Need to know
- You don't need to spend a fortune to get a good high chair
- Expensive high chairs may have some extra features
- Some expensive models can be impractical, difficult to clean and even unsafe
If you're in the market for a high chair, you've probably noticed that prices vary dramatically from one product to the next. Although simple models such as the Ikea Antilop (or one of its clones) can cost $25 or less, designer high chairs from brands including Stokke, iCandy and Bloom can set you back from $300 to almost $800.
But do you really need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a good high chair? It's easy to be swayed by fancy features and eye-catching designs, but most seasoned parents will tell you that safety, convenience and ease of cleaning are what matter most.
To make life easy for you, our experts have tested more than 30 high chairs, looking specifically at these factors. And it turns out the more expensive product isn't always the best.
Benefits of a high-end high chair
Good looks
A high chair may be a practical item, but it's also a fairly large piece of furniture that's frequently on display in your home, so the way it looks can be important.
"Some expensive high chairs are real showpieces that can complement a modern kitchen, with striking wooden or chrome designs," says CHOICE children's product expert Kim Gilmour.
Some of the features can be more hassle than they're worth
But she also points out plenty of decent 'copycat' models available for much lower prices.
For example, if you like the Scandinavian look, you could shell out $369 for the Stokke Clikk.
But for less than half the price, the Childcare Eve ($129) achieved a similar score, and the Mocka Jenson ($170) scored significantly higher. Both have a similar look
The Childcare Eve and Mocka Jenson look similar to the Stokke Clikk, but are less than half the price.
Extra features
"Many expensive high chairs have added features which could make mealtimes more comfortable for you and your baby, such as an adjustable height and reclinable functionality that lets them be used from birth," says Kim.
But, once again, she says there are many cheaper models that can do the same job for a fraction of the price.
For example, the Bloom Fresco ($799) lets you recline and swivel it, and also adjust the height of the seat and footrest. But the $180 Steelcraft Sit and Relax scores higher overall (it's actually recommended by our experts) and is reclinable, has a height-adjustable seat and footrest, and, unlike the Bloom, the seat can be lowered to become a low chair and the chair can be folded down.
Converts into a toddler/adult chair
It can definitely be worth paying more for a chair that your child will continue to use into their toddler years and beyond.
Kim says many CHOICE members are particularly happy with models such as the Stokke Tripp Trapp with baby set ($578) which, although more expensive at first, can later be used as a children's and adult's chair, offering good value in the long run.
One consumer, Megan, told us that she loves her Tripp Trapp so much she bought another one for her second child.
"100% worth it," she says. "I love it. Not a bad word could be said about it. And I think I get more use out of it than a cheaper one."
But if you don't have that much cash to burn on a Stokke, there's a Kmart dupe for just $149 that our experts also rate. We compare the two in detail in this article, or see our comparison of key points below.
The Bloom Fresco is difficult to move around.
Downsides of high-end high chairs
Impractical design
Although some of the features boasted by designer chairs sound impressive, they may not actually be very useful. Kim gives the example of the Bloom Fresco ($799), which is feature-packed but can be a drag to use.
"It looks very stylish, but it weighs 14kg, so it's really difficult to move around," she says.
What's more, some of the features can actually be more hassle than they're worth.
"The fact that the Bloom can swivel 360 degrees may sound cool, but if you haven't locked the seat in place, you might find food flying into all four corners of your kitchen," she says.
Difficult to clean
Attractive design features can sometimes be the very things that make a high chair a nightmare to clean.
One consumer, Kaylee, told us she wouldn't recommend her Chicco Polly high chair, which she bought for about $300.
"The material has ripped and it's a pain to clean as it's double layered, and the crumbs get caught in all the bottom components, so you physically have to upend it and shake it to clean the crumbs out," she says.
We've included discontinued models as many are still for sale on second-hand marketplaces
And according to our experts, the $601 Bugaboo Giraffe (with baby set, pillow and tray) might look chic in your kitchen, but after the first few mealtimes it could become something of an eyesore as it is surprisingly difficult to clean.
And even some of the products that look easy to clean can prove deceptively tricky in this regard. For example, the sleek wooden Leander chair ($430) scored just 20% for ease of cleaning, while the harness on the Stokke Tripp Trapp with baby set ($578) is prone to staining.
Safety concerns
Our safety testing has shown that price is no indicator of safety –our experts found both expensive and cheaper high chairs with serious safety failures.
Models with serious safety failures
Leander Chair ($430): Completely missing a safety harness (you can buy an optional safety bar for an extra cost) and also has sharp edges on the upper front edge of the seat.
Mocka Original ($170): The high chair tips over too easily.
Models with more minor failures
Bloom Fresco ($799): Has an unsafe gap that could trap a child's fingers.
4Baby Icon 2 in 1 ($180): Has an unsafe gap that could trap a child's fingers.
Boori Neat High Chair($350): Potential finger pinch points between the underside of the tray and the adjacent armrest.
Kayula Ava Forever ($349): Hasan unsafe gap that could trap a child's fingers.
4Baby Easy High Chair ($35): Potential finger pinch points between the underside of the tray and the adjacent front and side.
Mocka Soho ($150): The backrest is not high enough. The manufacturer says it is looking into increasing the height in future. Does not have a five point harness (only a four-point harness).
Safer budget chairs
If safety is your priority and you're on a budget, there are plenty of affordable models under $200 that score 100% in our safety tests, including:
- Kmart Prandium High Low Chair ($29)
- Kmart Anko Flat Fold High Chair ($45)
- Mocka Jenson ($170)
- 4Baby Orbit ($199)
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
