Whether you're looking to make feeding time easier or just need a comfortable and safe place for your kid to sit, a high chair is the main furniture you need in your nursery. However, like every parent out there, you would only want what’s best for your little one.
That's why we've put together this guide. Learn where you can shop for high chairs and know what you must be on the lookout for in order to get the perfect one that matches your child’s needs and your own preferences.
What to Look for When Buying Your Baby’s First Chair
Safety
First and foremost, safety should be your primary concern. Look for a high chair that has a five-point harness system to keep your baby secure while they're sitting on it. The harness should have straps that go over their shoulders, around their waist, and between their legs. If there isn’t a harness included with the chair, then it must at least allow for a separate harness to be installed. A harness is absolutely necessary so your kid won’t accidentally slip off or fall down from their seat, a dangerous risk since high chairs are considerably tall. Aside from this, the material should also be non-toxic and wouldn’t have small parts that the child can break off and swallow.Durability
You should make sure the high chair is sturdy and stable. After all, the last thing you want is for your little one to tip over while they're eating! Look for high chairs that have a strong and solid construction, possibly certified by recognized safety or furniture quality organizations. The base should be steady, the seat firm, and the entire chair heavy enough to support your child’s weight without wobbling or tumbling down whenever the kid squirms or throws a fit while seated.Comfort
Another important factor is comfort. Your little one will likely spend quite a bit of time in their high chair, so you want to make sure it's comfortable for them. Select a high chair with padding or cushions on both the seat and the backrest. Most high chairs don’t have upholstery outfitted on them, but you can always add your own pillows to make your little one cozy. It’s also good if the chair has a footrest across the upper portion of its legs. When your baby is still small, this may not be necessary, but when they grow into a toddler, they wouldn’t want their feet to dangle over the edge of the seat without any form of support. This can even help the child to strengthen their leg muscles and learn to balance themselves while sitting upright.Ease of Use
Your child will be using their high chair multiple times per day, so you'll want one that's easy to clean and maneuver. Since meal times are expected to be especially messy, you better get a chair made from a material that is resistant to spills and leaks, something that’s quick to clean with just a few wipes of a cloth. Some high chairs even come with removable trays that can go right into the dishwasher, which can save you time on cleanup. Furthermore, the furniture you choose must be portable enough that you can lift and carry it into whichever room in your house, allowing you to watch over your little one even when you have your own chores to do.Places Where You Can Buy High Chairs
Department Store Chains
If you're in the market for a high chair, department store chains are accessible locations where you can find one. These stores offer a wide range of products at affordable prices, making them a popular choice for busy parents who want convenience and value. They carry dozens of different high chairs from various brands and made with different materials, so you can compare features and find the right one for your needs. There are even sales persons you can talk to, helping you find the chair that you want and assisting with your purchase.The downsides to these general stores, however, are the limited selections and the mass-produced quality of the items. Department chains only offer their available stocks, and since almost everything is bulk manufactured from factories, you’re not assured of the high chairs’ durability and whether they will last long or not.
Local Furniture Retailers
You may not have to search far and wide for a high chair because the furniture shops within your area may just have what you’re looking for. These stores have locally made high chairs that will help make mealtime more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your little one. Your neighborhood or city retailers may not be as large scale as department stores and won’t have that much options to pick from, but they still have reliable high chairs to offer that are certainly better constructed than their mass-produced counterparts. Like general stores, they also often have knowledgeable staff who can help answer any questions you may have or provide recommendations based on your specific needs.However, the greatest perk your local furniture shops can provide you is their close proximity. You wouldn’t have to travel far distances just to get a high chair for your baby and you wouldn’t have to wait for long delivery times either. Once you settle your purchase, a local shop can simply have it sent to your house right away or if they don’t offer delivery services, you can just place the high chair in your own car and drive back home.
Online Marketplaces
Because of their vast selection of products and competitive pricing, ecommerce markets are rapidly becoming the first choice when shopping for baby items. Online platforms provide an easy and convenient way to buy high chairs without leaving the comfort of your house. With a few scrolls and clicks, you can get the chair you like even when you’re a busy parent who can’t go window shopping in nearby stores. Shopping websites even have customer reviews readily available, so you can confidently make your decision based on the feedback of previous buyers who have used and tested the high chairs in question. Best of all, though, they offer deals and sales you can avail so you can buy the high chair you love at a more affordable cost.Of course, there may be a few snags like a lack of sales personnel, not being able to see the actual item before paying, and the delay of receiving the furniture because it still needs to get shipped. Nonetheless, there are now automated sales assistants on ecommerce websites that you can chat about your concerns. With different shipping options also available on many products, you can possibly get your new high chair delivered to your doorstep in just a few days. If the high chair is not to your satisfaction, you can always ask for a refund.
Secondhand Sources
Looking for a high chair but don't want to empty your wallet? Secondhand sources are the way to go! Not only will you save money, but you'll also be doing your part in reducing waste and helping the environment. Most of these secondhand sources are thrift stores, consignment shops, and resale markets. These often have hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and you never know what kind of high chair you may find among the random assortment of items. It will take long to search for what you want, though, and it’s not even certain if the store you’re in has a high chair for sale. Still, the cheap prices should be able to make up for those complications. You can even haggle if you want to.If you don’t have the time for rummaging, you can try online secondhand marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace for finding used high chairs. These types of websites typically specialize in selling gently used furniture and gear at discounted prices. You can contact the seller directly, so you can have a clear and better transaction. Beware of scammers, though, and make sure to double check the seller’s credibility before you send your payment.
A high chair is an essential piece of furniture for any parent who wants to make life easier with a fussy and active kid on their hands. This type of chair allows your child to sit at the table with you, making it easier for both you and your baby to eat together. It can also be used as a baby seat where you can entertain your little one without having to carry them around all day.
When it comes to the best high chairs you should get for your beloved mini-me, a wooden high chair would still be the best choice. Not only is it more durable and more stable than other high chairs, it’s also more secure for your child who would likely make a fuss when playing or eating. For the cream of the crop, Hunt Country Furniture has a wooden high chair to offer you. This piece is handcrafted to ensure that your baby is in a safe seat that would remain as sturdy as ever even after they become a toddler.