1860-1899 British Baby's high chair at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London - High chairs had been around well prior to the 19th century, but the addition of a separate tray for the child was new. Previously, high chairs were simply placed by the same table used by the entire family. The addition of a tray not only proved to be a cleaner alternative (as there was a smaller surface to clean) but also provided a physical barrier to prevent the child from falling off the chair.
