Info Centre Whichever style of highchair you go for here’s a checklist of key things to bear in mind when making your decision. Where you rank these in importance is, of course, up to you.
- Is it comfortable?
Look for seat padding, sharp edges, a footrest and plenty of room for growth. - Is it adjustable?
Does it have a contoured back-rest like the Enzi Chair? - Does it have a removable tray that adjusts easily to allow easy access even when a toddler’s legs go rigid?
Different seat heights like the Posture Perfect may also be important if you want to be able to sit comfortably to feed your child, or have it at the same height as your table. - Is it easy to clean?
More crucial than you might think, unless of course someone else is going to be doing the cleaning. Look out for hidden crevices and whether the whole tray comes out easily. Can you remove the seat cover and is it pvc/wipe clean and are the cushions machine washable? - Is it portable?
This may not seem that important at first, but if, like a lot of folks, you end up using the highchair as a safe play area while you cook/have a shower/go to the loo, you might want to consider how easy it is to lug it from one room to the next - with or without a child inside it. - Is it safe?
Look out for a sturdy wide base and proper harness (or the possibility of attaching one) that secures your child firmly across the hips and between the legs; this way your child can’t stand up or slip out from under the tray. Also, the straps should be adjustable to accommodate a growing child. - What does it look like?
This may not matter to you at all, but if you think it might, bear in mind you will be living with this decision for at least two years. As one forlorn user commented: “We spent a fortune doing up our kitchen/ diner, which is now sullied by a hideous pink and yellow monstrosity of a high chair. We thought we’d fold it away after each use, but we don’t. I wish we’d gone for a wooden one.”
