Our overall score consists of 70% performance and 30% ease of cleaning.

Models that pass all our key safety tests will score 80-100% for performance. Models worth considering may have minor safety failures such as finger entrapment hazards, sharp edges or have one-button buckling devices. These models score 60-65% for performance. We don't recommend models with major safety or durability failures. These models score 40% or less for performance.

We check how easy it is to clean a range of children's foods from the high chair seat, harness and tray (where available). Scores are then averaged. Ease of cleaning makes up 30% of the overall score.

This is based on: assembling the chair; unfolding and setting it up; using the tray; adjusting seat height; adjusting the foot rest; ease of putting a child in and out of the chair; using the harness; moving the chair around; folding it for storage; and any care needed to avoid pinch points and other hazards for the adult. We have only recently started scoring these, so previously tested models don't all have this score and it isn't yet factored into the overall score.

Key safety tests include stability, durability and security of the frame locking mechanism. In some cases, we find minor issues (such as finger entrapment in a hard to reach area) which may still make the high chair worth considering. Those models still pass the key safety tests. Some failures are rated as very minor - a model with only very minor failures can still be recommended.

Our testers examine each high chair against the Australian Standard for high chairs, AS 4684:2009. This standard also calls for compliance with at least one of the international standards, so we refer to the European Standard EN 14988. Any high chair which fails the rearwards and/or sideways stability test is not recommended. Manufacturers may disagree with our findings.

These models passed our safety and durability tests. Ease of cleaning is also taken into account. All recommended models must score at least 80% for performance and at least 70% overall. We also only recommend models with 5-point harnesses.

Tested models are models we've tested which are currently available at time of publication. Discontinued models are models from previous tests that are now no longer in stores, but which may be available second-hand or in stock clearance sales.

Typical retail price.

We only recommend models with a five-point harness (shoulder, waist and crotch straps).

The measured height of the high chair.

The measured width of the high chair.

The measured depth of the high chair.

On some chairs only the backrest reclines; on others the entire seat reclines. Multiple positions give you more options on how to seat your child.