As a parent, you know how much time your little one will spend in their high chair—whether it's for messy mealtimes, snack breaks, or even a safe spot for playtime. Finding the perfect high chair can feel overwhelming though. You want something comfy, safe, and easy to store, but also something that’ll last through those toddler years. Luckily, Black Friday is the best time to scoop up a great deal on a high chair that ticks all the boxes. If you're on the hunt for one, now's the time to grab those discounts! Let's take a look at the best ones on offer this year.
Registered nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed shares how important it is to choose the right high chair when starting your baby’s weaning journey.
"Babies should be comfortable in their chair as well as well positioned to allow them to sit upright, with back support and with their feet well supported (hips and knees should ideally be at right angles), so that they are in the most comfortable position to be sturdy and able to focus on the coordination required for eating, rather than on holding themselves upright," she says.
LIVE best baby high chair Black Friday 2024 deals to shop right now:
• Save £80: Tutti Bambini Nova Highchair Complete Package- was £249.99, now £169.99
• Save £75: Hauck Alpha Highchair and Bouncer Bundle - was £224.99 now £149.99
• Save 40.01: Cosatto Noodle 0+ Highchair Midnight Jungle - was £139.96, now £99.95
• Save 40.31: Cosatto Waffle 2 Highchair Foxford Hall was £199.96, now £159.95
• Save £21: Mamas & Papas Juice Highchair - Croissant - Beige - was £119.99, now £98.99
• 25% off: Silver Cross - Buffet Highchair - Baby Chair - was £125, now £94.05
• Save £27: UPPABaby Ciro Highchair – was £180, now £153
• Save £34: Mamas and Papas Snax Highchair - Happy Planet - was £89, now £55
• Save £41.19: Ergobaby Evolve High Chair Ergonomic high Chair - was £274.90, now £233.71
What is Black Friday?
The Black Friday sales traditionally take place the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S., and it's known for offering massive discounts from both online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. Over the years, it has become the biggest shopping day in the UK as well, marking the start of the holiday shopping season. From baby products to tech, fashion, and home goods, you can expect some of the best baby deals of the year during this time.
And the discounts don’t just stop on Black Friday. The sales often roll through the weekend, with retailers extending their offers and introducing new discounts for Cyber Monday. Expect to see deals across a wide range of baby essentials, from highchairs and travel cots to toys and monitors. You won't want to miss out on these savings, especially with thousands of items on sale!
When is Black Friday?
While Black Friday used to be a single day, things have changed! Last year, many retailers started offering deals throughout November, giving us extra time to check off our holiday shopping lists. This year, Black Friday falls on November 29, and Cyber Monday will follow on December 2, so mark your calendars!
Best highchairs at a glance
With so many different models to choose from, including adjustable and cheap highchairs; some even double up as baby bouncers or reclining to hold your newborn, we've created this handy guide to help you choose the best highchair for you, your baby, and your kitchen.
How we chose and tested the best high chairs
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Testers to decide the best highchairs were asked to score the product they were reviewing in several areas, including usability, design, quality and value for money. Each product is scored out of 5 with each of these areas in mind.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
The best baby high chair Black Friday 2024 deals
Best highchair overall
The Munchkin 360° Cloud Baby High Chair was awarded Silver and Gold for Best Highchair at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024.
The Munchkin 360° Cloud Swivel High Chair is a sleek, stylish, yet functional highchair that our parent testers loved. The fantastically designed highchair is really easy to clean, and one review said it was 'super easy to set up'. Winning gold and silver in the Mother&Baby awards over the last two years, parents found this to be the best high chair overall.
This highchair is also packed with safety features which our tester loved, including a five-point harness to keep your wriggly kid in place, and a swivelling, 360-seat design which moves with you.
Not only is this highchair stylish, with its clear ergonomic seat and chic wooden legs, it is comfortable, and has a dishwasher-safe tray. Some parents did mention that the seat wasn't as padded as they'd like, but it was comfortable enough.
If you were looking for a more padded seat for your little ones weaning journey, the Hauck Sit N Relax, 3-in-1 Highchair would be a more suitable option.
