Choosing the Right High Chair for Your Child

Getting a high chair marks an important milestone: your child is ready to actively join family meals at the dinner table. However, with the vast array of models, materials, and features, the selection process can quickly become overwhelming. The right choice depends on factors like safety, handling, space, and durability.

This guide is designed to offer you clear direction. We'll explain which features to look for and present a selection of different high chair models to help make your purchasing decision easier.

What to Look for When Buying a High Chair

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to understand a few basic criteria. These three points will help you filter your options and find a model that suits your family's needs.

1. Safety and Stability

Your child's safety is the top priority. A reliable indicator of tested safety is the European standard EN 14988. This standard sets requirements for the stability, materials, and construction of high chairs to minimise risks such as tipping or entrapment. Look for a stable base and a tip-proof design. A harness system (usually a 3-point or 5-point harness) is essential to prevent your child from slipping out or standing up in the seat.

2. Material and Design

High chairs are made from various materials, each with its own advantages:

• Wooden High Chair: Models made of wood or bamboo are often particularly durable, stable, and blend well visually into many home interiors. A grow-with-me high chair made of wood can often accompany your child well into their teenage years.
• Plastic High Chair: These models are typically lighter and especially easy to clean, as food spills can be effortlessly wiped off the smooth surfaces.
• Folding High Chair: If you have limited space or need to store the chair frequently, a folding high chair is a practical solution. It can be folded compactly after use.
• Travel High Chair: For families who are often on the go, lightweight and compact models that are easy to transport and set up are ideal.

3. Everyday Functionality

Consider which features are important for your daily routine. A high chair with a tray gives your child their own eating surface and offers flexible use. Removable or adjustable trays are particularly practical, as they allow the chair to be pushed directly up to the dining table. Easy-to-clean surfaces and removable cushions save time and effort. Adjustable seat and footrests ensure the chair grows with your child, always providing an ergonomic sitting position.

Our Top High Chair Picks

Here, we present three models that cater to different needs and lifestyles.

Zamboo High Chair

Why it stands out: The Zamboo High Chair is notable for its low weight and versatile handling. At just 3.5 kg, it's easy to move, making it suitable for both daily use at home and as a practical travel high chair.

Pros:

• Lightweight and mobile: Weighing only 3.5 kg, the chair can be easily moved or transported.
• Safety: An integrated 5-point harness keeps the child securely in the seat.
• Flexible tray: The tray can be adjusted to two positions or removed completely.
• Easy to clean: The seat shell, made of easy-care plastic (PP), can be simply wiped down.

Who is it for? This model is an excellent choice for families looking for a lightweight and portable solution, whether for visits to friends and family or for holidays. It also works well as a secondary chair at the grandparents' house.

To the Zamboo High Chair

roba Folding High Chair made of Natural Wood with Tray

Why it stands out: This folding high chair from roba combines the aesthetic of natural wood with space-saving functionality. It arrives fully assembled and is ready to use right out of the box.

Pros:

• Space-saving: Folds easily for storage when not in use.
• Stable wood: The robust wooden construction ensures high stability and resistance to tipping.
• No assembly required: The chair is delivered folded and only needs to be set up.
• Tested safety: Complies with safety standard EN 14988-1:2006+A1:2012 and features a 3-point harness.

Who is it for? Ideal for parents who appreciate natural materials but have limited living space. Its user-friendly, no-assembly design makes it particularly convenient.

To the roba Folding High Chair

roba Nature Up High Chair - Grow-with-me High Chair made of FSC-certified Bamboo Wood

Why it stands out: The roba Nature Up is a classic grow-with-me high chair designed for longevity and sustainability. Made from FSC-certified bamboo, it accompanies a child from a baby high chair to adulthood and can support up to 70 kg.

Pros:

• Long-term use: Grows with your child and can support a weight of up to 70 kg.
• Sustainable material: Made from 100% FSC-certified bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource.
• Highly flexible: The seat and footrest are height-adjustable, and the tray is removable.
• Tested safety: Meets the current high chair standard EN 14988:2017+A1:2020.

Who is it for? This chair is the right choice for families seeking a long-term investment who value sustainable materials. Its adaptability makes it a faithful companion for many years.

To the roba Nature Up High Chair

Looking for More Options?

Was the perfect model for you not among our selection? Every household and every child has unique needs. Explore our entire range and find the ideal solution for your family table.

Discover all high chairs here

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When can a baby start sitting in a high chair?

A high chair from 6 months is a common recommendation, but the decisive factor is your child's physical development. They should be able to sit up independently and stably with a straight back, without tipping to the side. This is usually the case between the sixth and eighth months.

2. How do I clean a high chair properly?

Cleaning depends on the material. Plastic chairs and trays can usually be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid. For a wooden high chair, be careful not to use too much water and wipe the surface dry afterwards to protect the material. Removable cushions can often be washed separately—please refer to the manufacturer's care instructions.

3. What does the EN 14988 standard mean for high chairs?

The European standard EN 14988 is an important safety standard for children's high chairs. It defines requirements for construction, stability, materials, and labelling to ensure the child's safety. A chair that complies with this standard has been tested for tip-resistance, the strength of harnesses and fasteners, and the absence of sharp edges or pinch points.