The Right Highchair for You

The highchair: a fixture at every family table. Needed from the beginning of weaning and usually well beyond the toddler years. For little ones, it's much more than just a chair and becomes indispensable in daily family life. Therefore, it's worth paying close attention when buying: when is the right time for us, what should the highchair be capable of, and what type of highchair best suits us and our home?

When Should One Buy a Children's Highchair?

This entirely depends on how you wish to use the highchair daily. With the right accessories, a highchair can be used from birth. Many manufacturers offer a newborn attachment as an accessory. The nest-like shell attachment is placed above the seat surface and is often adjustable from a slightly upright position to a flatter lying position. Your baby can thus experience family meals early on, enjoying closeness and discovering the world from a new perspective.

If you prefer to use the highchair only during weaning, you can forgo the newborn attachment. Your baby will love discovering food in the highchair and experiencing family meals at the table as a new family ritual. Their curiosity and independence will increase daily, and a highchair perfectly supports this new phase of life and development.

Types of Highchairs

The market primarily offers four different types of children's highchairs, mostly made from wood or plastic. Which material and version you end up choosing depends on the purpose and duration of use. Some are adaptable, others have multiple uses, and still others are intended for short-term use only.

Booster Seats

Often found in restaurants or purchased for travel. The booster seat is strapped onto an adult chair using belts and buckles. Generally, it folds down to a convenient size, making it ideal for taking along. It's useful when no children's seating is available, but not suitable for daily or permanent use.

Clip-On Chairs

Like booster seats, these are portable. Convenient for on-the-go, foldable, and quickly ready for use. Unlike booster seats, these are attached to the table edge using clamps. However, their use is limited due to table thickness and weight restrictions for the child.

Combo Highchairs

As the name suggests, these combine various parts and functions. Two separate pieces can be assembled into a wooden highchair for the dining table or used separately as a set comprising a children's play table and chair for drawing, playing, and crafting. These require more space and are not necessarily portable.

Staircase Highchairs

Probably the most popular and widely chosen highchairs. Their design allows for adaptability, with adjustable elements like seat surfaces and footrests. They are considered long-lasting. Some even have a folding mechanism for easier storage and transport.

What Should a Highchair Offer?

Every family has unique requirements for a highchair, from its functions and accessories to design and colour. During the selection process, you'll weigh options, calculate, discuss, and prioritise. Safety, however, is non-negotiable.

• Rounded edges, no sharp corners or protruding nails and screws
• Non-toxic material
• Base gliders for stability and tip-resistance
• Removable strap system and safety bar to secure your child in the chair
• Recognised safety seal

• Seat cushions, back padding, and harness padding
• An adjustable seat surface and footrest for a healthy, stable, and comfortable sitting position

• Durable and easy-to-clean surfaces
• Washable cushioning and covers
• Foldable for space-saving storage and transport
• Adaptable for extended use
• High load capacity, at least up to 90 kg for flexible use as seating for older children and adults
• Quick and intuitive assembly and adjustability without tools
• Simple everyday handling
• Practical accessories like a newborn attachment or detachable table

Once you've settled on the type of highchair, the requirements, and desired features, only two factors remain in the final purchase decision: design and price. Choose a design that fits your interior style in terms of colour and look. After all, the highchair will decorate your home like a new piece of furniture. Price is usually a factor as well; highchairs come in various price ranges. Choose one that fits your budget but still offers all the necessary functions and safety features. Do not compromise too much on cost as the highchair will serve you for a long time, possibly across generations.

One final tip: Take ample time for the selection and purchase process. After all, you're buying the highchair for your home—a place that, like no other, connects you with your family. A baby changes your life and your home in a very special way, including adding a new piece of furniture or two. Happy highchair shopping.