Read our full Munchkin 360° Cloud Baby High Chair review
Pros
- It's a stylish design which matches any home decor
- It features a 360° swivel seat
- Quick and easy to assemble with no tools required
- Easy to clean surfaces and dishwasher safe tray
- Five point harness system for keeping little ones secure
Cons
- The seat isn't padded, so it might not be as comfortable
- The foot rest isn't adjustable
Materials: | Wood, Plastic |
Product dimensions: | 45D x51W x61.5Hcm |
Item weight: | 8.16kg |
Age suitability: | 6 months-3 years old; up to 33lbs |
Harness: | Five point |
Wheels: | No |
- 360° swivel
- One minute assembly
- Dishwasher safe tray
- Easy to clean wipeable surfaces
- Five-point harness system
Best convertible highchair
The Hauck Sit N Relax 3 in 1 Highchair was awarded Silver for Best Highchair at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
What an impressive highchair the Sit N Relax 3-in-1 Highchair combo is! It has a height-adjustable frame on which you can fix either the newborn attachment or the seat unit for older children, making it one of the best convertible highchairs. And what's more, we liked the newborn attachment with a toy bar that can also be fixed on the included bouncer frame.
Unfortunately, this isn't the easiest high chair to clean because of the fabric, but our tester thought the quality and build of the highchair was brilliant. It has the added bonus of being easily foldable and converts to a rocker. It is easy to assemble and is a great, safe space for children at meal times.
The tester also found that the tray table for the high chair is a great size for all plate/bowl sizes, and still leaves plenty of space for a cup too. The weight limit is 15 kg for this highchair, so even though it's suitable from newborns, you might prefer the Cybex Lemo as this is suitable for throughout your child's life.
Read our full Hauck Sit N Relax 3 in 1 Highchair review.
Pros
- It folds down easily
- Converts from a highchair to a rocker
- It's easy to adjust
- It's suitable for newborns, so ideal for longevity
Cons
- It isn't easy to clean due to the fabric used
Material: | Polyester |
Product dimensions: | 84 x 58 x 105 cm |
Item weight: | 11.6Kg |
Age suitability: | Newborn up to 15kg |
Harness: | Five point |
Wheels: | No |
- Ideal for feeding at eye level
- Depth-adjustable and removable food table with tray
- Lying function
- Foldable
- Convertible
- 5-point harness and anti-slip protection
- Height-adjustable highchair from birth with bouncer
- Flexible use at table or inside the apartment
- Universal newborn attachment + bouncer frame
Best functional high chair
www.stokke.com
Unlike any other highchair design, the Stokke Nomi High Chair is suitable for newborns with a special attachment, although this must be purchased separately, which allows your baby to be at a height level with the dinner table. It can easily be converted to a sturdy high chair with the baby attachment, and we loved that it also functions as a chair for toddlers and older children.
The Stokke high chair is very stylish and will look great in most living spaces. As a more functional highchair as your child grows, it's a great alternative to the Cybex Lemo, which you might prefer thanks to its functional use as a toddler learning tower when your child grows.
Our parent tester Samantha loved that the seat was easy to lift and balance on the table so she could clean under it, and the base of the highchair itself featured anti-tilt wheels, so no matter how hard her daughter wiggled, the chair stayed firmly on the floor.
The Stokke Nomi is also easy to build, and has the option to buy newborn attachments too. The only downside is the footrest can be a bit temperamental at staying in place, however this isn't a major problem.
Read our full Stokke Nomi High Chair review
Pros
- It grows with your child
- It's really easy to build
- Features anti-tilt wheels to prevent tipping
- It's a stylish and unique design
Cons
- The footrest is a little temperamental to keep in place
Material: | Wood and polypropylene |
Product dimensions: | 59 x 52 x 83.5 CM |
Item weight: | N/A |
Age suitability: | 6 months up to 150 KG |
Harness: | Five point (available separately) |
Wheels: | Anti- tilt wheels |
- Anti-tilt wheels
- Adjustable footrest
- Removable attachments
- Removable chair covers
- Tool-free adjustability
4.
Cybex Lemo
Best highchair for longevity
www.boots.com
If you're looking for a highchair that does it all, the Cybex Lemo does everything, from being suitable to use as a newborn chair, to supporting them through their weaning journey and even as they grow well into their teen years. Available in plenty of different colours too, our parent tester Hannah loved the Cybex Lemo.
