You will not need a high chair until the child is 4 or 5 months old, but some are made that can
accommodate even newborns since the seat is made to recline. Your pediatrician should be consulted to determine when it is appropriate to begin feeding solid food to the child.There are several options:
Option 1: Conventional high chair
This is a high chair with no height adjustment. The chair is usable until the child is able to feed himself and sit at the table. Conventional high chairs vary in construction and cost. The inexpensive ones have vinyl seats, plastic trays, metal frames and safety straps. These are priced from $40 to $70. A good one is made by Graco and is priced in the $60 range. Conventional high chairs tend to be contemporary in design.
There are also wood high chairs. Some have wooden trays and several have wooden frames but plastic trays. Generally these are traditional in design. Wooden high chairs cost up to $200 and show wear and tear more quickly. There are some customers who like the traditional look, however, especially in a kitchen with traditional cabinets and table.
The next step after the child has outgrown the conventional high chair is the Booster Seat, generally a plastic seat which can be strapped to a kitchen chair. The seats generally have adjustable seat levels. Some have built in trays.
Another option is the type of booster which locks onto the kitchen table. The generally work well but do not work on kitchen tables with a big "lip" (the board which runs vertically from the table top).
Option 2: High chair/booster chair combination
This is the most popular option. The design is such that the high chair is generally on wheels and adjusts in height to accommodate the needs of different height tables.
On the most popular ones, there is even an level adjustment which brings the chair seat to the level of kitchen chairs so that the parent can be seated while feeding the child.
High Chair/Booster Chairs have generous plastic trays, stainless steel tubular frames, four to six height adjustments, and lockable wheels.
Some of the most popular models are the Bravo by Perego and the relatively new Perego Prima Pappa. The Prima Pappa reclines for the baby who cannot sit up on their own, also folds up for storage and has easily maintained fabrics.
