Replacement Pads for High Chairs Freshen up Old Equipment
Summary: Many first-time parents opt for second-hand baby gear simply because it fits the budget, while second-time and later parents already have second-hand high chairs.  The big question for both is, how do I find and use replacement pads for high chairs?


When you have a new baby, it seems like you need a whole house full of new equipment.  All added together, a crib, car seat, high chair, diapers, etc., especially when added to the doctor bill, represent a sizable investment!  One of the best ways to economize is to buy large-ticket items second-hand.  Unfortunately, when it comes to high chairs, the pads are the first thing to go.  A chair in otherwise good condition often needs replacement pads.

Another reason to replace the pads or otherwise reupholster the high chair is to update the look.  Older high chairs sometimes look a little bit dated, and a fresh new cover or pad can make it look new again.  Or you may have redecorated your home since the last baby and that Baby Minnie high chair simply looks out-of-place in your new dining room.

So is there hope for your old high chair?  The best answer to that question is a definite "Maybe."  Chances are there is something you can do to fix your problem, but it might not be to replace the pads with new ones from the original manufacturer.  

There are a few high chair manufacturers that will sell you replacement pads separate from the chairs.  One type of high chair for which you can order pads separately is the Pali Fusion high chair.  Pali is an Italian manufacturer that is committed to the environment.  The Fusion high chair is expensive, with a price around $275 USD, and is beautifully crafted of wood.  The seat pads, which are around $50, are available separately.  

Bloom also offers separate cushions for their Fresco high chairs.  These high end chairs start at around $400 and are very stylish.  Seat pads can be purchased in two different sizes so that you can accommodate babies both small and large.  The chair is designed to grow with the baby.  Replacement pads are covered with easy to clean microsuede fabric in elegant solid colors.  The Fresco chair works as a youth chair all the way from newborn to 79 pounds in weight.

Both of these might be nice investments, but hardly fit our goal of saving money right now!

Graco offers a second removable seat pad with their new high chairs so that you can wash one while using the other.  Their high chairs, such as the "Meal Time," start at under $100 USD.  Seat pads are in stylish stripes and plaids for a sophisticated look that will complement any dining room.

You might also be able to find replacement pads for a particular model of high chair on an online auction site.  One such Ebay store is called "Bryan's World."  They carry a wide array of hard-to-find replacement covers for not only hich chairs but car seats, swings, and other baby items.  "Baby Covers and More" is another Ebay store that carries an assortment of attractive cloth replacement covers for high chairs from Graco, Perego, Cosco, and more.  Another stores that might be able to provide what you need in the way of replacement pads for your high chair include "008 Baby Outlet."  A basic brand of high chair cover that is designed to fit many different chairs is made by "NoJo."  You can find it at a variety of places that sell things for babies.  A NoJo cover costs between $20 and $25 USD.

If these options fail, you can purchase a high chair liner that works like a slip-cover.  Crafty moms have found ways to create high chair covers, and some have started their own wahm business selling their creations.  Prices start around $25 USD and go up.  These covers are generally padded with quilt batting.  If the chair you are covering is missing the padding completely, you could glue a piece of foam rubber onto the chair and then cover the whole thing with the high chair cover.

Some high chairs, particularly vintage ones made of metal with vinyl covered seat pads, can simply be reupholstered.  This can be done in the same way you would reupholster kitchen chairs.  First, remove the screws that hold the cushioned back and seat in place.  Cut a piece of vinyl upholstery material in the right size to fit.  Pull it around the cushion tightly.  If the cushion itself is damaged, replace it with foam rubber or several layers of thick quilt batting.

Staple the vinyl in place.  Make holes through the vinyl for replacing the screws, then reattach the new covered seat and back to the chair frame.  If you like the looks of a fabric and would like to use it to reupholster the high chair, you can make it wipe-clean easy by covering it with clear vinyl and finishing as described.  

If you are refurbishing a very old chair, be sure to replace any worn or missing safety straps.  Include a strap to go between the legs as well as one for around the waist.  The vintage style chairs are quite serviceable to use with older babies who are sitting well.

However you choose to redo an older second-hand high chair, you can feel good about it for several reasons.  For one thing, you have probably saved a lot of money over buying a new high chair.  Second, if you bought a hand-crafted cover from some wahm, you have helped a mom be able to stay home with her baby.  And third, you have kept a perfectly good high chair frame out of the landfill, and given it a new life.