She loved the sleek and minimal design of the high chair, and also how easy it was to clean. She also mentioned how sturdy it was, and felt that her baby was safe in the chair. One thing Hannah said was it didn't fold down, so it isn't the best space-saving solution, and for this you might prefer the Joie Mimzy Snacker.
Another downside is if you want to attach a harness, it's sold separately, so there are some unexpected, additional costs. However, Hannah "loved that the Lemo is ergonomically designed to be comfy for everyone who sits in it, making it a great highchair for newborns in their bouncer, the fun of weaning in the baby set and then letting your family become part of the table at meal times."
Read our full Cybex Lemo review here.
Pros
- It's convertible so that it lasts your baby while they grow
- It's easy to keep clean
- Available in many colours to suit your house style
- It's sturdy, so reassuring to know your little one is safe
Cons
- Attachments have to be bought separately, so it does add up in cost
Material: | Aluminium and plastic |
Product dimensions: | 56 x 54.5 x 81.5cm |
Item weight: | 7.7kg |
Age suitability: | Birth+ |
Harness: | Sold seperate |
- Leg extensions
- Wheels on back legs to prevent tipping
- Numerous positioning
Best highchair for longevity
You save £61.18
www.bugaboo.com
A versatile and adjustable highchair, the Bugaboo Giraffe was loved by our parent tester, Tim. It's suitable for toddlers and beyond, which Tim thought despite it being higher value, was a worthwhile investment.
He mentions his son is smaller for a baby his age, but loved that the seat could be completely adjusted to his size and comfort, thanks to the multiple height positioning and footrest adjustment.
While it can't be stored away easily, so it has to be a permanent fixture; Tim mentioned that it looks incredibly stylish, and the different colour choices will blend in with any house décor.
Read our full Bugaboo Giraffe Highchair review here.
Pros
- It lasts from baby age through to toddlerhood
- It looks stylish in any home
- It has multiple adjustment options for your little ones comfort
Cons
- It doesn't fold down, so it can't be stored easily
Best highchair for aesthetic
Save £13.95
www.mamasandpapas.com
When you get your KAOS Klapp foldable high chair, you’ll find it ready to use straight out of the box—no assembly required! This is a massive relief because, let’s be honest, as busy parents, the last thing we want is to spend hours putting together yet another piece of baby gear.
However, you’ll need to purchase a couple of add-ons to make the most of this chair. These accessories are essential for turning the chair into a functional mealtime seat for your little one, and they will see you through until your child is about three years old. The extra cost might be a bit of a downside, but our tester Anne found them to be well worth the investment.
Read our full KAOS Klapp Highchair review here.
Pros
- It's easy to fold and store away
- It's easy to keep clean
- It's a neutral and stylish design
Cons
- There's no safety harness included
One of the main features of the Silver Cross Eat&Play Highchair is the fact that it's a four-in-one design. Not only can it be used as a standalone highchair with a tray, but it can also be used without a tray at a smaller height and as just a table and chair. This makes it incredibly practical for use at mealtimes, as you can have the highchair at the table or, when your child is older, as a miniature table and chair for them to sit at.
Our parent tester loved its stylish design and that it is super easy to adjust from a highchair to a table and chair set. Our tester did mention that the grip on the table and chair is really good, but it did make it slightly difficult for independent use for her toddler, but it was only a minor con.
Read our full Silver Cross Eat&Play Highchair review here.
Pros
- It's really easy to clean
- The design concept is practical and functional
- It's easy to convert
- It looks stylish
Cons
- It can feel bulky in smaller rooms
Best convertible highchair
The clever Evolve 3-in-1 Highchair converts from a supportive high chair to a thoughtfully designed chair and then to an interactive kitchen helper, meaning it helpfully grows and evolves along with your child through the years, right until they are seven years old. Our testers liked how easy it is to fold and put away and that it is fully wipeable. They did note that the tray is tricky to remove, but it is dishwasher safe.
