How To Choose The Best High Chair
When expecting a new baby whether it is the first, or a second or third one, more than likely you will need a new high chair.
High chairs are constructed in various styles such as a stand-alone, those that are connected to an adults chair or even the table such as booster seats
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The materials used for construction are wood, metal, plastic or a combination of materials such as metal and plastic.
Before you make your purchase, find out how to choose the best high chair.
High chairs are constructed in various styles such as a stand-alone, those that are connected to an adults chair or even the table such as booster seats
.
The materials used for construction are wood, metal, plastic or a combination of materials such as metal and plastic.
Before you make your purchase, find out how to choose the best high chair.
First Thing To Look For When Choosing The Best Highchair
Certification Sticker
The first thing that you look for is a certification sticker. According to Consumer Reports, "It shows that the manufacturer has voluntarily met standards set by ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials), and that it takes part in a certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). JPMA certification can provide some level of assurance that the product meets safety standards, but is not a guarantee that it does." |
Important High Chair Safety Features
Besides certification, there are important safety features to look for:
1. 5-point harness provided by the safety restraint system
2. If you have wheels, they should lock in place
3. Pinching fingers is an issue. Be sure that when you are folding or even sliding the food tray in place or while removing it, that nobody's fingers will get pinched
4. Crotch post: There are various models that have a crotch post, which prevents the baby or child from sliding down and getting caught between the seat and tray
1. 5-point harness provided by the safety restraint system
2. If you have wheels, they should lock in place
3. Pinching fingers is an issue. Be sure that when you are folding or even sliding the food tray in place or while removing it, that nobody's fingers will get pinched
4. Crotch post: There are various models that have a crotch post, which prevents the baby or child from sliding down and getting caught between the seat and tray
Buying A Used High Chair Guide
When planning for the new baby, there is a lot to buy! Of course, a baby shower helps so that you don't have to buy everything. One of the items that can be costly is a high chair. Many parents go to yard sales to look for baby items that are in good shape, new or like new that are much more affordable than buying from a retail store.
When deciding whether or not you want a used high chair, there are things to consider.
When deciding whether or not you want a used high chair, there are things to consider.
Are Used High Chairs Safe?
Yes and no! If you are confident that the high chair has been properly maintained and cared for over its life time of use.
Your best option, if considering a used high chair, is that you should try and buy a secondhand highchair from friends or family first because you will have a rough idea of how well it was taken care of.
A second hand chair, typically, will not have a warranty on it. If the high chair breaks after you have purchased it from the previous owner, you only option will probably be to go buy a new one.
Your best option, if considering a used high chair, is that you should try and buy a secondhand highchair from friends or family first because you will have a rough idea of how well it was taken care of.
A second hand chair, typically, will not have a warranty on it. If the high chair breaks after you have purchased it from the previous owner, you only option will probably be to go buy a new one.
Use Your Senses When Choosing A Safe, Used, Highchair!
Look – Examine the high chair for broken pieces, torn seat padding, rust and other possible defects. Look for parts that are small enough to be swallowed or become a choking hazard. Look at the finish, any painted designs and determine if the paint contains lead or not.
Touch – Run your hands over the high chair, paying particular attention to areas your baby will be able to reach. Feel for any sharp or broken high chair pieces that could harm your baby. Fold the high chair up and make sure it unfolds without difficulty
Listen – Give the high chair a shake, listen for any rattling sounds that may indicate loose pieces.
Smell – Smell for mold, mildew and rotting food that may have gotten caught in cracks of the high chair and not cleaned up. Use your sight as well. Take a small flashlight with you so that you can a get a good look in the various crevices of the high chair!
Touch – Run your hands over the high chair, paying particular attention to areas your baby will be able to reach. Feel for any sharp or broken high chair pieces that could harm your baby. Fold the high chair up and make sure it unfolds without difficulty
Listen – Give the high chair a shake, listen for any rattling sounds that may indicate loose pieces.
Smell – Smell for mold, mildew and rotting food that may have gotten caught in cracks of the high chair and not cleaned up. Use your sight as well. Take a small flashlight with you so that you can a get a good look in the various crevices of the high chair!
CHECK FOR RECALLS
If you are considering the idea of buying a used high chair, it is extremely important that you check for recalls, if possible. The model number, serial number may be unknown. However, you may get information about recall based on the full name of the high chair.
Recalls happen all the time and while retail stores will pull any recalled high chairs as soon as a recall is announced, there is a still a chance that you will come across a recalled high chair when looking for a used high chair.
The Mima 3-In-1 Moon Highchair is an example:
The Mima 3-In-1 Moon High chair is one that was recalled in February, 2015 because:
The high chair seat can loosen and dislodge, allowing the seat and child to fall. The chair can also fall onto a child crawling underneath the seat, posing an impact hazard to the child.
On 2015-02-05, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a recall regarding Mima Moon 3-in-1 High Chairs due to a potential fall and impact hazard. This product sold new beginning in May 2014 for about $500. There were multiple chairs recalled. You can find more information about this recall at the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Mima also addresses their Mima 3-1 Moon Highchair which you can read.
However, there is a newer model on the market-Mima Moon 2G Complete High Chair in Black with Black Seat Pad. Recall information could not be found on this model.
Recalls happen all the time and while retail stores will pull any recalled high chairs as soon as a recall is announced, there is a still a chance that you will come across a recalled high chair when looking for a used high chair.
The Mima 3-In-1 Moon Highchair is an example:
The Mima 3-In-1 Moon High chair is one that was recalled in February, 2015 because:
The high chair seat can loosen and dislodge, allowing the seat and child to fall. The chair can also fall onto a child crawling underneath the seat, posing an impact hazard to the child.
On 2015-02-05, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a recall regarding Mima Moon 3-in-1 High Chairs due to a potential fall and impact hazard. This product sold new beginning in May 2014 for about $500. There were multiple chairs recalled. You can find more information about this recall at the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Mima also addresses their Mima 3-1 Moon Highchair which you can read.
However, there is a newer model on the market-Mima Moon 2G Complete High Chair in Black with Black Seat Pad. Recall information could not be found on this model.
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Vintage high chairs?
Vintage high chairs are usually very old, maybe an antique that has been handed down through the family, or found at various antique or estate sales. You may find vintage highchairs that were hand crafted by woodworkers with tremendous skill, who built their wooden high chairs to last.
Vintage high chairs are unsafe for your baby. The vintage highchairs were created before modern safety standards were enforced. Openings were your baby can fall through and hinges that can squash a baby’s hand are but a few of the dangers that old high chairs can hide. Perhaps the vintage high chair that may be in the family, or offered as a gift would be better used as a decorative piece, or even as chair for the doll when the baby girl begins playing house, playing mommy with her dolls! |
More About High Chairs
Sources For Product Information
Consumer Reports is a good source for reliable information and product testing. However, they are looking for specific things. But, once you find out what they recommend, your final step should be to find out what actual users have to say about the same products. To use their services online, you are required to subscribe and pay a fee. Of course, Consumer Reports may be found at various newsstands and book stores.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission is another good source for product information and recalls.
Of course you don't want to buy a product that has issues with safety, but you don't want to have to struggle day in and day out with something like a high chair or any other product.
Once you get you information from product safety sources, such as Consumer Reports, your customer reviews and opinions about those products can help you in making the best high chair choice for you and your baby.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission is another good source for product information and recalls.
Of course you don't want to buy a product that has issues with safety, but you don't want to have to struggle day in and day out with something like a high chair or any other product.
Once you get you information from product safety sources, such as Consumer Reports, your customer reviews and opinions about those products can help you in making the best high chair choice for you and your baby.