Buying a Highchair

FreddieFrugal

Hello, currently looking at high chairs for my son. Seem to have just missed out on a load of good deals as several makes seem to have come out with latest versions for the new year, meaning shops were selling off the old stock but those offers seem to have gone now.


I was wondering what experience people have and any recommendations. I've been looking at chairs like the Joie Mimzy LX, cosatto noodle supa, Chicco polly - and similar cheaper alternatives.

Main problem is that places like Argos have high chairs listed on their website which aren't actually available to buy - like mamas and papas pesto which looked like a decent cheaper alternative to the ones I listed.

Wanted a high chair that was height adjustable and reclined so could be used earlier than 6 months- some 4 months old but would like to have something secure he can sit in at dinner time (or when cooking) and see what's going on.

victor2

I'm in a similar position, but for our grandson. The Joie Mimzy Snacker Highchair from Mothercare looks pretty good value. Still a bit expensive at around £60, but can be a bit cheaper if you shop around.
Our local Mothercare have been extremely helpful in recent months - we bought a travel system from them after they spent time with us, gave sound advice and even tried the car seat in the intended vehicle for us. The whole system has been fantastic for the parents.
Don't mind spending a little bit extra for that type of customer service.

pinkshoes

We have always used the wooden high chairs.

They can be used with the tray to begin with, then you can take the tray off and sit them at the table.

The height can be adjusted so suitable until they are 5+ years old.

We had to boot my now 6 year old out of his so one of the twins could have it!

The wood also goes better in the dining room with the rest of the furniture!!!

Kim_kim

The ikea high chair is fab.
Nothing fancy, no features.
But it gets covered in food several times a day & it's the easiest to clean.

FreddieFrugal

Thanks - reason I've discounted the IKEA Antilop is although it's got good reviews and would clearly be easy to clean, it wouldn't be suitable for him now as its only very basic - no recline or padding.

Same reason for wooden Highchair.


I actually prefer ones that are really bright and colourful - even if it doesn't fit the decor.

victor2

Do please update with what you get. Our grandson is a month or so short of the highchair age, so your experience may help us decide.:)

tatabubbly

Freddie, you can get inserts to put in the Ikea one - I've my little 6month old in one (without padding) and she's getting on great in it. Plus less fussy chairs makes for easier cleaning!

Kanichen

You could try NCT sales or MumtoMum markets and get one second hand? But honestly, I had a second hand high chair with my first (Chicco Polly) and we hated it. Yes it had all the bright coloured padding and looked comfy but

1) The footprint is HUGE - we were constantly tripping over it, it took up sooo much room.
2) The straps got caked in food (unsurprisingly) and were an utter pig to clean. Of course if you left them to soak in the sink you needed to get them dry by the next meal time!
3) All that lovely plastic seat padding, has a million crevices that food gets stuck in, meaning after each meal it takes forever just to clean the high chair - let alone the baby you've taken out of it!! And if you were really lucky the plastic seating would crack and split meaning you couldn't clean it properly anyway.

Number 2 is getting a plastic number that straps to a dining room chair - no plastic padding to clean, it doesn't need to be super comfy they aren't in there for leisure time, they're there to eat. My 3 year old still sits on her booster seat at the table. We keep a tea towel spread over the dining chair seat under her booster so if she does drop any food it doesn't stain the chair.

Honestly, I'd just carry baby's normal rocker/bouncer seat into the kitchen and have baby sit in that while you cook. Or on a mat on the floor with some wooden spoons to play with/chew.

LilElvis

The Stokke Tripp Trapp goes from newborn to adulthood.

We used it from 6 months and 6 years later it is still our daughter's dining chair. It is expensive but, unlike a traditional highchair, it is used beyond babyhood so the cost over its lifetime isn't unreasonable.

https://www.backinaction.co.uk/tripp-trapp?gclid=CMKr9uS059ECFam87QododUE2A

There are usually plenty for sale on eBay.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

FreddieFrugal wrote: »

Thanks - reason I've discounted the IKEA Antilop is although it's got good reviews and would clearly be easy to clean, it wouldn't be suitable for him now as its only very basic - no recline or padding.

Same reason for wooden Highchair.


I actually prefer ones that are really bright and colourful - even if it doesn't fit the decor.

Before you've had to try and extract the majority of pasta bolognaise, yoghurt & juice (or a leaking nappy _pale_) from the nooks and crannies of a highchair after every single meal for two years whilst a little one still requires your full attention - something only achievable with about twenty baby wipes and the tips of your fingers, it's very tempting to want something pretty and padded.


If your kitchen/hallway is large enough, I'd suggest using your buggy as a convenient holding area for watching you - or if you have one of those bouncer seats, putting that at a safe distance - before going for a conventional highchair once s/he is able to sit unsupported.

It's obviously up to you, but that's just my recommendation based upon having had two children and not enough hours in the day to want to spend somewhere in the region of three hours a week delving into the deepest recesses of their high chairs.

clarryd

I am a grandparent of a 1 year old and bought a high chair for my grandson for when he is here. My daughter bought one also but went all super dooper in her choice , I went functional and sturdy as I don't think you need all the fancy reclining,singing and dancing ones. A child is put in a high chair to be fed only.

To cut a long story short the one I bought was from Mothercare and it cost £30 the one my daughter bought was from Kiddicare and cost £70+.

Comparing the two I think he sits better and eats better in the cheaper one. Nothing to distract his attention just simply eat and out.

Also the Mothercare one is easily stored behind a door but the other one needs to stay up all the time as it's a bit bulky.

Just my opinion hope this helps.