Read our full Ergobaby Evolve 3-in-1 Highchair review
Pros
- Grows with child
- Very comfortable for baby
- High-quality wipeable materials
- Timeless visual design
Cons
- Tray table needs two hands to remove
High Chair weight: | 7.9kg/17.4lbs |
Chair weight: | 6 kg/13.2lbs |
Kitchen Helper: | 8.6kg or 18.9Ibs |
Suitable from: | 6 months to 7 years |
Harness: | Five point |
Material: | Wood |
Age: | 6 months to 7 years |
- High Chair usable from when baby can sit upright unassisted (approx. 6 months) up to 15kg
- Chair usable 3+ years (up to 99,7 kg)
- Kitchen Helper usable 2-7 years (up to 45,4kg)
Best highchair with multiple height adjustments
www.very.co.uk
Won a Bronze Award in the 2020 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Highchair category
The Joie Multiply truly grows with your child and was a hit with our reviewer. Going from a highchair to a mini table with every mealtime milestone in between, the Joie Multiply has an easy glide tilt that adjusts to three recline angles to give your baby total comfort.
While we liked how the Multiply height adjusts to fit quickly growing and developing little ones and to fit varying table and island heights with a total of five height adjustments, it is difficult to clean.
Read our full Joie Baby multiply 6in1 review
Pros
- Height can be adjusted to suit the height of your table
- Easy glide tilt
Cons
- Some reviews mention it is hard to clean
Material: | Upholstered wipe clean fabric |
Dimensions: | 82.5x64.8x107.3cm |
Recommended maximum weight: | 45 pounds |
Number of seating positions: | Four |
Age suitability: | From six months |
Harness: | Five point |
- 5 height adjustments
- 6 modes: baby highchair, traditional highchair, booster, portable booster, toddler chair and play table
- Removable infant insert pad
Best wooden highchair
Won a Bronze Award in the 2016 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Highchair category
The Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair is a modern design that looks fantastic in a kitchen. It's solid and very sturdy and fits upright against the table – enabling little ones to be an active part of family mealtimes, which our testers liked. The chair has no recline feature, but it does adjust according to the height of its user. It's comfortable and compact – great for families with limited space – and is a dream to clean (seriously!).
It is expensive, and accessories (a harness and cushioning, for example) cost extra, but its ingenuity, longevity, quality, and convenience make it a worthwhile expense if you have the cash for the initial outlay. You might have to assemble it yourself, but this is more than a highchair; it's a piece of furniture that'll adapt with your little one as they grow.
Read our full Stokke Tripp Trapp review
Pros
- Extended seven-year warranty is available on wooden components, along with a two-year standard warranty
- Strong and robust design
Cons
- Self-assembly required
Material: | Beech wood |
Dimensions: | 78 x49x46cm |
Weight range: | Up to 139kg |
Number of seating positions: | Five |
Age suitability: | From birth |
Five point harness: | No |
- Converts all the way up to adult chair
- Made of wood
- Stylish
- Easy to clean
- Accessories available
- Compact
Best highchair and booster seat
Save £40.04
www.online4baby.com
The Puggle Munch Crunch Luxe 3 in 1 Highchair & Booster Seat was awarded Bronze for Best Highchair at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
The Puggle Munch Crunch is a 3-in-1 highchair that is suitable from 6 months to 15kg, which means it has a long lifespan, and grows from a baby to a toddler. Changing from a highchair to a booster, and then a low chair, it's unlikely you'll need another chair for your child, which is a huge convenience.
Our testers liked that the Munch Crunch is lightweight and super easy to assemble, and for that added convenience, it has a cushioned, removable and easy clean seat pad, which is perfect for those messy meals. However one downside our tester found was that it isn't foldable, which can make it difficult for storage, or travelling. You might prefer the Joie Mimzy Snacker 2 in 1 Highchair if you want a highchair that's easy to store.
Read our full Puggle Munch Crunch Luxe 3 in 1 Highchair & Booster Seat review.
