High chairs

Learn how to choose and safely use a high chair for your child.

Choosing a high chair

High chairs in Canada should be designed to meet performance requirements and safety standards.

The high chair you choose for your child should have a:

restraint system that consists of both a:
- waist belt that's easy to fasten
- strap which fits between your child's legs (crotch strap)
wide base to increase stability and reduce the risk of tipping
latching or locking mechanism that's in good working order
smooth finish over exposed wooden or plastic parts that's free from:
- splits
- cracks
- other defects
a label showing the product's:
- date of manufacture
- model name or number
- name and address of manufacturer

Check to make sure the high chair does not have any:

choking hazards, such as parts that are:
- loose or missing
- easily detachable
moving parts that could harm a child's finger, toe, limb or head by:
- pinching
- crushing
- trapping
sharp edges or points that could cut a child along the edges of the:
- tray
- chair

A high chair should only be used if a child is capable of sitting upright on their own. Other practices for safe use of high chairs include:

never leaving your child unattended in a high chair
never allowing your child to:
- stand up in the chair
- sit or stand on the tray
- climb into or out of the chair unassisted
using the harness or other restraint system at all times to prevent falls and entrapment hazards
ensuring your child's hands are free from moving parts when the tray is installed or removed

Safe placement of the high chair includes:

staying away from anything that could pose a hazard for the child, such as:
- stoves
- windows
- appliance cords
- curtains or blind cords
making sure your child cannot overturn the chair by pushing against vertical surfaces, such as:
- walls
- cupboards
storing it out of reach when not in use to prevent your child from trying to climb onto it