Type
— Regular (unfoldable). The simplest type of highchair is a high seat on its own legs without any unnecessary design features. These highchairs can be used as separate feeding chairs or can be attached to a table; the latter option is especially convenient if the tabletop of the highchair can be removed (see "Removable tabletop"). Such highchairs are inexpensive and quite reliable due to their simplicity, however, unlike the foldable ones (see below), they constantly take up space and are less convenient to store and transport - they can be recommended if the free space in your apartment allows you not to put away the chair once placed anywhere at all. As a consequence, not many unfoldable highchairs are produced.
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Foldable. These highchairs are similar in appearance to the regular highchairs (see above), but unlike them, they can be folded for storage and transportation. They are comfortable and only a little more complex in design than the unfoldable ones. They are particularly useful for those who want to save space in the room.
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Convertible. Thanks to the convertible design, these models are suitable not only for babies, but also for preschoolers. When assembled, they are similar to regular highchairs — a design with a high seat — and are used in a similar way. And later, when the baby grows up, such a chair can be disassembled, turning the seat into a low chair for kids, and the l
...ower part of the stand — a table for food, creative activities, games, etc. The downside of such versatility is a significant weight and size — convertibles are not only the bulkiest, but also not foldable. In addition, they are poorly adjustable: the seat height is not adjustable, adjustable backrest tilt is rare, etc.
— Swing highchair. For this purpose, the seat is mounted on a special hanger that allows it to swing back and forth; during feeding, the seat is held in place by a special lock, and to turn the highchair into a swing — just remove this lock. Most of these models have an electric motor for automatic swinging; however, the seat can be swung manually. Anyway, swing highchairs allow not only to feed, but also to entertain or lull the baby; their main disadvantage is their rather high price.
— Universal. The term "universal" in this case refers primarily to the age range. The seats in such models are adjustable in height, and tabletops, backrests, stoppers are made removable. In this way the highchair can be used as intended for the most part, and if necessary, the stoppers can be removed and the seat can be lowered, turning it into a complete furniture. Some models make it possible to use the chair for adults, but most are limited to school age.
— Booster. These chairs are technically not separate pieces of furniture, but additional accessories: they do not have their own legs and are designed to be mounted on ordinary chairs. Boosters are much more compact and lighter than most types of highchairs, so they are convenient for trips; many of them are equipped with their own tabletops and can be used in the absence of a table. On the other hand, special attention must be paid to the chair for the booster — it must be stable, otherwise there is a risk that the child will fall.
— Hook-on. These chairs do not have their own legs - instead they are attached directly to the table. This makes them very compact (especially the foldable models) and easy to transport, so it is easy to take the highchair with you on trips. On the other hand, foldable chairs have a number of limitations: so, the weight of the child in most cases should not exceed 15 kg, in addition, the chair can not be fixed on every table — some of them simply can not withstand it.Max. weight
Weight, exceeding which is not recommended by the manufacturer. Certainly, nothing will happen if the highchair is overloaded. However, if it is regularly given an excessive load, it will eventually lead to breakage. And it will be good if it does not harm the child. So most of the models are designed for a weight of 15 kg, which corresponds to a three-year-old child. However, there are also more powerful highchairs, because there are different children and operating conditions. And for universal highchairs, which are intended for use over a long period of life, this parameter is essential for a long service life.
Seat height
The number of individual levels on which the seat of the high chair can be installed. The more such levels, the wider the possibilities for choosing the installation height and the more accurately you can choose the height for specific conditions.
Footrest height
The number of levels the adjustable footrest can be set to (see above). The more such levels, the wider the adjustment possibilities and the more accurately you can adjust the height of the footrest.
Rocking function
The option to use the highchair as a rocking chair provides versatility for entertainment or soothing a baby, enhancing overall comfort. This functionality can be achieved through removable curved skids or a swing-like design. Choosing
a chair with a rocking function eliminates the need for a separate rocking chair.
More features
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Removable tabletop. The ability to remove the chair's own tabletop, turning it into a regular seating area. This feature will come in handy when the child grows up and can be seated at a regular table.
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Removable tray. The removable tray in highchairs is usually installed on the tabletop and follows the same shape as the tabletop. This accessory can make life much easier for parents: for example, if the tray gets dirty after a meal, it can be quickly removed and washed, while the tabletop can be used for the child's playtime.
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Tabletop with edge. Tabletop equipped with a convex edge around the perimeter. This reduces the risk that the child will drop the dishes on the floor, accidentally hitting them; in addition, spilled liquid from such a tabletop will not fall on the floor, and it will be much easier to clean it up. Most modern chairs have a tabletop with an edge.
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Harnesses. Special harnesses that secure your child to the seat. Thus, you can safely remove the tabletop, leg stoppers, etc., without worrying that a baby will jump out of the chair (which, given the high height, is fraught with troubles).
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Lockable wheels. Highchairs on wheels are convenient for moving within the apartment, however, on the other hand, they can move from the slightest push. The
...wheel locks allow the chair to be positioned securely and prevent accidental movement.
— Toy basket. A special container for toys provided in the design of a highchair; may be a basket itself, a tray or even a fabric bag. It is usually placed under the seat. Such a basket makes it possible to always have a set of toys on hand to cheer up the baby if he or she cries or gets moody.
— Lying position. The backrest of the highchair can be set horizontally, turning it into a carrycot. This allows the chair to be used from the first days of the baby's life, when he/she is not yet able to sit up (chairs without this function are suitable for kids from about 6 months of age). Theoretically, such a carrycot can even replace a crib in the first months of life, although later a separate sleeping place is needed anyway.
— Arc with toys. A special arc that is placed above the chair seat. Such toys are designed to entertain babies, and therefore the arc is usually mounted on the chairs that provide for conversion into a carrycot (see the relevant paragraph above). For feeding, the arc can be removed.Material
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Metal. The most popular material for modern highchairs - this is primarily due to the high durability and reliability of metal at a low cost. It is used for most full-size highchairs (see "Type"), except for convertible ones.
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Wood. Wood in highchairs is almost as durable as metal, but it can weigh considerably more. The main advantage of this material is that it is pleasant to the touch. For this reason, wood is widely used primarily in convertible highchairs (see "Type"), where the base when unfolded plays the role of a table for the baby.
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Plastic. The lightest of all types of materials for modern chairs, in addition, it is inexpensive, but at the same time the least durable. It is used mainly in folding models and in
boosters, for which light weight is important.
In addition to those described above, there are also combined models, using a combination of metal and plastic. This provides the main advantages of both materials — good durability and low weight.
Country of origin
The country of origin of the brand under which the product is marketed. Often indicated by the nationality of the company or the location of its headquarters. At the same time, the actual production capacity of the brand often differs from the country of origin.
It should be noted that the quality of products depends not so much on geography as on the organization of processes and quality control at all stages of production. Therefore, national prejudices about brands from certain regions are usually not supported by anything. It is only necessary to pay attention to the country of origin of a brand if the goal is to support or avoid a manufacturer from a particular country.