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The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
There high chair is the must-have mealtime accessory that allows baby to join the family table right from the start of weaning. But how do you choose from the dozens of models available — traditional high chair, adjustable high chair, booster seat, table-mounted seat? This comprehensive guide compares all the options. 🍽️
The high chair is used as soon as baby starts weaning — generally from 4 to 6 completed months. The main criterion is not age, but development: baby must be able to hold their head up on their own and stay in a semi-seated position with support.
Sitting up straight is important for food safety — a slumped baby cannot swallow properly and is at a higher risk of choking.
With removable tray, 5-point harness, height adjustment. The most stable and secure solution for early meals. The quality trays are easily removed for washing and are dishwasher safe. Disadvantage: bulky and difficult to transport.
It converts from a high chair (with tray and harness) into a low child's chair (without tray, directly at the table) and then into an adult chair. An investment that accompanies the child from 6 months to 10-12 years. More expensive to buy but very cost-effective in the long run.
Attaches to a standard adult chair. Compact, portable, ideal for homes without space for a bulky high chair. Check that the fixing system is secure — this is the main safety criterion.
Attaches directly to the edge of the table without touching the floor. Ultra-compact, ideal for trips to restaurants and dinners at grandparents' houses. Suitable from 6 months (when baby can hold their head up) up to approximately 15 kg.
The most compact of all: a simple safety harness that attaches to any standard chair and holds baby in a secure sitting position. Ideal for travel and meals with family. Our baby chair harness PetitMaxou fits into a pouch the size of a pencil case.
Seating baby at the table with the family isn't just a matter of practicality. According to paediatric nutritionists, children who eat at the table with their parents from the start of weaning:
The high chair that attaches directly to the table (without an intervening tray) encourages this integration — baby is truly «with» the family, not facing a plastic tray.
To complete baby's mealtime setup, discover our selection of baby silicone tableware and our guide on weaning.
The traditional high chair offers more stability and security for very young babies (4-9 months). The booster seat is very practical as soon as baby can sit up well on their own (from 9-12 months) and in compact spaces.
Usually between 2 and 3 years old, when the child can eat at the table sitting on a normal chair with a simple booster cushion if necessary. Adjustable high chairs allow this use to be extended up to 10-12 years old.
Both options have their advantages. The tray is practical at home (you can put dishes on it, clean it easily). Direct attachment to the table helps to integrate the baby into family meals. Many chairs offer both options.
Portable high chair harnesses, baby table seats, silicone feeding accessories: PetitMaxou offers everything you need to make family mealtimes simple and enjoyable. Free delivery throughout the EU.
→ See all PetitMaxou baby feeding accessories
Prices vary enormously depending on the type and brand. The nasal aspirator costs less than 5 euros. The quality booster seat: 30 to 60 euros. The traditional high chair: 50 to 150 euros. The adjustable high chair: 150 to 400 euros. Our advice: if you are planning on having more children or want to resell it, invest in a quality adjustable high chair — the cost per year of use will ultimately be lower than an entry-level chair that needs replacing every 2 years.
The high chair is one of the hardest items to clean in a parent's home — every meal leaves traces in the corners, under the armrests, in the grooves of the tray. Practical tips: choose a model with as few grooves as possible, a dishwasher-safe tray, and a faux leather seat or removable machine-washable fabric. Clean the harness regularly — textile fibres trap food residue which can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
To summarise this guide on Baby High Chairs in a few key points:
PetitMaxou selects all its products according to these strict criteria. Our team is on hand to advise you if you’re unsure which model to choose. Free delivery throughout the European Union; returns accepted within 14 days.
Our blog is packed with practical guides to support you through the first few months with your baby. Here are a few articles related to this topic that you might find interesting:
The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
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