LoadingThe high chair is one piece of baby gear that you may put on your baby registry, but you will not need until your baby is at least 6 months old. There are many high chairs available for your little one and they have definitely been improved since they first came out on the market. Therefore, with all of the options available, it is a good idea to take the following information into consideration when you are purchasing a high chair.When Should I Buy A High Chair?Your baby will not need to be fed in a high chair until they start eating solid food which is usually after 6 months of age. However, many parents to like to have a have chair earlier than that to have a place to put the baby while they are doing something such as cooking dinner. It is also a convenient place for your baby to be while you are eating dinner, as you can pull the high chair next to the dinner table and your little one can join the family.Are High Chairs Safe?You should be careful when choosing a high chair, and make sure that it is safe. When shopping for one, make sure to check the harnesses for safety, make sure that there is a bar of some sort between baby's legs to prevent slipping under the tray, and check the overall sturdiness of the high chair.Look for StabilityLook for a wide base and low center of gravity; those are both very important safety features of a high chair. When you are in the store, give any chair a good shake and imagine how it might stand up to a wiggling baby. Is it easy to tip over? Another thing to consider is that a nice and wide base of a high chair is much easier to reach under and clean.Check Wheels and Locking MechanismsA high chair that has wheels is very convenient for parents to move their baby from the kitchen to other parts of the house. However, make sure that you choose a high chair that has wheels that lock to prevent accidents. Also, check to make sure that the wheels roll smoothly when they are unlocked. If you are in the market for a chair that folds because you want to be able to put it away at night, make sure to check the folding mechanisms as well. Check to make sure that the high chair will not accidently fold up while it is in use.Height Adjustment and ReclineIf you are planning on using the high chair on a long-term basis, it is a good idea to find one with a height adjustment capability. You can set the height of the high chair to be easy on your arms for the first feedings, and remove the tray and adjust the high chair to booster seat height for toddlers later on. The recline position is a nice feature if you want to place your infant in the chair while they are having a bottle and they fall asleep. It will also be a nice feature for the older toddler who has fallen asleep before he finished his lunch.Buckle UpWhen you are shopping for the high chair, check the chair's seat belts to make sure that the straps are strong, durable and washable. There should be a crotch strap along with the belts that go over baby's hips. The safest is a five-point harness that has shoulder straps.Cushy CushionsHigh chairs get used a lot and they get very messy so it is a good idea to choose one that will wash well. Vinyl cushions are easy to wipe clean, just make sure to check that they do not have any sharp edges. If you choose a high chair with cloth cushions, make sure that it is made of thick and durable fabric. It is a good idea to choose a high chair that has removable, machine-washable cushions.A Tray That WorksThe most important feature of a high chair is its ease of use. When you are at the store, try using it with one hand. Does the tray slide out easily? Will your baby be able to remove the tray on her own? Look for any holes or sharp spots that could injure your child. Look for a tray that has a high rim to keep more food on the tray and less of the floor. Trays that have a dishwasher-safe topper are very handy when your baby is trying out spaghetti for the first time. (Just make sure to measure the tray to make sure it will fit into your dishwasher).Your little bundle of joy will not need a high chair right away, but it is a good idea to get one once your baby starts eating solid food. If you are unsure which is the best one for you, then definitely do some research before you spend any money. Reading high chair reviews is a great way to find out from other parents which high chair may be the best for your family needs.