by Rhianna Suttie-Gunson

Created on: February 04, 2008   Last Updated: April 02, 2009

In today's consumer driven society there is a high chair for every need. High chairs with wheels, removable trays, included toys, extra cushioning, fabric variations, adjustable heights, the list is almost endless. Purchasing a high chair for the first time can be a little overwhelming as you wade through the options and work out which particular model will best suit your requirements

Thankfully a high chair is not one of the first nursery items that you need to purchase, giving you plenty of time to explore all of the available options. Most babies enter the world of high chairs somewhere between four to six months of age. This also means you will have plenty of time to layby your high chair.

The price range for a high chair is almost as vast as the models available. At the lower end of the scale a basic style can be picked up for as low as $40-$50. While at the other end top of the range designs can bein excess of $200. With so many options available you can rest assured that with a bit of thought and shopping around you will find a high chair to meet your needs and be within your price range.

Here are 9 handy tips to keep in mind when purchasing a high chair for your baby.

1. Use
The most obvious use is for keeping the child contained while they are eating. However an experienced mother will tell you that a high chair can be used for more than just eating. For example want to get the floors or dishes quickly washed while your child is awake? A high chair with a play tray is what you are looking for. You can place baby in the chair while you get done what you need. The height of the chair allows baby to safely see what you are doing at the bench or in the sink meaning they are less likely to vie for your attention.

Babies should never be left unattended in a high chair, nor placed in one for extended periods of time. However they do provide a secure environment for when you need your little treasure to stay in the one place.

If your high chair has a play tray this can provide you with the opportunity to do the dishes, wash the floors or make some dinner preparations while you child sits and plays. If you intend only placing the child in the chair when eating then a play tray will not be necessary.

2. Space
High chairs can take up a lot of room, even when folded. A large foot print (base of the chair) adds to it's stability but if your kitchen, dining area or house is only small this may not be suitable.

There are child chairs on the market which easily attach to existing

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