07.High chairs
It's time for first foods - and first food-fights. Time to choose a high chair: that we can help you with, the mess is up to you!
What to look for:
Safety
- Look for a label stating compliance to the Australian Standard for high chairs, AS 4684. This standard is not mandatory but high chairs that pass it are much more likely to be safe than those that don't.
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Armrest/side barrier: can prevent a child from sliding sideways out of the seat. It should move with the chair when you push it from the reclined into the upright position.
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Castors: If there are castors, make sure at least the front or rear castors have brakes.
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Construction and framework: should be sturdy and robust enough to carry the weight of a child.
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Crotch or vertical bar: at the front of the seat (or, alternatively, a crotch strap, preferably wide and firm) helps prevent the child from sliding forwards.
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Five-point harness: helps prevent a child from falling out of the seat or climbing out of the chair. High chairs account for 25 per cent of nursery furniture accidents, often due to falls. The harness buckles should be quick and easy for you to engage, but not easy for a child to release. The length of straps should be adjustable. Look for a chair whose five-point harness is mounted on the back of the seat at shoulder height.
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Hazards: No parts when moved should be able to pinch, crush or trap a child's finger, toe, limb or head.
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Horizontal bar: at the front of the seat helps prevent a child from falling forward once the tray is removed.
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Stability: the legs should taper out or extend outwards, preferably farther than all other parts of the chair.
Comfort and ease of use
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Foldable chairs: should be easy to fold and preferably lock into position. The more compact when folded, the easier it is to store.
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Footrest or leg support: it's important to support the child's feet or calves.
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Height adjustable (or the seat reclinable) chairs: they should be easy for you (but not for a child) to lock and unlock. The locks should either be difficult to reach for a seated child, or require some dexterity to release.
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Seat widths and depths: if you're planning to use a chair for several years, choose one with a larger seat. Some chairs have booster padding for smaller children.
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Trays: should be secure when it's fitted but easy to remove, attach and adjust (if applicable).
For more information and our test results, check our Highchairs report.