sure it is the right height for you baby. Most parents only use the high chair until the child turns three, but some models can be converted and have an extended life.
Some high chairs have a five-point harness to secure your child, while others only have a lap strap. The harness can be bought as an extra item. Ask the sales staff at the shop, or search the manufacturer’s website, for product specifications regarding harnesses and possible compatibility issues. High chairs that can be fitted with harnesses will have D rings positioned on the back of the chair, or underneath the seat. Not all harnesses are five-point. Some are only three-point, which means the straps cross the shoulders and the crotch, with arm straps attached to one of the other straps, instead of being secured to a D ring.
Many parents express concern about the possibility that their high chair can fall over easily. One model that has come into question is the Stokke Tripp Trapp. Some high chairs that have passed safety tests, like the Tripp Trapp, nevertheless can fall over when pushed by the baby. This happens when they are able to push against a table with their legs. To make sure that the high chair does not fall over altogether, you can position it with the back of the seat against a wall.
It is not a good idea to leave a baby unattended in high chair. You should try to be in the room with them and keep the chair within peripheral vision while you are busy. Recent models of the Tripp Trapp have additional chair leg supports, which add stability.
Most high chairs are sold with accessories such as trays, toy racks, harnesses and padding for the seat. Check to see what is included with the high chair you want to buy and order the extras if needed. Convertible high chairs are not normally sold with padding or harnesses.
