Tutti Bambini Nova Evolution Highchair review

Designed to nurture that special relationship between parent and baby, Tutti Bambini Nova is the ultimate evolutionary highchair with multiple functions. Whether you’re looking for a rocker for baby, a highchair for weaning, or mini table with chair for playtime, Nova has it all in one clever system. Scroll down to see how Features & Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert got on when testing the versatile highchair.

Testing the Tutti Bambini Nova Evolution Highchair

As the Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, I've seen a lot of highchairs in my time. However the Nova highchair from Tutti Bambini offered something different to other options so I was excited to try it with my son Theodore. I used the highchair from birth until the time of the writing this review, when he is 10 months old.

The multifunctional design of the Nova offers seven distinct modes, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of both parents and children.​ These include:

Highchair Mode: Ideal for infants starting from six months, this mode provides a secure and comfortable space for feeding. The highchair includes a five-point safety harness, a removable three-position tray with a dishwasher-safe top layer, and a fixed footrest to promote proper posture. ​

Low Chair Mode: As your child grows and becomes more independent, the highchair transforms into a low chair suitable for activities like reading or playing. This mode maintains the ergonomic benefits of the highchair while allowing your child to engage more freely with their environment. ​

Booster Seat Mode: For families on the go or those looking to save space, the seat can be detached and used as a booster on standard dining chairs. This feature ensures your child can join family meals comfortably, whether at home or in restaurants. ​

Toddler Chair Mode: Transitioning from a highchair, this mode offers a pint-sized chair perfect for toddlers, fostering a sense of independence during playtime or meals. ​

Rocking Chair Mode: By attaching the included rocking arches, the chair converts into a gentle rocking chair, providing a soothing spot for your child to relax. This feature is particularly beneficial for calming restless toddlers.

Kids Chair Mode: As your child approaches school age, the chair adapts to a standard kids' chair, suitable for various activities such as drawing, reading, or crafting. ​

Play Table and Chair Mode: The most advanced configuration allows the highchair to transform into a mini table and chair set, perfect for playtime, homework, or snack breaks. This mode encourages creativity and learning in a comfortable setting.

You can also purchase the optional Nova Rocker, which can be added to the Nova highchair for further newborn modes or as a standalone baby bouncer. The chair is so easy to rock with your foot or you can use the braking system if you don’t want it to rock. The straps have great cushioning as well as the headrest. While he was small, I could put my baby in the seat and he would happily lie there while I did the washing up or cooked dinner. While this was a handy option to have, as my son got a bit bigger, he preferred his BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss.

Build

The instructions for assembly and disassembly of the Tutti Bambini Nova highchair were clear and easily followed, but I would recommend making sure you have all the parts out and ready so you don’t have to go searching through the box.

We set it up originally in the highchair format. We went for the grey oak colour but there are also other options available. It looks gorgeous and fits in really well with my home décor. It's beautifully made – like a piece of quality furniture - and it all stows away really neatly in the cases provided.

I particularly like how all the legs stow on the underside of the table top, with picture guides to show you what goes where. The carry case means that it can be folded away and stored until it is ready to be used in the next stage. They have thought of everything – the attention to detail is seriously impressive.

Usability

We actually preferred using the Nova rocker with the highchair while Theodore was younger, as we liked having him at a higher level so he could sit with us at mealtimes. We also thought this was a good chance for him to get used to the highchair ahead of weaning at six months. However, as a long baby, we did find that he seemed to outgrow it fairly quickly, which was a shame.

Once he was old enough to use it, my son looked really comfy in the highchair and it's well padded too, although it can be used without padding and straps if you'd prefer. After a few days of use, I did think the size of the tray on the high chair could do with being larger as there's not a ton of but equally, the smaller size might be preferred for some homes.

Being able to remove the food tray insert to clean it is an excellent feature, rather than removing the whole tray. It also meant I could take it into the kitchen to put my son's food directly, rather than use a separate plate to bring it out to him. The little shelf underneath the chair means I don’t have to store cleaning products separately, too.

Although Theodore is not old enough to use the table and chair just yet and it's quick to convert, it did cross my mind that there may be times when you may want to use both the highchair and table and chairs simultaneously, which could be problematic.

Final verdict

Overall, I've been really impressed while using the Tutti Bambini Nova. As well as being stunning to look at, the brand have thought of every single detail to make it user-friendly, practical and useful for all ages and stages. The ability for the product to grow with your child means that you don’t have to buy multiple products.

I think it is worth every penny and if I were to have another child, it would be an even better investment. The quality of materials means it will last well.

The one thing I would change on the Tutti Bambini Nova Highchair is the size of the tray and tabletop. Both need to be larger, the tray should be deeper so that there is space for a toddler plate, cup, cutlery and space around those to help prevent excessive spillages, especially in the early days. The tabletop would be much better being larger to allow for a child to sit with a friend or sibling at.

Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine since 2015. First-time mum to Theodore, Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.