Joybuy Insights

Buying a baby highchair: what parents should look for in safety, materials and everyday practicality

A baby highchair should make mealtimes easier, stand securely and last for as long as possible. In practice, though, you may not notice the differences until after you’ve bought one: the tray is difficult to clean, the chair takes up a lot of space all the time or the stated period of use doesn’t fit your family’s day-to-day needs.

That’s why it’s worth looking beyond marketing claims before you buy. Key factors include the recommended age, weight limit, harness, stability, adjustment options and how much care it needs.

Common mistakes when buying a baby highchair

1. “Grows with your child” doesn’t automatically mean it will last for years

A highchair that grows with your child may offer different seat heights, footrests or configurations. But that alone doesn’t tell you how long it can actually be used. Check:

  • What is the maximum weight limit for each model?
  • Does the weight limit apply to the highchair, the child’s chair or another configuration?
  • Can the seat and footrest be adjusted, or only certain components?
  • Is a seat reducer or feeding tray sold separately?

A highchair with a 70 kg weight limit is designed and used differently from one approved for up to 15 kg. The maximum weight limit is no substitute for supervision and must not be exceeded.

2. Lots of features can make cleaning harder

A highchair with a tray, padding, wheels or several components isn’t automatically more practical for everyday use. Food can get trapped between the seat, harness and tray. So look for:

  • Wipe-clean surfaces
  • Removable or detachable trays
  • Washable covers
  • As few hard-to-reach gaps as possible
  • Clear care instructions from the manufacturer

A damp cloth is usually enough to clean wooden surfaces. Don’t soak the material in water. Treat fabric covers according to the care instructions.

3. Foldable doesn’t always mean travel-friendly

A foldable highchair saves storage space, but that doesn’t automatically make it suitable for transport or frequent changes of location. Check its folded dimensions, weight, carry handle and stability when set up. For travel, a compact seat that attaches to a suitable chair may be an alternative. These models always need a suitable, stable chair and correctly secured straps.

The key things to consider in detail

Age and ability to sit

A highchair suitable from 6 months is generally intended for children who can already sit up unaided. The age guidance alone isn’t enough. Read the safety instructions and only use the chair once your child has the physical abilities required.

For younger children, a highchair with a safety harness, a suitable backrest and a stable base are particularly important. A 3-point harness typically secures the pelvis and crotch area; a 5-point harness also includes the shoulders. The harness must be adjusted correctly and should never be considered a substitute for supervision.

Safety standard and stability

Check the stated standard, such as EN 14988 for traditional highchairs. This standard is an important guide to the design and safety requirements. You should also check the following before each use:

  1. Is the chair on a flat, non-slip surface?
  2. Are the screws, locks and adjustment mechanisms secure?
  3. Is the tray securely locked in place?
  4. Can your child push off against a table or wall?
  5. Are the harness and padding free from damage?

Wheels can make the chair easier to move, but they mean you need to carry out extra checks. On models with wheels, the brakes must be engaged during use.

Materials and adjustability

A wooden highchair or sustainable bamboo highchair may have a sturdy construction and a long useful life. Even so, check the specific material details. “Wood” doesn’t automatically tell you the type of wood or whether it is certified. Bamboo models may have an FSC claim; any certification should relate to the specific product.

A height-adjustable highchair with an adjustable footrest can adapt the seating position to different table heights. With a chair that grows with your child, removable seat boards, harnesses and feeding trays are also worth considering. The more components can be adjusted, the more important clear assembly and safety instructions become.

Our picks for different family needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
roba Folding High Chair, Natural Wood with Tray

roba Folding High Chair, Natural Wood with Tray

Why this product suits this profile: This wooden highchair is a good fit for families who prefer a simple design and space-saving storage. It arrives folded and can be moved using the handgrip.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The folding design addresses limited storage space. The permanently attached feeding tray and wipe-clean care instructions mean fewer separate parts to deal with.

Key benefits and strengths

Three-point harness, maximum recommended weight of 70 kg and foldable design.

Ideal for: Buyers with high expectations for quality
roba High Chair Nature Up made from FSC-certified bamboo

roba High Chair Nature Up made from FSC-certified bamboo

Why this product suits this profile: This model combines bamboo construction with a removable feeding tray and, according to the manufacturer, can be used from 6 months through to adulthood.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The material and standard are clearly specified. Wipe-clean surfaces make regular care easier.

Key benefits and strengths

100% FSC-certified bamboo according to the product details, three-point harness and weight capacity of up to 70 kg.

Ideal for: Specific needs and frequent use
Chicco Crescendo Lite High Chair Cairo Coal

Chicco Crescendo Lite High Chair Cairo Coal

Why this product suits this profile: The 3-in-1 design is ideal for households looking for one piece of furniture to use through several stages, as well as a folding function.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Age and weight limits are specified for each configuration, making it easier to plan how the chair can be used than with blanket figures.

Key benefits and strengths

Highchair mode from 6 to 36 months, child’s chair up to 40 kg, adult chair up to 110 kg and a footrest with two adjustment positions.

Ideal for: Families with varied day-to-day needs
Kikka Boo High Chair 6-in-1 Woody Grey

Kikka Boo High Chair 6-in-1 Woody Grey

Why this product suits this profile: This 6-in-1 highchair offers several set-up options for families who want to switch between a highchair, child’s chair and low seat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists the different ways to use it, along with separate weight limits for highchair and junior chair modes.

Key benefits and strengths

Six ways to use it, 5-point safety harness, double feeding tray and wipe-clean cover; weight limit of 15 kg in highchair mode and up to 25 kg as a junior chair.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Baby highchair FAQs

When can a baby sit in a highchair?

A baby highchair is usually suitable from 6 months. The key is that your child can sit unaided and without support. You must follow the manufacturer’s specific age and weight guidance. Your child must be supervised directly whenever they are using the chair.

How long can you use a highchair that grows with your child?

That depends on the model and its configuration. Some versions are designed for up to 15 kg, while others can support 25, 50 or 70 kg. For some chairs, the manufacturer says they can also be used as an adult chair. Always check whether the weight limit applies to highchair mode or a later seating configuration.

Which is easier to clean: wood or plastic?

Both materials can be easy to care for if their surfaces are smooth and easy to reach. Clean wood with a damp cloth, then dry it. Plastic parts can often be wiped clean too; depending on the model, fabric covers may be removable and machine washable. Don’t forget to clean the harness, gaps and underside of the tray as part of your daily routine.