There is a wide range of baby highchairs available to purchase and there are many varieties and styles to choose from. However there are several factors to consider when looking at them. Before buying, make sure the chair has a good wide base for stability to help reduce the risk of it tipping over.

Check that there's a good secure harness or seat strap to keep your baby firmly attached in the high chair. There should be a sturdy, but comfortable, strap that attaches to the waist belt and then passes through baby's legs, so they dont slide down under the feeding tray. If possible look for one that has a fixed 5-point harness, as that will be the safest. Many babies and children are actually injured when the baby has not been correctly restrained, and baby has fallen out.

Always check that your highchair will be functional; is it hardwearing, is it easy to clean (very important) as there will be many spills to come, is the tray removable for washing as you need to make sure it cleans easily and thoroughly for hygiene and safety, but make sure your child cannot remove the tray on their own!

Make sure the highchair you buy will store easily - do you have the space? And will it fold down easily. Folding highchairs usually fold flat which is great if youre short on space but make sure the tray isnt fixed as its more difficult to keep clean and you may also not be able to pull the highchair up to your table at mealtimes.

You can buy an adjustable highchair, which usually comes with a padded seat and can be raised and lowered; they also fold for easy storage.

There is also the option of a 3-in-1 highchair which can be used as a highchair and then when your child is a little older can be converted to a low chair and table. There are some very attractive looking highchairs on the market, which you can co-ordinate to match your kitchen dcor, however make sure the fabric is washable. Youll be using the highchair for a long time so shop around and get the right one that suits you and youll have many happy mealtimes together round the table as baby joins the family for dinner.

To read independent reviews of highchairs by parents, view features and compare prices visit Highchair reviews.