Crotch post. To prevent a baby from slipping under the tray and getting his head caught between the tray and the chair, high chairs must have a fixed center crotch post to comply with the voluntary ASTM safety standard for high chairs. The post is not meant to replace the safety belt, though. Check the leg openings that form between the tray/passive crotch restraint and the sides of the high chair. Children have been known to maneuver both legs to one side. The leg openings on the high chair shouldn't be large enough for a child to fit both legs in one.

Foldability. Some high chairs fold for storage. If that's important to you because your home is space-challenged, make sure there's a secure locking system to prevent accidental folding while your child is in the chair or being put into it. Such a system should engage automatically when you open the chair.

Safety belt. As we mentioned, this is an important feature. Most high chairs have an adjustable three-point harness, but a five-point harness is safer. The shoulder straps it provides could keep a tenacious, on-the-go baby from climbing out and falling.

Seat adjustment. Seats can move up or down to as many as eight height positions on some chairs. They may also recline (in case your baby falls asleep right after eating). However, except for bottle feeding, don't use a seat in the reclining position while feeding your baby--that's a choking hazard. On a height-adjusting chair, the seat slides along the chair frame, locking into various positions. Height options range from nearly floor level to standard high-chair level; the middle height is low enough so the seat (with the tray removed) can be pushed up to a dining room table.

Toys. Some high chairs have toy bars or toys that attach to the tray, an option your baby will likely enjoy, although to keep your baby busy, you can certainly buy toys that fasten to high-chair trays. But do not use strings to attach them because strings and cords are a strangulation hazard. Make sure the toys are securely fastened and have no small parts that could become detached.

Tray. You'll want a lightweight tray you can take off with one hand or that swings to the side when not in use. Many high chairs have a dishwasher- safe tray insert that snaps on and off for easy cleanup. Some trays have compartments to hold utensils, dishes, or jars of baby food. Those are nice, but not necessary.

Upholstery. Most models have seat coverings--or entire seat panels--that can be wiped clean, or come off for more thorough cleaning. Opt for a seat cover with a pattern rather than a solid color; patterns are better at concealing stains. Vinyl is easier to spot-clean than cloth.

Wheels. Wheels may make it easier to move the high chair around, which is important if you'll be scooting the high chair from the kitchen to the dining room. On the other hand, wheels can be a nuisance because they may allow the chair to move as you're trying to pull a tray off or put your baby in. Older children may be tempted to take the baby for a joyride when you turn your back. If you decide on a wheeled model, look for locks on the wheels, preferably on all four.