High Chair Compare

When I first shopped for high chairs, I assumed there were a few top brands. In fact, there are more and more brands which cut the mustard and give the baby a good support and have all the needed items you’d expect in a chair.

What are some of the major brand names in this market? Most people are familiar with Graco, Peg Perego, Stokke, Evenflo, Fisher-Price, and Eddie Bauer. Simply because these names also make a wide variety of other baby and family products ranging from strollers, toys and baby bottles. Combi, Baby Trend, Chicco, Svan, Kolcraft and Zooper also specialize in baby high chairs.

You are going to have to spend at least $50 for a decent chair at minimum. Having a hand-me-down from friends or family is a free option, and no harm in saving some bucks and going that route. But at the low end of the spectrum, you’re only going to get a plastic seat that’s not so comfy, a metal frame, and a tray. Adjustments to these types of models will be limited. Nonetheless, it is certainly adequate for feeding and holding a baby during mealtime, so it will do the job.

One thing I’ve noticed in the stores about some of the cheaper brands is that you have to watch out for the extended dimensions of the frames. Some stick out and seriously could be a problem for a busy parent walking around the side and tripping over it. Or even kicking it accidentally and then potentially knocking over the entire unit. Definitely something you want to avoid.

As you move up the quality high chair ladder, naturally you are going to see better quality components, more features, and more comfort for the child. Sure, you can spend less and put that money toward other room items such as baby furniture changing tables. But quality is something to consider too.

There will be finer wood and craftsmanship in all the details of the chair (not guaranteed, but certainly more likely). Some have a much wider variety of cloth seat options that are easily washable or wipeable. Depending on your home and furnishings and the importance you place on the unit matching up with the rest of your house, you may want to select such a chair to better fit with your kitchen or family room. Several of the chairs morph into items that go beyond a standard highchair like turning into a desk chair, or a rocking chair. These therefore have a much longer practical lifespan.

Talk with others who’ve had experience with some chairs, go and ask good questions with store staff, and check out as much as you can. The more informed you are, the wiser you will be and the better you can make an education selection.