by Ellen Page

Created on: July 10, 2010   Last Updated: October 07, 2010

A high chair is an important piece of equipment; every infant will need one once they reach the weaning stage. The recommended age to wean a baby is currently 6 months, however, this is down to personal choice as a parent, as each child is different. Most baby equipment is bought in advance, however, with a high chair it is better to wait until baby is at the weaning stage, as you won't know what type of high chair you will want or need until then. A lot of thought needs to go into purchasing a suitable high chair to make sure it is practical, it fits baby's needs, and most importantly that it is safe. High chairs come in various shapes and sizes, with a choice of either plastic or wooden. With all the different high chairs that are on the market today, it is tempting to choose something that looks modern and stylish, however, you may want to consider the following points before buying that all important piece of equipment.

• Budget

Firstly, your budget is an important consideration, there is a vast array of high chairs that all come with different price tags, so there will be plenty to choose from within your own budget. It is worth setting aside a reasonable amount, as this is a piece of equipment that is going to have a high amount of use over a good couple of years.

• Functionality

Some high chairs have the option to adjust the height; this is a handy feature as you can adjust this as baby grows, in the early days you want to be able to comfortably reach your infant to feed them. Also some high chairs can be reclined, this is a useful feature for the first few months, as little ones often have a snooze after eating their meal, this is ideal, as you won't need to remove your sleeping baby and disturb them.

• Hygiene

A chair which has removable covers and straps is preferable, as these can be machine washed, the weaning stage is very messy. Some high chairs are equipped with a tray that can be completely removed, which can make it simple to clean, as well as making it easier to get baby in and out of the chair.  Make sure you can easily operate the tray, and that it isn't going to be easy for an infant to be able to release. A tray with a high rim is also favorable, as this prevents food from being pushed off the tray as easily.

• Multifunction high chair

Multifunction high chairs are a popular choice, as these can be converted into a low table for when your child is older. Even if you are planning to

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