Graco, Chicco, Peg Perego, ....the list goes on and on.  You are sooooo excited that that little bundle of joy is finally here and you need to get that halmark of parentdom - the highchair.

So what do you look for.  As a mother of 5 adorable bundles... you can say that I've been around the block quite a few times... from a near spill courtesy of my first highchair...to the king kong highchair that takes up the entire room...and finally my dream high chair.

The first thing is the seat belt.  Used highchairs are a great way to save money - but the seatbelt must be there.  After that fact is made the possibilities are still there.  There needs to be a plastic piece between the legs of the baby so that while your little bundle of joy is squirming as you fasten him/her in - he/she doesn't fall out.  The next question is 3 vs. 5 prong.  3- just means that it hooks around the baby's legs.  However the minute you turn around and the baby tries to get up -he/she can!  That is why 5 prongs were invented.  These include shoulder straps so that your bundle of joy stays in his seat. 

Okay- I see you laughing at me- my baby is just a pitzy little thing- why am I so worried?  They grow up fast and unless you want to buy a new high chair when your baby is standing up .... remember seatbelts are your friend.  Another rule of thumb is that if you have a hard time opening the clasp of your seatbelt.  So will your baby.  Good!  The best seatbelt I ever found was on the Peg Perego Prima Poppa.  I know babies r us does not carry it.  But you are in luck.  Ebay generally does!!!!!! 

Other things to look for - how easy is it to clean your high chair.  -Babies are very messy

Does it fold?  A bonus if you don't have all the space you would like - more high chairs are folding up but they don't all have the best seatbelt. 

Height adjustment-  down for play -up for keeping baby away from pets and other kids- up for putting baby at the table. 

Toys and other knickknacks- nice but they don't keep a child's attention for too long.

wheels aren't necessary unless you have carpet and no other kids around that might take baby on a joy ride around the house. 

Enjoy your baby and enjoy your highchair