Joybuy Insights

Buying a high chair: a guide to safe, practical options

A high chair is part of everyday family life – for mealtimes, crafts and play. But eye-catching designs and claims of long-lasting use don’t automatically make a model the right choice. What matters is whether your child is ready to sit, the safety features, how easy it is to clean and how much space you have at home.

Common high chair buying mistakes

1. A long usable life doesn’t automatically mean greater flexibility

A high chair that grows with your child can be used through several stages of development. But the seat, footrest and safety harness need to adjust to suit each stage. An age recommendation alone doesn’t tell you much. You should also check the maximum weight limit for each mode of use. Some models are designed to be used as a high chair up to 15 kg, but can support more weight later as a junior chair.

2. A folding high chair won’t save space in every kitchen

A folding mechanism is useful if you regularly put the high chair away or take it to the grandparents’ house. Before buying, compare its dimensions when folded and unfolded. A secure locking mechanism and a stable base are also important. A smaller folded size is no substitute for a sturdy design.

3. Cushions and seat inserts don’t replace the safety harness

A high chair cushion or seat insert can provide extra comfort and support. But the chair still needs to be secured properly. The harness must be threaded through the designated openings and must not sit underneath any padding. You should also check that any accessories are specifically compatible with your model.

What to check before you buy

Readiness and stage of development

A high chair for babies from 6 months is generally intended for children who can already sit unaided. Their age in months isn’t the only thing to consider. Follow the instructions and only use the chair once your child can sit without support.

A high chair with a 5-point harness holds your child securely across the shoulders, hips and crotch. The harness must be adjusted correctly without restricting your child. Never leave a child unattended in a high chair.

Adjustability and footrest

A height-adjustable high chair is easier to adapt to your table and your child’s height. For wooden high chairs that grow with your child, several seat and footrest positions are particularly useful. A footrest your child can reach can help them sit more steadily day to day. Check whether you can adjust the chair without tools and that all connections lock securely into place.

Materials, cleaning and dimensions

A wooden high chair can be durable and understated in appearance. However, clean wooden surfaces with a barely damp cloth and dry them afterwards. Removable or wipe-clean trays are handy when dealing with food spills. Fabric covers should come with clear care instructions, such as machine washing at 30 or 40 °C.

Check the following:

  • Footprint and stability on your own flooring
  • Distance between the tray and your child
  • Rounded edges and protected screw fittings
  • Weight limits for each seating configuration
  • Compatibility of the baby set, harness, seat cushion and seat insert
  • EN 14988, if this standard is mentioned in the product information

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Kikka Boo High Chair 6-in-1 Woody Beige

Kikka Boo High Chair 6-in-1 Woody Beige

Why this product suits this profile: This 6-in-1 model offers six ways to use it, for children from when they can sit unaided up to around 6 years old. It’s a good choice for families looking for several functions in one product.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Age and weight limits are given for each mode of use: up to 15 kg as a high chair and up to 25 kg as a junior chair. This makes it easier to assess how long the chair can realistically be used.

Key benefits & strengths

5-point safety harness, removable double tray, footrest and wipe-clean cover. Dimensions in high chair mode are 61 × 57,5 × 89 cm.

Ideal for: Buyers with high expectations of quality
cybex CLICK&FOLD 3in1 High Chair Set White

cybex CLICK&FOLD 3in1 High Chair Set White

Why this product suits this profile: This set combines an adjustable seat, baby set and tray with a folding frame. It’s designed for households looking at materials, adjustability and storage together.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The folding mechanism is described as having a two-button system. Before use, the chair must be fully unfolded and clicked securely into place.

Key benefits & strengths

FSC-certified beech wood, according to the product information, with height- and depth-adjustable seat and footrest positions. It can be used with the baby set from around 6 months up to 15 kg.

Ideal for: Specific needs & frequent use
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 a good fit for smaller homes, visits to the grandparents and families who want to put the chair away after mealtimes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information includes the folded dimensions, 5-point harness and instructions for checking the folding mechanism. This helps you plan for storage and build safety checks into your routine before buying.

Key benefits & strengths

Height-adjustable tray, wipe-clean cover, machine-washable cover at 40 °C and a storage basket. The maximum weight limit is 15 kg.

Ideal for: Those looking for accessories for an existing high chair
hauck High Chair Cushion Deluxe Select Line Jersey Charcoal

hauck High Chair Cushion Deluxe – Select Line – Jersey Charcoal

Why this product suits this profile: This seat cushion is designed for the Hauck Alpha+, Beta+ and Arketa wooden high chairs. It’s a good option for families looking for a compatible padded accessory.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Compatibility and harness routing are clearly specified. The cushion doesn’t replace the existing safety harness; the harness must be fastened correctly over the cushion.

Key benefits & strengths

Cotton cover, double padding on the backrest, non-slip underside and press studs for fastening. The cover can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle at 30 °C.

Looking for more options?

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

Choosing the right high chair accessories

If you already have a high chair, first check the brand, model and year of manufacture in the product documentation. A high chair seat insert needs to have suitably positioned harness openings and must not create an awkward gap between your child and the tray. For the Stokke Tripp Trapp, for example, dedicated LaLoona seat cushions and seat inserts are available. There are also model-specific options for the Hauck Alpha+, Beta+ and Arketa.

A baby high chair with a reclining function isn’t automatically suitable for every use, either. Attachments such as the hauck Newborn Highchair Bouncer must only be used within the specified weight limits and with the adapters provided. Once your child can sit unaided or reaches the maximum weight limit, adjust how you use it in line with the instructions.

High chair FAQs

When can you start using a high chair?

Many models are designed for use from around 6 months. The key thing is that your child can sit unaided and without support. Follow the age, weight and usage guidance provided by the manufacturer.

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

It depends on the design and weight limit. Some models convert from a baby high chair to a junior chair, while others can later be used as a regular chair. Check the permitted weight limit for each configuration and use the harness for as long as the instructions recommend.

How do you keep a high chair clean and hygienic?

Remove food residues as soon as possible after mealtimes. Plastic and wooden surfaces can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth. Wash covers only as directed on the care label. Regularly check the harness, screws, tray, cushion fastenings and feet for wear or damage.