Non-Toxic High Chair vs. Regular High Chair

Choosing a high chair for your little one involves multiple options in terms of colors and materials.

Unfortunately, not all of these materials are suitable for your baby; some are safe, sustainable, and durable.

Others, however, are not safe, have short longevity, and harm the environment.

In this blog, I will compare the non-toxic high chair and the regular high chair, so you can make your decision and choose the best for your baby.

Health and Safety: Why Non-Toxic High Chair is A Safer Option?

There are two aspects of the toxic high chair, one on your baby and the other on the environment.

The Impact On Your Baby

When it comes to choosing a high chair for your little one, choosing a non-toxic high chair is crucial.

Many toxic high chairs, like plastic ones, are very harmful; they contain harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PVC.

Which can leach into food or be inhaled by your baby, posing health risks. These chemicals are known to disrupt hormonal development, immune function.

It can even affect neurological development. Non-toxic high chairs are free from harmful chemicals that may cause health risks, like skin irritation and respiratory issues.

The Impact On The Environment

Most of the toxic high chairs are made of plastic and PVC, both of them aren’t renewable resources and aren’t biodegradable.

Their carbon footprint is high, and they contribute to long-term landfill waste.

In contrast, non-toxic high chairs are made from natural, renewable materials like wood, metal, and BPA-free plastic.

They have a lower environmental impact. Sustainable wood and recyclable metals reduce waste, plus they don’t harm your baby’s health.

Choosing a non-toxic high chair ensures your baby is protected from harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PVC.

What To Consider When Buying A High Chair?

Non-toxic high chairs are typically made from certified materials like wood and BPA-free plastic, which ensure safety for both your baby and the environment.

 

Wood

To make sure the wood is eco-friendly. Look for these certificates to make sure that they are safe and sustainable:

 

FSC-Certified Wood:

FSC-certified wood is natural and durable. It minimizes harmful chemicals, making it an excellent choice for non-toxic high chairs.

Wooden high chairs, like the Stokke Tripp Trapp and Abiie Beyond Junior, are made from sustainably sourced wood such as oak or beech.

 

GREENGUARD Certified High Chair: 

The certification guarantees that the product has low chemical emissions, making it a safe and environmentally friendly choice for your child.

As it ensures that the high chairs have minimal chemical exposure, which is crucial for babies’ respiratory health and overall well-being. 

This is particularly important for newborns and toddlers, who are most vulnerable to harmful chemicals. 

The certificate has environmental benefits too, as it is issued for products that emit fewer chemicals and VOCs, helping to reduce indoor air pollution.

 

BPA-Free Plastic

Many non-toxic high chairs are made from BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free plastics. 

BPA-free plastic reduces chemical risks, but it’s essential to look for phthalate-free and PVC-free plastic to ensure full safety.. They are often durable and safe for babies.

It’s not as good as wood, but it’s ideal for budget-sensitive parents. To make sure that the plastic is safe, look for these certificates:

 

BPA-free label:

Look for products with a clear BPA-free label. This is a simple way for manufacturers to confirm that their plastic products are free from BPA. 

Although it’s always recommended to check for additional certifications to ensure the product is safe.

 

Since we have two common materials in manufacturing high chairs, many people ask which is better, plastic or wooden high chairs?

To answer this question, we have to know the pros and cons of each material.

 

Wooden High Chairs

Opt for natural and solid wood options made from maple, oak,  bamboo, beech or rubberwood.

And avoid toxic and processed wood like MDF. As it includes chemicals through the manufacturing process, it’s neither natural nor durable.

But before choosing the wooden high chair, you have to know the pros and cons of this material.

 

What Are The Advantages Of A Wooden High Chair?

• Wood is a renewable resource and biodegradable, which makes it the best eco-friendly option for parents.
• It’s known for its longevity and sustainability; you can use it through generations, especially with proper care.
• Wooden high chairs can last up to 12 years with proper care.
• Has a classic look that tends to integrate well into home decor.
• Can be repaired: scratches, dents, and finish wear can often be refinished
• Less risk of flexing, cracking under weight (if well-made).

 

What Are The Disadvantages Of Wooden Chairs?

• Many wooden high chairs don’t have adjustability features like BPA-free plastic high chairs.
• Heavier to move around, and not so good if you need to fold / store / transport often.
• More sensitive to moisture, spills.
• Porous surfaces can trap food residues and bacteria more easily if the finish is worn
• Wooden high chairs are generally more expensive than BPA-free plastic models. 

 

BPA-Free Plastic High Chairs

BPA-free plastic is increasingly popular for new models, but not all plastic high chairs are free from harmful chemicals.

 

The Advantages Of BPA-Free Plastic High Chairs

• Lightweight, easier to move around, possibly to fold, and good for travel or small living spaces
• Have adjustable features, so you can customize it based on your baby’s needs.
• comes with many designs and colors.
• Plastic high chairs are easier to clean than wooden ones, with many models featuring dishwasher-safe trays.
• It’s affordable compared to Wooden models.

The Disadvantages Of Plastic Chairs

• Easy to crack and has less longevity, due to using chemical cleaners and stress on joints.
• Have short-term longevity, it may last with you from 3 to 5 years, so it’s not the best option for parents who plan to have another child soon.
• Due to their lightweight nature, some plastic high chairs may be more prone to tipping, especially if not designed for stability

 

Cleaning and Maintenance

The way you care for wooden chairs is slightly different from BPA-free plastic chairs.

 

Criteria	Wooden High Chairs	BPA-Free Plastic High Chairs
Daily Cleaning	Wipe with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and food residue.	Wipe with a damp cloth to remove food residues.
Deep Cleaning	Use mild soap and warm water to clean weekly. Scrub with a soft sponge and dry immediately.	Use warm, soapy water and a sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Stain Removal	Apply a paste of baking soda and water for tough stains, scrub, and wipe clean.	For stubborn stains, clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Sanitizing	Not typically necessary, but can be wiped with a safe disinfectant.	Disinfect with a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.
Maintenance	Apply food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to maintain the wood finish.	Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners to prevent damage.
Avoid	Soaking or placing in the dishwasher.	Abrasive cleaners, soaking, or exposure to high heat.
Drying	Dry immediately after cleaning to prevent water damage.	Ensure all parts are completely dry to prevent mold or mildew.
Storage	Store in a dry area to prevent moisture damage.	Store in a dry area to avoid degradation from moisture.
General Tips	Clean after each use and inspect for wear and tear.	Clean after each use, remove trays/parts for thorough cleaning.

What Kind Of High Chair Is Best?

There is no standard answer to this question; it depends on your needs.

If you prefer durability and plan to have other children, opt for a wooden high chair.

If you care about budget and have short-term needs and prefer lightweight chairs, BPA-free plastic is best for them.

There is another option, which is the metal high chair. It’s less common, but they are generally more durable and recyclable than BPA-free plastic.

Making them potentially more eco-friendly if made from materials like stainless steel. 

However, their weight and cost may make them less appealing to many parents compared to lighter, more affordable options.

Also, they are more expensive than wooden and plastic high chairs.