If this is your first time shopping for a non-toxic high chair you will probably be a little surprised. Unlike conventional high chairs, these have a more modern look to them and can typically be used a lot longer.
While some come at a higher price tag, you can use them for years to come, they are safer, and most transform into a traditional chair that’s strong enough for adults to sit in!
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How to Choose a Non-Toxic High Chair
Choosing a non-toxic high chair can be a bit of a challenge, so we’ll give you some guidance. Mainly, you should be checking the materials. Is it wood or plastic? Does it have a finish over the wood that could be harmful to your child? These are important questions you can ask yourself when looking at high chairs.
There are also safety compliances for high chairs like the CPSC, JPMA, or ASTM, which have different standards for ensuring the product is safe for children’s use. Although safety compliance doesn’t guarantee it’s a non-toxic high chair, it’s always better to buy a safety-compliant product than not.
What Makes A High Chair Toxic?
A high chair can be toxic depending on the types of materials and chemicals used to make it. Many high chairs are made of plastic, which generally isn’t good for the environment and could contain toxins. Plastics can contain BPA, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals that could harm your child. BPA and phthalates can leach from plastic into food or liquid and nearly all high chair trays are made of plastic.
It’s best to avoid high chairs that use toxic plastic, such as plastic #3 (PVC), #6 (polystyrene), and #7 (polycarbonate) which is derived from BPA. Wood that isn’t 100% solid and uses certain types of finish can also be toxic. It’s always best to opt for a non-toxic high chair that avoids harmful plastics, woods, and finishes.
Do You Really Need A High Chair?
Most would agree that a high chair is a necessity for a baby. Although you could save some cash and eliminate another thing to keep clean, a high chair is really useful for your child. They provide a comfortable and stable place for your child to eat, snack, color, or play.
And they’re easy to clean too. Most high chairs can be easily cleaned with water and non-toxic ingredients.
Though it may seem easier to put your child in a regular chair, safety should always come first. High chairs have adjustable seats, safety latches and straps, wheel locks, and stable bases to keep your child from falling over or off the seat. So yes, we’d say that a high chair is a must for keeping your child comfortable and safe.
When Can a Baby Start Using a High Chair?
Every baby is different, but most are ready to sit in a high chair at 6 months old. Giving your child a high chair can be a fun transition that eliminates a mess at the kitchen table, but how do you know when they’re ready? Once a baby can sit upright without support they’re ready to sit in a high chair.
Your child must be able to hold their head up, have control when seated, and show good stability without any help. Of course, the right age to use a high chair varies according to your child, so check to make sure they’re stable enough to keep their balance and use the high chair safely.
(And if your baby is ready for a high chair, you may want to try out some non-toxic baby spoons too!)
Our Favorite Non-Toxic High Chairs
Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray
This non-toxic high chair can be used starting at 6 months old and can hold up to 250 pounds! It actually transforms into a traditional chair that fits all ages. No tools are needed to make those adjustments, so you can use it with your kids or if you need an additional dining chair!
There is a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty with the option of purchasing an extended plan as well.
The Abiie chair comes with a waterproof cushion (the color is olive), so cleaning is easy and spills wipe right off. However, if it needs additional cleaning, it is removable.
One major downside to this chair is its weight (due to it being made of solid wood). But it is compact and has a modern look, so it matches well with other furniture.
While it’s equipped with a wooden tray, it also comes with a plastic overlay that is BPA-free, the choice is yours if you want to use it or not.
The environment is super important to the company, so they chose to use beechwood, which is renewable and sustainable.
Nomi High Chair
In terms of budget, this non-toxic high chair is more expensive but has won tons of awards. The modern and unique design allows for height adjustment without tools and leaves hardly any spaces for food to get trapped, so clean-up is easy.
One great thing about the Nomi chair is that you can buy the accessory that allows your babies to sit at the table. It’s sold separately but definitely worth looking into.
Kids can start using this chair at 6 months old and with adjustments they can use it until they are 2 years old! If you fall in love with this model there are more to choose from!
You can also scoot it right up to your regular dining table, but there are also high chair trays available to purchase as well.
The Nomi is JPMA certified and created by a world-renowned Scandinavian designer and seat expert.
Keekaroo Height Right High Chair
Need a non-toxic option that can grow with your baby? The Keekaroo may be a perfect fit. It is JPMA certified, made in the U.S., and is made from latex-free material.
The tray is dishwasher safe, but you can also use the tray without the insert if you choose to.
Moms say that they love this chair and it has been so durable that it has survived 3 and 4 kids!
It doesn’t fold up though, so you will need to have space for it to sit out on a daily basis.
So were you surprised about shopping for high chairs? Did you find any non-toxic options that would work best for your family? Be sure to leave a comment below, we would love to hear what you think!
