Most Australian babies start solids at around six months. The high chair you choose at that point will be used two or three times a day for the next two years, so a few details are worth getting right.
The four things that actually matter
1. A proper harness
Look for a five-point harness: two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. Three-point harnesses allow a determined baby to stand up. A crotch post or restraint between the legs is important too, because it stops a child sliding down under the tray.
2. A footrest
This is the feature most often overlooked and most often missed. Dangling legs make a baby less stable and less comfortable, and comfort affects how long they will sit and eat. An adjustable footrest that keeps feet supported as the child grows is genuinely valuable.
3. Cleaning
Food gets everywhere. Seamless plastic or wipeable surfaces beat fabric with piping and seams. A removable, dishwasher-safe tray insert saves real time. Fabric covers should be machine washable, so check before you buy, not after.
4. Stability
A wide base is safer than a narrow one. Push the chair firmly from the side in the shop; it should not feel like it wants to tip. If it has wheels, they must lock.
The main types
- Standalone high chairs. The traditional option. Comfortable and well featured, but they take floor space.
- Convertible or grow-with-me chairs. Adjust into a toddler chair and sometimes a youth chair. Higher upfront cost, much longer life.
- Space savers and booster seats. Strap onto an existing dining chair. Good for apartments and for grandparents' houses.
- Table-mounted clip-on seats. Very portable, but only for suitable table types. Check the manufacturer's table requirements carefully.
Height and family meals
If you want your baby at the table with everyone else, check the chair's height against your table. Some high chairs sit too low to pull in, which quietly defeats the purpose. Adjustable-height models solve this.
Safety standards and habits
Australia has a voluntary standard for high chairs, AS/NZS 4684. Look for compliance, and then build the habits that matter more than any feature:
- Use the harness every single time, even for a quick snack
- Never leave a child unattended in a high chair
- Keep the chair away from walls, benches and tables the child can push off from
- Check regularly that folding mechanisms are fully locked
Frequently asked questions
When does a baby need a high chair?
Around the time they start solids, usually about six months, and once they can sit upright with support. Sitting ability matters more than the calendar.
Are convertible chairs worth the extra cost?
If you plan more than one child, or want a chair that lasts to school age, often yes. If space is your main constraint, a space saver may suit you better.
How long will it be used?
Most children move to a booster or a normal chair somewhere between two and three years.
Sit in it first
Try the harness buckle, fold it, and lift it. Our Peakhurst showroom has a range set up for exactly that.
General information only. For product safety requirements see Product Safety Australia (ACCC).