Whether you’re a new or expectant parent or are approaching the weaning stage and wondering what to look for when choosing a highchair, then you’ve come to the right place.
Highchair checklist: Must withstand sticky tomato pasta sauce, survive spaghetti twirls, and master the art of food camouflage. Well, wait. There is a little bit more to it... after all, it's not just a highchair; it's a front-row seat to the world of baby culinary exploration!
These days, testing baby kits in person can be a challenge, so it's time to shop online like a pro. Here’s everything you need to think about when buying a highchair!
Safety First
When it comes to choosing a highchair, safety should be your top priority. Look for the highchair's safety standards and opt for one with a robust, stable frame and a wide base to minimise the risk of tipping.
Most highchairs will be equipped with a secure harness to ensure your child is comfortably and securely seated at all times.
Your Baby's Age
Feeling super organised and highchair hunting before the baby's grand entrance? Think about what it is you want from your highchair.
Is it a lifelong companion or a temporary buddy for the baby and toddler years?
There are so many advantages to having a highchair you can use from birth. You can bring your baby to the table from day one, as well as have another safe spot for your baby to relax when you need to be hands-free.
There are lots of fantastic highchairs available with specific accessories for newborns. For example, the Stokke Steps is available with a baby bouncer that can be used alone or on top of the highchair. The Cybex Lemo and Tripp Trapp by Stokke are great choices if you want a chair that will go the distance and look the part.
Ergonomic Comfort
One of the key considerations when choosing a highchair is ergonomic comfort, so opt for one with adjustable features, including seat height, recline options and footrest.
Ergonomically designed highchairs promote independence, encourage good posture and aid digestion. Supporting a child’s back and feet will help the development of a healthy spine, as well as giving your kiddo a comfy and secure seat from which to enjoy their meals, play, or do their homework when they’re older.
A highchair should offer adequate padding and support. A lot of highchairs sell cushions and inserts as separate accessories, so it’s worth adding everything you need to your shopping basket to check how much it will cost. Perhaps you'll prefer to get everything in one easy and affordable bundle, without having to fork out for extra essentials.
Portability and Storage
Space might be a major factor in your decision-making.
Will you need a portable highchair you can fold away and store under the stairs when it’s not in use? If you’re a family that likes to travel, you might also be interested in a portable highchair you can bung in the boot.
Ease Of Cleaning
Spaghetti wars!
We all know how messy babies can be. And there will probably come a time when you wonder why you didn’t just serve your baby their meal on the floor and cut out the middleman...
That’s why when you’re choosing your highchair, go for the easy-clean champions. Think wipeable surfaces and machine-washable cushions. Oh, and make sure you look for a removable dishwasher-safe tray.
Budget, Reviews and Recommendations
If budget's an issue (and when it comes to having kids, when isn't it?!), there are some fabulous highchairs out there that won’t break the bank.
If you're unsure, check out the reviews online!
Go for a reputable baby brand, one you trust. Pretty much all of them have highchair options to choose from. Warranty could also be a deal-breaker - just in case you need it down the line.
Test out a few if you get the chance. Get yourself along to a show or plan a trip to one of the big department stores like John Lewis to compare a few in the flesh and figure out which one best suits your needs.
The good news is that highchairs have come a long way from the days of old. There are many attractive, simplistic and functional designs that will add a touch of style to any interior, so you're bound to find something you and your baby will love.
Happy shopping!
