Considering the amount of time that most infants spend in a high chair each day, it is important to only use those with appropriate safety features. Some of the most important details involve the base, as its sturdiness can be judged by its width, and whether any wheels on it lock in place. Safety straps are crucial, as well, since these can keep babies from slipping out of the chair. The material itself should also be safe to use. For example, wooden high chairs should be free of splinters, and chairs made of any material should be easy to sanitize.
High chair safety often starts with the base of the product, as this is where it gets its stability. Chairs should have a wide base rather than a narrow one, as a large base is often considered the sturdiest kind available. This high chair safety feature should prevent babies from tipping over easily, which is one way that many infants are injured every year. While chairs that feature wheels may be convenient and easy to move, they can be dangerous since they often tip over as easily as chairs with narrow bases. Therefore, any high chair that includes wheels should also feature a locking mechanism so that it cannot be easily rolled or rocked back by a baby.
Nearly every high chair on the market comes with at least one safety strap that goes across the lap. Unfortunately, some babies are either small enough to accidentally slip out from under the lap belt, or determined enough to purposely slide out. For this reason, it is often best for chairs to have crotch-restraining belts that make it nearly impossible for infants and toddlers to wiggle out onto the floor. In fact, some manufacturers that are especially serious about high chair safety boast a 5-point harness on their products. This makes it particularly difficult for toddlers to wiggle or climb their way out of the chair.
Parents wondering about the best material for a high chair should not just consider the appearance of the product, but also high chair safety. For instance, while wooden high chairs often bring a traditional feel to a home, they may also result in splinters for the babies using them. If the manufacturer cannot assure customers that their high chairs do not pose the risk of causing splinters, it may be good to consider other materials; wooden high chairs should be highly polished and finished with a protective glaze. Before choosing, parents should ensure that the material seems easy to clean, as frequent sanitizing is an important part of high chair safety. Vinyl, plastic, and metal are often considered easy to wipe down, and are usually present on some of the most popular high chairs.