Joybuy Insights

Buying a High Chair: A Guide to Choosing Safe, Durable Mealtimes

A high chair should do more than bring your baby up to table height. It needs to suit your child’s age, your dining table, the space available and the amount of daily cleaning required. Many disappointing purchases are not caused by a low price, but by unsuitable designs and unclear product information.

Common pitfalls when buying a high chair

1. Age recommendations are read without considering sitting requirements

“From 6 months” does not automatically mean that every baby is ready to use the chair straight away. A high chair for babies from 6 months should only be used if the child can sit independently in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. An adjustable backrest does not replace this requirement.

You should therefore check:

  • Is your child already able to sit upright without support?
  • Does the age recommendation apply to the high chair, or only to an additional baby bouncer?
  • Up to what weight and age may the high chair be used?

2. Accessories are assumed to be included as standard

For many models, a high chair with tray, seat insert or cushion is not automatically included. This affects the actual total price and how practical the chair is for everyday use. For example, the Hauck Alpha Plus includes a 5-point harness, while a compatible Alpha Tray and seat cushion are available separately.

Even with a growing high chair, you should check whether the safety bar, harness and dining tray are included or need to be purchased separately.

3. Space requirements and cleaning are underestimated

A sturdy wooden high chair requires permanent floor space. A folding high chair, on the other hand, can be more practical in everyday life if it needs to be put away after meals or transported to the grandparents’ house. At the same time, fabric seat covers, gaps and trays that are difficult to remove can increase the cleaning effort.

Look for wipe-clean surfaces, removable covers and a folding mechanism that locks fully into place.

These technical criteria are crucial

Safety harness, stability and standards

For younger children, a correctly fastened restraint system is essential. A high chair with a 5-point harness keeps the shoulders, pelvis and upper body securely within the seat area. Some wooden models use a 3-point harness or crotch strap instead. What matters is that the system is suitable for the child’s age and is fastened correctly every time the chair is used.

You should also look for:

  • a wide, stable design;
  • non-slip or otherwise suitable feet;
  • connections that are fully locked into place;
  • regular checks of screws, harnesses and floor guides;
  • compliance with the stated load limit.

According to the product information, the roba Nature Up is manufactured to EN 14988:2017+A1:2020. The roba Folding High Chair refers to EN 14988-1:2006+A1:2012. A stated standard is a useful point of reference, but it does not replace following the instructions for use or providing direct supervision.

Seat and footrest adjustment

An adjustable high chair should not only be height-adjustable. The position of the footrest is also important. Your child’s feet should have stable support, while the back and pelvis should be positioned as upright as possible. This helps create a suitable sitting posture, but does not constitute a medical or therapeutic effect.

When comparing a growing high chair, you should therefore look at the number of seat and footrest positions, as well as whether they can be adjusted without tools or with minimal effort. Models such as the Hauck Alpha Plus and the roba Sit Up Flex are designed for long-term use. The Alpha Plus is specified with a maximum load of 90 kg, while the Sit Up Flex supports up to 70 kg. These values apply only within the respective manufacturer’s instructions and usage guidelines.

Material, tray and care

A wooden high chair can be a worthwhile choice for families thanks to its solid construction and long service life. FSC-certified wood provides traceable information about timber sourced from responsibly managed forests. The Hauck Alpha Plus is specified as being made from European FSC-certified beechwood. The roba Nature Up combines bamboo side panels with lacquered MDF elements.

Smooth, damp-wipe-clean surfaces are practical for the dining area. A removable tray should be securely attached and must not be used as a step. Fabric covers should ideally be removable and washable according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Our selection for different everyday situations

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
hauck High Chair Sit N Fold - Dusty Mint

hauck High Chair Sit N Fold - Dusty Mint

Why this product suits this profile: This folding high chair is aimed at families looking for a straightforward solution for everyday use, with the option to store it away occasionally.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The seat is specified for children from 6 to 36 months, or up to 15 kg. The 5-point harness, removable XL tray and folding frame make the specifications clear.

Key benefit & strengths

Three seat heights, height-adjustable tray, storage basket and a cover that can be washed at 40 °C.

Ideal for: Buyers with high quality expectations
hauck Alpha Plus High Chair - Natural

hauck Alpha Plus High Chair - Natural

Why this product suits this profile: This wooden high chair is a good choice for families who prefer adjustable seating positions and long-term use at the family table.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The seat and footplate can be adjusted. The 5-point harness is included; the tray and cushion are listed as separate accessories.

Key benefit & strengths

European FSC-certified beechwood and a stated load capacity of up to 90 kg.

Ideal for: Specific uses & frequent users
hauck Arketa High Chair Set with Play Tray - Beech

hauck Arketa High Chair Set with Play Tray - Beech

Why this product suits this profile: For families looking for plenty of adjustment options and a combined dining and activity surface.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies 13 adjustment levels for the seat and footrest, as well as a 5-point harness with safety bar. This makes the features and adjustment range clear.

Key benefit & strengths

FSC-certified beechwood, GRS-certified recycled material on the play tray and a stated load capacity of up to 130 kg.

Ideal for: Families with limited storage space
Chicco Crescendo Lite High Chair Milan Mist

Chicco Crescendo Lite High Chair Milan Mist

Why this product suits this profile: The folding design is ideal for homes where the high chair needs to be stored compactly after meals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product information, it is designed for use in three stages: high chair from 6 to 36 months, child’s chair up to 40 kg and adult chair up to 110 kg.

Key benefit & strengths

Folds down compactly and features a height-adjustable footrest; the relevant weight limit for each type of use must be observed.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

How to set up and use a high chair correctly

Place the high chair on a level, stable surface and keep it away from table edges, stairs and sources of heat. Check the following before every use:

  1. Are all screws, locks and connections secure?
  2. Is the tray correctly locked into place?
  3. Is the harness fitted snugly without restricting the child?
  4. Are there no cracks, sharp edges or damaged harness straps?
  5. Can the child not climb onto the tray or pull themselves up using it?

A high chair is not a place where a child can be left unattended. Even with a stable design, direct supervision by an adult is still essential.

High chair FAQs

When is a high chair for babies from 6 months suitable?

The manufacturer’s instructions and the child’s physical development are the key factors. As a rule, the baby should be able to sit upright independently. Age alone is not enough to make the decision.

How long can a growing high chair be used?

This depends on the design, load limit and accessories. Some models are intended for use as a high chair until around the age of three, while others can later be converted into a child’s or adult’s chair. Check the weight limit separately for each stage of use.

Is a wooden high chair easier to care for than a model with a fabric cover?

Wooden and plastic surfaces can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth. With fabric covers, the key consideration is whether they are removable and machine-washable. For everyday use, the material itself is therefore less important than the specific surface design and accessories.