Pros
- It's lightweight and easy to move
- It's easy to clean
- Grows with your little one as it's also a booster seat
- It's easily assembled
Cons
- It can't be folded
Material: | Plastic |
Product dimensions: | (H): 95cm x (W): 67.5cm x (L): 67.5cm |
Item weight: | N/A |
Age suitability: | 6 months to 5 years |
Harness: | Five point |
Wheels: | No |
- Removable Easy Clean Cushioned Seat
- 5-Point Safety Harness
- Converts to Booster seat
- Colour: Flint Grey
- Booster: Suitable for children up to 3 years (15kg)
- Low Chair: Suitable from 3years to 5years
- Built in storage for booster straps when not in use
- Lightweight
- Easy Assembly
Best multi-use high chair
Won a Gold Award in the Mother&Baby awards 2023 for Best Highchair
The Kinderkraft Feeding chair LIVY & CALMEE can be used from birth up to a massive 110kg, that's 17 stone! With its four-in-one design it can be used as a feeding chair for newborns, a high chair for toddlers, and then two different types of chair for a older child or even a teenager. Even a parent could sit on the chair!
Our reviewer thought it was a great design as it allowed their daughter to be part of the family meal, eating at the table and even better it doesn't take up too much space, and looks great.
Read our full Kinderkraft Feeding chair LIVY & CALMEE review
Pros
- Supports correct posture
- Takes up the same space as a dining room chair
Cons
- Heavy
Materials: | Aluminium, Steel |
Dimensions: | 82x40x60cm |
Age Suitability: | From 6 months |
Weight range: | Up to 110kg |
Harness: | Five point |
- A 4-stage seat height adjustment
- Can be combined with CALMEE bouncer
- 3 in 1 feeding chair
- A preschoolers and adult's chair
- Supports correct posture
Best highchair to grow with baby
Save £75
www.very.co.uk
Shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Highchair category.
Not having to worry about their child outgrowing this highchair was a bonus for our tester, as the Tutti Bambini Nova Evolution Highchair evolves from a rocker for your baby, to a highchair for weaning or a mini table with a chair for playtime! Unfortunately, it is not suitable from birth, as baby needs to be able to sit up to use the high chair, so it is ideal from six months onwards.
Read our full Tutti Bambini Nova Evolution Highchair review
Pros
- Has seven different modes to adapt to your child's needs as they grow
- High-quality design
Cons
- Not suitable from birth
Material: | Nanotex |
Dimensions: | 48 x 69 x 98cm |
Weight: | 11.3kg |
Number of seating positions: | Seven modes |
Extra features: | Travel case included |
Age suitability: | From 6 months - 12 years |
Harness: | Five point |
- 7 different modes: highchair, lowchair, booster seat, toddler chair, rocking chair, kds chair and play table and chair
- Three recline positions
- Removable 3 position tray and dishwasher proof top tray
14.
Maxi-Cosi Minla
Best modern highchair
Won a Gold Award in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Highchair category
The Maxi-Cosi Minla has five reclines, four trays, and nine height positions, more than many people will need! It can be used as a highchair or a booster seat with a tray, which our reviewer loved, saying, 'I love the fact that the chair grows with baby'. She also liked how the seat can be used as a travel seat connecting to a dining chair. It is easy to clean, but the grey fabric does show marks quite easily. Maxi-Cosi can ensure a hassle-free clean-up as Minla benefits from washable covers and a compact fold, although with its premium fabrics and stylish look, you won't want to put it away.
Read our full Maxi-Cosi Minla review
Pros
- Compactly folds away
- Easier to clean
Cons
- Grey fabric may show marks more easily compared to other highchairs
Material: | Water repellent fabric |
Dimensions: | 86 x57x1060cm |
Weight range: | 0-30kg |
Number of seating positions: | Six |
Age suitability: | Birth up to Six years |
Material: | Wood |
Harness: | Five point |
- Compact storage
- Five point harness
- Five reclining positions
- Washable covers
- Multiple uses
Best highchair with built-in storage
www.johnlewis.com
The Joie Mimzy Snacker 2-in-1 is another highchair which can be used in multiple ways. The three-position adjustable tray allows for children of all shapes and sizes to use it, and when ready, it can be removed so your toddler can sit at the dinner table with the rest of the family.
If you have a smaller kitchen or dining room, then it's great as it collapses down easily for storage, but the material isn't washable and the tray can't go in the dishwasher.
Read our full Joie Mimzy Snacker 2in1 review
Pros
- Has a storage net underneath to store mealtime essentials
- Simple adjustable tray
Cons
- Cover isn't machine washable and tray isn't suitable to be washed in a dishwasher
Material: | Upholstered wipe clean seat |
Dimensions: | 91.5 x 56.8 x 76cm |
Weight range: | Up to 15kg |
Number of seating positions: | Three |
Age suitability: | Six months and over |
Harness: | Five point |
- Storage net
- Lightweight
- Easy to fold
- Padded seat
What to look for in a high chair
Age suitability: Always check what age the highchair is suitable for. Many can be used from birth, while others are only suitable from six months when they start weaning. We've included age suitability in our round-up.
