| Sure you want your high chair to be functional, but you | | | | high chair is, will your child be safe there? Does the |
| want it to be beautiful as well. Wooden high chairs can | | | | chair come with secure restraints to keep baby from |
| be both. While plastic and metal chairs were the norm | | | | sliding out? Is the chair sturdy enough for an older baby |
| for a long time, more and more parents are choosing | | | | that wiggles vigorously? Does it have good balance? |
| wood chairs again, not only because they do the job | | | | Wood chairs can be all of those things, but there are |
| they are intended for, but because they look great | | | | drawbacks. They may not be as functional as the |
| with the rest of the furniture. | | | | traditional plastic and metal variety. They don't come |
| If you've ever had one of those metal chairs, chances | | | | with wheels, and they don't have reclining seat backs. It |
| are you went to the trouble of hiding it or putting it | | | | may be more difficult to find a wood chair that adjusts |
| away when company was coming over. It looked like it | | | | for height, as well. Wooden chairs won't come with |
| didn't belong. They can be large and ungainly, and they | | | | built-in toys on the feeding tray. That feature is limited |
| don't seem to fit neatly anywhere, even if they do fold | | | | to the plastic chairs. If these features are important to |
| up for "easy storage." | | | | you, it may be better to look at high chairs made of |
| Those made of wood, however, do fit in. With lots of | | | | plastic. You may have to decide between beauty and |
| finishes and styles to choose from, parents can find | | | | features, so you'll need to decide if those features are |
| one that fits the décor of their home. If the | | | | worth giving up something appearance. |
| dining table and kitchen cabinets are oak, a nice oak | | | | When you are ready to make your final choice, make |
| high chair looks like it was made to fit right in. Other | | | | sure you have done your homework. It is easy to do |
| options you may find include maple, cherry and natural | | | | research on several models online. It may help if you |
| wood. You will find models that look like antiques and | | | | prioritize what features you can't live without, and |
| some that look very modern. A wooden chair is | | | | which ones are negotiable. Remember to look at |
| durable, and can be passed down for generations as | | | | safety, function and beauty. Take your list of features |
| a family heirloom if it is well made. | | | | you want with you when you shop, whether it is at the |
| With any of them, you want function as well as | | | | local baby mart or online, so you don't forget anything |
| beauty. When you are looking at them, make sure that | | | | important. |
| the tray is easy to lock and unlock. Can you do it with | | | | If you decide that this is still in your future, that's great! |
| one hand? Is it important for your chair to have a | | | | Now you'll know exactly what features you want in |
| plastic tray that goes in the dishwasher, or is it okay to | | | | your high chair, and shopping for one should be a lot |
| have a wooden tray to wipe down after every meal? | | | | easier. |
| Safety is another concern. No matter how beautiful a | | | | |