Solids have arrived and suddenly the floor is covered in pureed carrot. Choosing the right high chair is one of those decisions that affects every single mealtime for the next two or three years. Get it right and feeding becomes so much easier. Get it wrong and you'll be wrestling with it three times a day. Here are six things to consider when buying a high chair for your baby.
Part of our complete guide to silicone baby feeding sets.
1. Safety First
Any high chair you buy in Australia should meet the mandatory safety standard AS/NZS 4684. Look for a five-point harness, a stable base that won't tip, and a crotch post so your baby can't slide down. Check the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission product safety guidelines if you want to understand exactly what the standard covers before you buy.
2. How Easy Is It to Clean
This is the question most parents wish they had asked before buying. Fabric seats with deep stitching trap food and are a pain to clean. Moulded plastic or wipe-clean seats are far more practical. Think about the tray too. Raised edges help contain mess, and a removable tray you can take to the sink saves a lot of scrubbing.
A good placemat makes a real difference here. If your high chair has a flat tray, a silicone placemat with raised edges catches spills before they spread. Our silicone placemats for IKEA highchairs are designed to sit flat and stay put on popular tray surfaces. You can also read our guide on choosing between silicone and traditional high chair placemats to work out what will suit your setup best.
3. Adjustability and Longevity
Babies grow fast. A chair that only works for a six-month window is poor value. Look for adjustable seat height, adjustable footrest, and a recline option for younger babies who are still building core strength. Some chairs convert into a toddler chair or a low chair at the table, which extends the life of the product significantly.
4. Footrest Position
This one gets overlooked. A supported, flat footrest helps your baby sit in a stable, upright position while eating. According to Raising Children Network, good posture during feeding supports swallowing and helps babies focus on the task of eating. Dangling feet make it harder for them to concentrate and can affect their posture over time. Check that the footrest adjusts to the right height as your baby grows.
5. Size and Fit in Your Home
High chairs can be bulky. Measure the space at your table before you buy, especially if you plan to push the chair up to sit alongside the family. Fold-flat options work well for smaller kitchens or households that like to pack things away. Also check the tray clearance. Some trays sit quite high and can be uncomfortable for smaller babies.
If you have an IKEA Antilop or a similar flat-tray chair, it is worth thinking about tray accessories from the start. A well-fitted silicone placemat protects the tray surface and gives your baby a defined space for their bowl and cup. If you have had trouble with a suction placemat lifting off, our article on fixing a suction plate that won't stay down covers the most common causes and simple solutions.
6. Budget Versus Long-Term Value
There is a wide price range out there, from under fifty dollars to several hundred. A cheaper chair is not always bad value, especially if it is easy to clean and has solid safety credentials. An expensive chair is not automatically better. Think about how long you will use it, whether it adapts as your child grows, and how easy it is to source replacement parts like harness buckles or tray inserts.
- Check the harness is removable and washable.
- Look for chairs with spare parts available through the Australian retailer.
- Read actual parent reviews focused on cleaning and daily use, not just first impressions.
- Factor in accessories like placemats, splat mats, and bibs when working out your total budget.
Make Mealtimes Easier From the Start
The right chair sets your baby up for confident, comfortable eating. Pair it with the right accessories and mealtimes become less stressful for everyone. Browse our range of silicone highchair placemats designed to fit IKEA trays and other popular styles, and make the clean-up part a little less daunting.
