Baby highchairs provide numerous benefits including safe, secure seating with 5-point or 3-point harnesses preventing falls and keeping baby contained during mealtimes, proper posture support promoting healthy spinal development and positioning baby at table height for family meals, easier feeding for parents with convenient tray access and comfortable height reducing back strain, introduction to family mealtimes encouraging social interaction, communication, and mealtime routines from an early age, independence development allowing baby to self-feed and explore foods safely, and mess containment with wipeable surfaces and removable trays making cleanup easier. Highchairs also provide a dedicated, safe space for baby during meal preparation, keeping them secure and entertained whilst you cook, and transition seamlessly from purees to finger foods and family meals as baby grows.

When selecting a highchair, prioritize safety features including secure 5-point or 3-point harness systems preventing baby from standing or slipping, stable base with wide footprint preventing tipping, and British safety certification (BS EN 14988). Look for adjustability with multiple height positions allowing use at different table heights, reclining seat options for younger babies, removable or adjustable trays for convenience, and footrest positions supporting growing legs. Consider ease of cleaning with wipeable surfaces, dishwasher-safe trays, removable washable seat pads, and minimal crevices where food can hide. Evaluate portability needs with foldable designs for storage, lightweight construction for moving between rooms, and compact footprint for smaller spaces. Choose durable materials like solid wood or high-quality plastic, comfortable padded seating, and stylish designs matching your home aesthetic.

Most babies can start using a highchair when they can sit up independently without support and have stable head and neck control, typically around 6 months old coinciding with the introduction of solid foods. Some highchairs with reclining positions accommodate younger babies (4-5 months) for bottle feeding or early weaning stages, but always verify the manufacturer's minimum age and weight recommendations. Signs your baby is ready include sitting upright unassisted for several minutes, showing interest in food and watching others eat, good head control without wobbling, and ability to reach for and grasp objects. Always use the safety harness regardless of age, never leave baby unattended in the highchair, and transition to a booster seat or regular chair when your child outgrows the highchair (typically around 3 years or when they exceed the weight limit, usually 15kg).