How to Inspect a High Chair

Test the Fasteners

You should try to test out the fasteners (seat belts) to make sure that they are easy enough to put on. Typically you should be able to do this with one hand because you will always have one hand on your child when you’re putting them in the high chair.

I also think you should test to make sure the fasteners aren’t too easy to take off. If they are relatively simple to pop off, or with a little giggling you can get them to come off, than it probably isn’t safe to put a child in.

When you’re looking for the type of fasters, I recommend the double approach. If you just have one around the waist, than can still slip out. Having one that comes up between the legs and attach the waist belt. This will prevent the child from sliding down and out of the chair.

Test the Trays

You’re obviously going to need to make sure that the tray remains in a secure manner at all times. Obviously, as an adult, you should be able to pop off the tray yourself, but a child should have no way of getting it off. Not only could they hurt themselves popping it off, but they could easily fall off the chair without the tray there to support them.

Does the Chair Adjust in Height?

This is an important feature that I think all chairs should have before you ever buy them. If you get a wood one, than you probably lose your ability to change the height. I like to be able to adjust it because it can easily be moved to the perfect height for any table. This allows the child to easily eat at the table with just about anyone else.

Do the Wheels Lock?

Not all high chairs will have wheels on the bottom, but if they do you have to make sure that they lock. It becomes ten times more likely that a child could easily cause the chair to tip over. The locks will help prevent them from moving around and keep the chair standing up.

Small Parts

Like all toys, you have to watch out for small parts that could easily be detached and put in the mouth of your child. Sometimes you’ll find small caps and plugs that fit over screw holes. These things can easily pop off and the first place they’ll go is in a mouth. It is important to make sure there are no small parts that they could easily access.