There are many facts and features to consider when you are about to purchase a high chair. Of utmost importance should be sturdiness of the chair itself. The chair you choose must be able to withstand kicking, spilling and frequent cleaning for a period of about a year. The high chair trays should be easily released with just one hand if possible, as often you will be attempting to attach and detach the tray with one hand as you hold the baby with the other.

Usually the high chair will be made of a combination of metal tubing, molded plastic, with a footrest, a seat and a belt for safety. Still today, you will find some older model high chairs that are wooden and have arms or trays that have to be passed over the baby's head; they do not have the comfort that the form fitting modern chairs have and may not be certified to meet current safety standards. Also, you may find models that can be converted to baby swings or used as an older child's chair or play table.

When trying to decide on a high chair for your child, you should look for one with a light weight tray that is able to swing to one side when it is not being used, and that can be taken off by using just one hand. Some tray designs are able to contain spills by surrounding the child on all sides, or by being angled so that liquids flow away from the baby, or by having a tall rim around the tray itself. In some chairs, two trays may be present, one may be a feeding tray styled with a deep rim while the other may be smaller and could be used for playing and snacking. You may see the recommendation that trays are dishwasher safe, but do not be misled by that. These trays are quite large and cannot be placed in a dishwasher.