High chair reviews: How we test
We tested several different types of highchairs but we’ve split them into two groups to reach our total test score.
Full-size high chairs
The first group is made up of full-size high chairs – combination, convertible, light-weight folding, and multi-functional high chairs. These high chairs are normally used in the home and are the main chair that you'd use when feeding your child.
To calculate the total test scores for these high chairs we take into account the assembly of the chairs, ease of cleaning, storage, portability, expert and parent panel assessments for using the chair including adjusting the chair, taking your child in and out of the chair, and the comfort of the chair.
We also consider the views of our parents panel about the perceived stability, and safety of using the chairs. We also check that the high chairs meet relevant British Safety standards.
Assembly
In their very own flat-pack nightmare, our assessors scratched their heads over annotated diagrams and instructions to see just how long it takes to assemble a high chair.
You may want to start building early though - at 36 minutes for the most time-consuming model, you’ll be thankful you only have to assemble it once.
The high chairs had to pass our rigorous safety tests
Safety
The high chairs had to pass our rigorous safety tests.
In accordance with British Standards, a test dummy is used to simulate the child.
We then apply a force to the chair to test the locking mechanism of foldable chairs.
And for all chairs, we also use the British Standard to test forward, rearward and sideways stability, the strength of the fitted harness, and the risk of potential finger traps.
Cleaning
With cloths and brushes at the ready, our cleaners wiped and scrubbed ‘beef and vegetable stew’ and ‘apple and peach puree’ from structures, coverings and crevices to find the easiest chairs to clean.
Ease of use
Parents and carers with children aged from eight months to 12 years tested the chairs and seats providing their feedback on usability, features and general appeal.
We couldn’t stop the children from loudly voicing their opinions too.
Portable baby chairs
The second group is made up of chair boosters, fabric chair restraints and table seats. These seats are designed with portability in mind, and most parents use them as a second high chair for when they’re out and about.
To calculate the total test scores for portable high chairs we take into account the ease of attaching the seats to a chair, the type and number of chairs that the seat will attach to, cleaning, storage, and portability. We also consider the views views of our parents panel about the perceived stability, safety and ease of using the chairs.
The total test scores for these two types of chairs are not directly comparable. This is because we think that parents use the chairs in different situations and look for different things in them.