Space: If you only have a small kitchen or dining area, you'll want to choose a highchair that can be stored away and folded compactly. We've included the dimensions in our top picks.
Cleaning: As mums, we know how messy our tots can be. So, for many parents, it's important to find a high chair that's easy to clean. We've included the materials in our list so you can see how easy it will be to keep clean.
Weight: If you struggle to lift heavy things or want to move your highchair from room to room, it might be a good idea to get a lightweight chair or one with wheels.
Multi-function: Many highchairs can now be converted into many styles of seats, from rockers to booster seats, catering for children as old as twelve! Looking for one that will grow with your child? Check how many functions it has.
Travelling - If you're wanting to be able to take yours away with you when you travel, you might want to opt for a portable highchair that can be folded down for travelling purposes.
Portability- If your little one is using their high chair for both mealtimes and also perhaps for crafting, then consider how easy it is to move from room to room. Is it awkward to carry, or heavy? A high chair being used for multiple uses might need to be more portable.
Safety - Consider how safe the high chair is. Can it tip over if your little one pushes against the table, and does it have a safety harness or straps?
Height - You might want to consider if the height of the high chair is suitable for your table, or for multiple tables. You can also consider if it is adjustable, which could make it easier to use in different areas.
Support - Depending on the age of your little one, think about how much support the high chair provides. Can they rest their head? Has it got a high back? Perhaps it has a padded insert, or somewhere to rest their arms.
Price - High chairs vary a lot in price depending on the material they are made from, how adjustable they are, if they are multifunctional, and style too. Also, consider how long you can use them for, when deciding on a budget and if they grow with your little one.
Types of high chairs
There are so many different types of high chairs to choose from and they all have different benefits depending on what you need. We have listed the different types below:
• Foldable high chairs - These are great for small spaces because they can be folded up between each use. Plus, they can be folded if you need to take them somewhere, either on holiday or to stay with family.
• Portable high chair - This is a lightweight and compact option which often straps straight to the chair, so you can carry it easily when travelling or on the go.
• Reclining high chair - These are great if you use the highchair as a place for entertainment, or to put baby when you are preparing meals because you can have it more relaxed before meals, then upright when little one eats. The choice of angles makes the highchair more comfortable for a developing baby.
• Booster seat - Ideal for babies over 12 months, these are great to introduce the idea of sitting on a dining chair, but they boost your little one to bring them level with the table so they can eat comfortably and safely.
• Travel high chair - Compact to fold in your luggage, or carry easily, these can be tied or clipped to a chair in a restaurant to make mealtimes when travelling simple.
• Single stem high chair - These look very stylish and take up less space, plus often they feature a height adjustment option too.
• Convertible high chair - These grow with your little one, often being suitable from birth. They normally include a baby seat so your newborn can join you at the table, and can then be converted into a highchair suitable for older babies, and even toddlers.
• Space saver high chair - As the name suggests, these are great for small spaces and can be either folded away, or take up very little space.
• Adjustable height high chair - Brilliant for multiple uses, these chairs can be adjusted for different surfaces. So if your little one wants to craft on the breakfast bar, eating at the dining table is easy with an adjustable height.
• Budget high chairs - Babies need lots of equipment and it can be expensive, but there are some great budget options for highchairs to keep costs low.
How to safely use a high chair
Another factor that will be at the top of your checklist will be the safety functions. Some highchairs will have harnesses to ensure your little one is secure, but if they don't, it's worth checking the safety features to prevent accidents or looking at the suggested guidelines from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. When choosing a highchair, many designs will have additional benefits, from adjustable seats to the ability to convert the highchair into a chair for when your baby outgrows it.
There are a few things parents should look out for when purchasing a highchair:
• Look out for the British Standard EN 14988:2006 safety standard mark.
• We all know how much babies and toddlers can wriggle. That's why it's important to choose a highchair with a 5-point safety harness, to keep them safe and secure.
