8 Tips for How to Pick the Best Compact High-Chair

The time has come. Your baby has, all too quickly, grown enough for a high chair. It can be a bitter-sweet moment because your little one is growing fast, but it also means they will be a toddler soon. One critical investment you have to make here is to look for the best compact high chair for their comfort. Here are some key tips on how to pick a high chair so you can make your decision that much sooner!

Put Safety First

When you are looking for the best compact high chair, is there any question  about safety being coming first? When choosing any baby gear, safety is the first thing that parents think about. Find a high-chair that meets safety standards, such as ASTM International. It should have safe closures, latches, and a sturdy crotch post. The base should be stable, and no hinges or rough edges should be exposed. 

If made with wood, like our Beyond Junior^® High Chair, it should be finished with non-toxic and certified-safe plant-based lacquer. Additionally, none of the materials used in the high chair should contain harmful substances like BPA, Phthalates, PVC, and latex.

Consider Size and Portability

The best compact high chair will naturally have size and portability considerations. One of the main reasons to choose a compact high chair is to save space. So when it comes to picking a high chair, you have to think about the area it will eventually go in. Consider:

• Foldability: A high chair that’s relatively easier to pack up and store in small areas (or take in a car) is ideal.
• Lightweight Design: A lighter chair is easier to move in a car and around the house as and when needed. 
• Compact Size: When completely set up, the chair shouldn’t take up too much space.

Think About Ease of Cleaning

It isn’t surprising to know that babies and toddlers don’t make for the cleanest of eaters, and table manners aren’t something you can teach to a baby. The best compact high chair, then, needs to be easy to clean. After all, you don’t want to spend an hour just cleaning up the chair after mealtimes, costing both time and effort. Features that can make a high chair easier to clean are:

• Removable tray: A detachable tray can be cleaned separately, and ours is dishwasher-safe. 
• Smooth surfaces: The fewer nooks and crannies where food can get stuck, the better!
• Washable/exchangeable seat cushion/cover: This is ideal because you can remove the cover and machine wash it as and when you need it.

Prioritize Your Child’s Comfort

There’s no denying that your child is bound to spend a lot of time in the high chair, which makes it even more important that you find the best compact high chair around. They need to be comfortable, including when they aren’t eating. Find a high chair that has cushions or padding to keep your child comfortable. Additionally, look for an adjustable high chair that can grow with your child. An adjustable tray position is also ideal since it’ll help you move the tray closer or further away to accommodate your child’s growing size. 

Our highchair also follows the 90-90-90 rule to protect your little one’s posture. This means there should be a 90 degree angle at the hips, knees, and ankle, with their feet flat.

Look for Durability and Build Quality

A high chair is undeniably an investment. When you’re wondering how to pick a high chair, it ultimately comes down to what you think is worth the money and effort. Ideally, you want it to last the early years of your child’s life and potentially save it for other siblings or children. Sturdy, high-quality materials like wood and durable plastic can help you achieve that. Look for strong joints and components that can handle regular use with minimal wear and tear. Ultimately, the best compact high chair will also have the best warranty – covering defects and potential issues. 

Check for Adjustability

A versatile high-chair can adapt to your child’s changing needs as they grow up. Consider:

• Height Adjustability: This allows the high chair to be used at different table heights, making it highly adaptable for a diverse range of dining setups and ages. 
• Convertible Design: Some high chairs can be converted into normal chairs as the child grows up, extending their usability. 

Find Your Aesthetic

While functionality is paramount, the best compact high chair won’t just be usable; it will also look great in your home. It will be a prominent piece of furniture, as your child will use it for a long time. Choose a design that fits your personal style and home decor:

• Color Options: Look for a range of colors that match your home’s aesthetic and your personal preferences.
• Sleek Design: Modern and minimalistic designs usually tend to blend better with contemporary home decor. 

Understand Long-Term Value

You don’t necessarily need to break the bank to get the best compact high chair, but it’s also important not to compromise on essential features. When you’re learning how to pick a high chair, consider the long-term value of this purchase. Balance the cost with the features offered. A slightly higher price can be justified by better safety, durability, sustainability, design, or ease of use. 

A high chair that grows with your child or converts into other seating options can offer better value over time. Before making the purchase, consider reading reviews and, in particular, looking for recommendations from other parents. These can provide valuable insights that can help you decide whether the compact high chair is worth the buy or not. 

Finding The Best Compact High Chair Only at Abiie^®

How to pick a high chair can be a challenging process – especially when it’s your first time doing it. But that’s where Abiie^® comes to help you out! Our Beyond Junior^® Y High Chair is known for its durability and adjustable features, and it grows with your child from infancy to adulthood. It’s made from sustainable beechwood, offering a sleek design that fits multiple home decors. It’s designed for ergonomics and comes in a range of colors and wooden finishes, so you can find the perfect one for your home. It is also the 2015 Nappa Gold Winner, showing that parents and experts recommend it as the best compact high chair. Shop our high chair and more by browsing our catalog!