How to choose a high chair

A high chair is one of those purchases that gets a lot of daily use for a couple of years, so it's worth thinking it through. The right one keeps your baby safely upright at mealtimes, is easy to clean (you'll be cleaning it a lot) and fits your home. This guide covers when you'll need one, the main types, the safety features to look for and how to use it safely, with the advice taken from the NHS, RoSPA and Trading Standards South West.

When do you need one?

The NHS says solid foods should start when your baby is around 6 months old. It lists three signs, which should appear together, that show your baby is ready. The first is that they can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady. The others are that they can coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth to pick up food and put it in their mouth, and that they can swallow food rather than spit it back out.

That's the point to have a high chair ready. The NHS says a baby needs to be sitting safely in an upright position so they can swallow properly. Trading Standards South West (TSSW) says high chairs should only be used by babies and toddlers who can sit unaided, and that they're generally designed for children who weigh less than 15kg or are under 36 months. Always check the age and weight range in the maker's instructions, because it varies from product to product.

The main types

• Standalone high chair. The classic type: a seat on a frame with a tray. Many have adjustable heights, reclining positions or removable trays, and some fold away. Check what the maker's listing says about each.
• Folding or compact high chair. Good if space is tight. TSSW says if you buy a folding chair, make sure it has an effective locking device. It also warns that a folded-away high chair is a place where small fingers can be crushed or trapped.
• Chair-mounted or booster-style seats. These strap to an ordinary dining chair. TSSW says that if you use a chair-mounted (or table-mounted) seat, make sure it's securely attached and check this each time you use it.
• Table-mounted seats. RoSPA says the use of table-mounted high chairs is not recommended. If you're thinking about one, read RoSPA's advice first.

Whichever type you're considering, the safety checks below apply.

Safety features that matter

A safety standard marking

TSSW says high chairs should meet the requirements of the safety standard BS EN 14988, and that you should check the chair is marked with the number of the standard and the name or trademark of the manufacturer, distributor or retailer. TSSW's page refers to the 2017 edition. The British Standards Institution (BSI) lists the current version as BS EN 14988:2017+A2:2024, published 31 December 2024. A chair made before that may well be marked with the earlier edition, so it's the standard number that matters most.

A five-point harness

TSSW says a five-point harness is the safest way to secure the child: one strap between the legs and two on either side. RoSPA also recommends a five-point harness where possible and says always to use the safety harness. TSSW adds that you should make sure all belts and straps are adjusted to your child's size, and never rely on the feeding tray alone to keep your baby secure.

Stability, locks and a post between the legs

TSSW's buying tips are:

• Check it has a wide base for stability.
• Check any tray locks securely and can't be removed by your child.
• If it folds, check it has an effective locking device.
• Look for a design with a post between where your child's legs go. This helps stop them slipping down and getting trapped under the tray.

Practical things to think about

These matter less for safety but a lot for daily life. They're our suggestions, so weigh up what matters to your household.

• Cleaning. Mealtimes are messy. Look at what the maker says about wipe-clean surfaces, removable covers or trays and whether any parts can go in the dishwasher. The NHS suggests a mat or newspaper sheets under the chair to catch most of the mess.
• Size and storage. Check the footprint and folded size on the maker's specifications against the space you have. If you eat in a small kitchen, a compact one may suit you better.
• Adjustability. Some chairs adjust in height or have footrests, which can help a child sit comfortably at the table. Look at the details in each maker's description, because features differ.
• Moving it around. Wheels, weight and how easy it is to fold can matter if you'll be moving it often. Try it in a shop if you can.
• How long you'll use it. TSSW notes that, as children near the upper age limit, they may be able to rock in the seat and the chair could fall over, and it's better to move to a chair then, still with adult supervision. A chair that suits you for the first year may not be what you need after that.

Using it safely

RoSPA and TSSW give very similar advice:

• Always use the harness. The NHS says always to use a securely fitted safety harness in a high chair, and RoSPA says babies should be strapped in so they can't wriggle down or fall out.
• Never leave your child alone in it. TSSW says to have everything you need within easy reach before you start feeding. The NHS says to always stay with your baby when they're eating in case they start to choke.
• Position it carefully. TSSW says to avoid placing the chair next to a table, counter or cooker, or anywhere your child can grab items or push against with their legs, such as a wall. RoSPA also says to keep the chair away from surfaces children could push against. The floor should not be slippery or uneven.
• Store it out of reach. TSSW says to store it out of reach of children when it isn't in use, so they don't try to climb into it.
• Read the instructions. TSSW says a brand-new item will come with instructions, and if you have any difficulty you can call the manufacturer.

Mealtime safety

The NHS says to cut small, round foods like grapes and cherry tomatoes into quarters, and to avoid hard foods like whole nuts or raw carrot or apple. RoSPA says never to hold a hot drink and a baby at the same time, and to keep hot drinks out of reach. The NHS explains that gagging is different from choking, and has more on both. You can find more in the NHS guide linked below.

Buying second-hand

A used high chair can be a great way to save money, but TSSW advises asking about its history: who it was used for, how old they were, how old the chair is and, most importantly, looking for the safety marking and any signs of damage. Practical checks:

• Look for the BS EN 14988 marking.
• Check the harness and buckles work, and that nothing is cracked, bent or missing.
• Check the tray locks and any folding lock.
• TSSW says if the instructions are missing, search online for the manufacturer, as many set-up guides can be downloaded free, or call them.
• Check it hasn't been recalled (use Check my gear).
• If you're buying online, TSSW warns that goods online can be inferior or even fake, so check the seller and that what arrives matches the advert.

A quick checklist

• My baby sits unaided and is within the chair's age and weight range
• Marked BS EN 14988 (and the maker's name or trademark)
• Five-point harness with a strap between the legs
• Wide, stable base; tray locks securely; folding lock works
• Post between the legs to stop slipping under the tray
• Easy to clean, and fits my space
• Not on the recalls list

Where this information comes from

We haven't tested any products. Everything above is based on these official and expert sources, which we read and checked for this guide. Guidance can change, so always check the latest version, and follow the instructions that come with your product.

• Your baby’s first solid foods (equipment checklist, safety) — NHS
• High chairs product guide — Trading Standards South West (Buy Wise Be Safe)
• Preventing falls in children (highchairs) — RoSPA
• Accidents to children (general safety advice) — RoSPA
• Mealtime safety tips — RoSPA
• BS EN 14988: children’s high chairs, requirements and test methods — BSI Knowledge
• Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls — GOV.UK (OPSS)

This guide is general information, not medical, legal or individual safety advice. If you're unsure which product suits your baby, ask a trained retailer, your midwife or health visitor.