You will need a high chair when your baby can sit up unaided and has good head and neck control, usually around 6 months when weaning begins. It is worth researching now because the best chairs sell out regularly.
Our Pick
Stokke Tripp Trapp
~£199 (chair); ~£350–£400 (full setup with baby set, harness, tray)
✓ Pros: Exceptional ergonomics (adjustable seat and footplate), grows from newborn to adult (136kg limit), pulls up to the table, easy to clean, beautiful design, incredible longevity, strong resale value
✗ Cons: Expensive once you add baby set + harness + tray, assembly takes 10-15 mins, heavy to move between rooms
Where to buy: John Lewis, Natural Baby Shower, Stokke direct
IKEA Antilop
~£20 (with tray)
✓ Pros: Unbeatable price, very easy to clean, lightweight, tray included, dishwasher-safe tray, detachable legs for travel
✗ Cons: No footrest (buy a third-party one for ~£15), no height adjustment, limited lifespan, basic appearance
Where to buy: IKEA (in-store or online), Amazon
Joie Multiply 6-in-1
~£130–£150
✓ Pros: Six modes of use, birth to 6 years, adjustable footrest, compact fold, good mid-range price, removable and washable tray
✗ Cons: More complex than simpler chairs, more crevices to clean, plastic construction will not last decades
Where to buy: Amazon, Argos, Boots
What we'd tell a friend
Buy the Stokke Tripp Trapp if you can, we bought one for each of our children. It is an investment, but it lasts forever and supports proper posture from day one. If budget is a concern, the IKEA Antilop at £20 is genuinely excellent, just add a £15 footrest from Amazon. Stokke Tripp Trapps hold their value brilliantly on the second-hand market too, check Facebook Marketplace for great deals.
Frequently asked questions
When does my baby need a high chair?
When they can sit up unaided with good head and neck control, usually around 6 months when weaning begins. Some babies are ready as early as 4 months.
What should I look for in a high chair?
Proper posture support (feet flat on a footrest, hips at 90 degrees), easy cleaning (minimal crevices), and safety (five-point harness, crotch post, stable base).
Should I use a tray or pull the high chair up to the table?
Feeding therapists and dietitians increasingly recommend chairs that bring baby right up to the family table rather than using a tray. It helps babies feel included in family mealtimes and supports a healthy relationship with food.
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