Best High Chairs 2012

I've just bought my 6 month old son a high chair in January 2012. I've done a lot of research on the best high chairs available in 2012 and this gives lots of information based on what I've learned. I've also used lots of high chairs with my older son and had lots of experience of bad and good ones when eating out at friends and restaurants!

Firstly, what to consider when looking for the best high chair for you? And then I look at specific examples of the best highchairs.

Easy to clean
You'll be using a highchair everday so you want one that doesn't take too long to clean. Avoid high chairs with lots of creases and places where food can gather. Padding on seats can sometimes hide bits of food. We had been given a highchair where food could accumulate underneath the seat padding which is something else to look out for. Look for easy clean material, a removable tray and read reviews on how easy it is to clean!

Size
How big do you want the highchair? Do you have space at your table for a big chunky highchair or would you prefer a space saver one. You can get booster seats which fit onto a seat and come with a tray which can be used instead of a stand alone high chair. So it's worth looking at the range available. If you are planning on moving the high chair between rooms (eg between the kitchen and the dining room) look for something lightweight and easy to move.

Storage
Do you want a highchair that lies flat for storage, so you can put it away at the end of each meal? Or perhaps you would prefer a space saver high chair that doesn't take up much room and can be left out at all times.

Adjustability
Do you want the high chair to grow with your child? Some highchairs can be converted to booster seats that can be used up until 4 years. Look for other features of adjustability too, such as height of the high chair, straps and the tray (see below).

Tray
Bigger and wider trays can be good so bits of food will fall on the tray instead of the baby. We have already mentioned removable trays which are easier to clean. Can the tray be adjusted so that it can be moved close to smaller babies so there isn't a massive gap between the baby and the tray and bits of food do not fall onto their laps? Can the tray be moved away so toddlers can have more room in the highchair. Can the tray be moved out so it's easy to get babies in and out?

Comfort for baby
Obviously you want the highchair to be as comfortable as possible for babies so that they will sit as long as necessary for each meal. Having said this, my own baby doesn't seem too fussed whether the highchair is padded or not (as long as there is food in front of him!)