High Chair Safety & Straps: What Every Parent Should Know
High chairs are involved in more injuries than most parents expect - almost all preventable. The single biggest rule: the tray is not a restraint. Here’s how to use one safely.
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We compared 10 high chairs on cleaning, comfort, safety, build and value - full-size, convertible, wooden, space-saver and hook-on, for every kitchen and budget.
Always use the harness - the tray won’t hold them
Why the crotch post matters
A crotch post (the divider between the legs) stops a child sliding down and under the tray - a serious strangulation risk. Use it together with the harness; never rely on the tray alone to keep a child in place.
Prevent tips and falls
- Choose a chair with a wide, stable base.
- Keep it away from walls, counters and tables the child can push off from - a strong push can tip a chair over.
- Never let a child stand in the chair.
- Lock any wheels before seating your child.
Never leave a child unattended
Stay with your child the whole time they’re in the chair. Most high chair injuries happen in seconds when a child is left alone and climbs or leans out.
Check the chair itself
Confirm the harness works and isn’t frayed, the chair is stable, and any folding chair is fully locked open. Follow the manufacturer’s weight and age limits, and check for recalls before buying second-hand.
Ready to choose?
We compared 10 high chairs on cleaning, comfort, safety, build and value - full-size, convertible, wooden, space-saver and hook-on, for every kitchen and budget.