Henry was ready for a high chair and I had no idea what to buy him. I decided to talk to Karen from Nu2Yu. She told me that there are very distinct philosophies of parenting in regards to high chairs. Who knew? I didn’t, that’s for sure. So, what are the different approaches and what are some answers for parents who are struggling with feeding issues surrounding high chairs? Karen told me about 3 different types of high chairs. The traditional high chairs such as the Eddie Bauer or Graco brands, have a large tray and the baby is placed away from the table. It becomes an “island” that acts as a feeding/play station for baby. There is a foldable, collapsible ‘clip-on” chair that uses the weight of the baby to clip on the edge of the table and many of the designs fold up so they can easily be taken out of the house and used when traveling or eating out and this allows the baby to be part of the family dining experience. Safety 1st and First Years both make this type of chair. Finally, there is the at-the-table wood high chair design, which allows baby access to the family during mealtimes and also grows with the child as he or she matures. It forgoes a feeding tray in exchange for a closer connection between a child and their family at mealtime. This is where differing approaches come in. Thanks to a distinctive angled configuration that provides children with an intimate mealtime perspective this type of chair allows a child of any age and any size to sit comfortably at the family dining table, rather than outside the family circle. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is the original design of this type of chair and the most copied since it’s been around since 1971.

A high chair is usually an investment that will last you for most if not all of your children. Usually you buy a high chair for your first baby and the rest of the kids just share it. So before you plunk down a hefty sum of cash, figure out what you need from a high chair first and foremost. gHigh chairs have seen many developments since we were kids, mostly in the area of safety features. Keep these things in mind when looking at purchasing a high chair. Karen thinks that many of the local brands are not up to standard when it comes to safety. Look for a 5 point safety harness, locking wheels, a center post that positions between the legs will keep your baby from sliding out of the chair, and if it’s wood, is painted with non-toxic varnish or paint.

Let's face it; we all have different needs when it comes to high chairs. You might have the need for a small high chair that doesn't take up a lot of room or perhaps you'd like a high chair that will grow with your child and be used for multiple things or that fits easily into your decorating scheme for your home. Some high chairs look very “baby” and some are designed to have an aesthetic that blends in with any type of décor, such as the timeless design of the Stokke.

Wondering where you can buy quality high chairs in Beijing? Karen recommends the following places:

Shin Kong Place has a large baby store on the 3rd floor. It’s pricey but has a good selection of quality brand names.

Ikea sells a basic plastic high chair for around 150 RMB. Be sure to ask for the tray as it isn’t sold with one. Lufthansa Center and Pacific Century also have baby departments but not as good a selection.

Flexa sells a wooden chair similar in design to the Stokke and Karen is selling the Stokke Tripp Trapp at her store, Nu2Yu. She is the only retailer in Beijing selling the Stokke. She has a package special going right now. Contact Karen at Nu2Uu for more details. Www.nu2yubabyshop.com 6508 2388 mobile: 1367 129 5154