• Check if the highchair has a crotch bar or strap to prevent baby sliding out.
• An adjustable or removable tray is a great safety feature because it means you can easily get baby out of the highchair if you need to.
When you are using a highchair don't put it too close to a table leg, or wall, where your little one might be able to push against it and tip the high chair backwards. Also, always ensure you have strapped your baby securely into their high chair and never leave them unattended.
How to choose a baby high chair
Ultimately, it is up to you when it comes to choosing a high chair, but it is good to consider what you might like. There are so many different styles and types and you need to narrow down what is important for you and your family. For instance, if you want a high chair that fits your decor, there are some great, stylish high chairs on the market. Alternatively, perhaps you are interested in a high chair that grows with your child because many can become seats as your little one matures. If you want your little one to join you at the table, the breakfast bar, and perhaps the worktop, then height adjustability is important.
If you just want to ensure your little one is safe, then look at the safety features, such as how sturdy it is and what type of harness it has too. If the high chair has wheels, that might make it easy to move from room to room, but check they can be locked.
What age is a baby ready to use a highchair?
The most common age that a baby will start needing a highchair is around the six-month-old mark because babies typically begin to sit up on their own and eat solid foods at this stage in their development.
How do I get my baby to stay in their highchair?
Does your bubba not like sitting in their highchair? Solid Starts has some top tips for keeping your little one seated:
Exercise right before the meal
Getting the wiggles out before mealtimes can burn off some of your baby's energy. This way, they're less likely to want to move around once it's mealtime. Let them have some tummy time, get them crawling or jumping around before you sit them in their chair.
Bring baby to the highchair hungry
Your little one is more likely to stay seated if they're hungry and motivated to eat.
Serve the food right away
Try not to put your little one in their high chair until their food is completely ready. That way, their stamina and attention span is saved for eating the meal itself.
Hide or cover toys during the meal
Babies and toddlers are easily distracted, and the sight of a tempting toy can throw the whole meal off.
Honour when baby signals that they are done
When babies are kept in their highchairs longer than they want to be, they can develop a negative association with the chair and eating.
How to clean a highchair
If you're wondering how to clean a highchair, you may want to follow these simple steps:
• Brush off any excess food and crumbs
• Wipe it down with a damp cloth
• Disinfect the tray
• Clean the chair, legs and exterior
• Wash the fabric components
• Clean the crevices where food and germs may be hiding
At what age can I stop using a highchair?
Charlotte mentions: "it will differ for all children, but generally between the ages of 18 months to 3 years, many toddlers may be ready to switch from a highchair to a booster seat for the table."
"Some highchairs can be adapted to be suitable beyond the toddler years such as by removing baby seats and straps, whilst still allowing your toddler to be close to the table, have enough back and foot support to be comfortable," she adds.
Charlotte also mentions that highchairs with the option to upgrade for bigger children can be helpful as they are often more comfortable and suitable for young children than booster seats or trying to navigate sitting on an adult chair.
Do babies need a footrest on a highchair?
No, it is not necessary, but it can be useful. When a child has a footrest it creates a more stable position for the safest possible eating environment. Your little one should be sitting in a 90-90-90 position, which means their ankles, knees, and hips are all at 90 degrees.
Is it okay to buy a used highchair?
Yes, it is, just make sure you check it over to ensure it is safe. Some things to check include looking at the material and seeing if it is clean and not torn, and that no padding or foam is coming out, which could cause a choking risk if baby pulled it out and put it in their mouth. Also ensure there is a five-point harness that works and that the high chair is sturdy and stands securely on the floor.
If you have put a high chair in the attic and are wondering if you can use it with a new baby, then it is fine to use an old high chair. Again, the same safety check applies. The safety standard, BS 14988-1, was introduced in 2006, so any high chair produced after this date should be safe as long as it has been well looked after. Buying baby equipment quickly adds up, so if you can use an old high chair or buy a second-hand high chair, it is a great way to save some money.
About the expert
Charlotte Stirling-Reed is “The Baby & Child Nutritionist” and is a Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition. Charlotte is also an author and mum to little foodies Raffy and Adaline, and owner of consultancy, SR Nutrition. It’s her mission in her work to give parents confidence in feeding their children.
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.