Is your bub ready for solids? If the answer's yes, you'll need to start thinking about high chairs. We share the ones we love and use for our bubs!
Is your baby starting solids soon? Whether you’re going the baby-led weaning route or purées, you’re going to need to start looking at high chairs. Because if you don’t, you’re looking at a horrible mess in your dining room (we know, we’ve been there). And besides, you’ll want them to sit and eat with everyone else at the dining table. Trust us, they want it for themselves too, as it makes them feel part of the family!
There are many factors to consider when choosing your little one’s feeding throne. And you should give it a good think before making a commitment because you’ll be using your high chair until your little one is about two or three years old. We’ve put together a quick FAQ, because as mums ourselves, we know a thing or two about high chairs. After all, we’ve all fought the battle of the broccoli (and still continue to fight the good food fight). But we won’t just leave you there – keep scrolling as we’ve also compiled a list of our ultimate faves!
FAQs about choosing high chairs for babies in Singapore
1. What safety features should I look for in a high chair?
High chairs are, well, high, so don’t just look at price and design – shift your focus to safety. The Consumer Product Safety Office of Singapore (CPSO) recommends checking the stability, the restraint system, and the folding or locking mechanisms of the high chair. Test the stability by applying some weight to the seat and backrest. Ensure that there’s a sturdy restraint system. Minimally, there should be restraint at the waist and crotch areas. For foldable high chairs, always make sure they pass safety checks and guidelines. Verify that the locks and latching systems are secure and would not accidentally snap shut with a small amount of force. For more safety details, refer to the full safety tips from CPSO.
2. What other features should I consider in a high chair?
Living in space-constrained Singapore, you might want to look for compact or foldable high chairs that can be easily stored after use. Stackable and lightweight options are also handy, but if you want more convenience, get the ones that can be attached to the dining table. HoneyKids mum Andrina swears by these clip-on high chairs for her small HDB flat. They are handy and safe and she could easily slip her baby into the chair for meals or activities.
Since your kids will be using it for a couple of years, investing in those with adjustable trays and footrests is a good way to prolong its usage. You’ll also want to have high chairs made of easy-to-clean and non-toxic materials because they will eat from it!
3. At what age can my baby start using a high chair?
Most babies are typically ready between six to eight months, when they can sit up and are ready for solid foods.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Head and neck control
- Ability to grasp small objects
- Can open their mouth to a spoon
- Shows interest in food
- Sits up on their own
- Swallows food
Once your baby shows these signs, it’s time to get that high chair!
4. Are budget-friendly high chairs safe enough for daily use?
Yes, as long as they meet the basic safety requirements, have a sturdy frame and robust harness, together with a secure locking mechanism. They may lack in comfort features, such as plush seats, but they can still be safe and practical when used appropriately.
5. How often should I clean or replace my child’s high chair?
Wipe down trays and straps after every meal to prevent bacteria buildup. For this reason, you’ll also want a high chair that has lesser crevices and small parts because those are the areas where food can get stuck easily. Do a deep cleaning once a week, focusing on hard-to-reach areas. Find that your kid has outgrown their high chair? Have a worn out chair or wobbly frame? That’s your sign to replace the high chair because nothing matters more than safety!
The HoneyKids guide to the best high chairs in Singapore
1. IKEA
Best for: the budget-savvy mum
Raising a kid (or three) can get expensive. So, rubbing a penny or two together when we can is always a treat. HoneyKids mum Kate swears by her IKEA Antilop chair (pictured up top), not only because it’s a bargain but also because it’s super easy to clean. “You can just hose it down if you like,” says Kate. “And if you have more than one, you can easily stack them on top of each other.”
The downside? Because it’s made of plastic, it isn’t the sturdiest high chair. Although you should be keeping an eye on your bub anyway, you’ll need to watch like a hawk if you decide on the Antilop, especially if you have a ‘climber’. You’ll need to get additional accessories for comfort too.
Suitable for: 0 to three years
Cost: From $24.90
Where to buy: IKEA
2. Stokke Tripp Trapp
Best for: the mum who doesn’t mind the splurge
If you’re looking for a chair that’ll grow along with your little one, the Stokke Tripp Trapp is worth the splurge. We’ve tested it at HoneyKids HQ, and it was a hit! The best part? HoneyKids mum Syaz says: “It blends in well with the rest of your furniture – we have a set of mixed wooden dining chairs and the Stokke high chair fits right in!” In fact, the Tripp Trapp was designed to be pulled right up to the dining table so that your little one can join in the dining fun!
The downside? With each weaning stage, you’ll need to buy the appropriate accessories, which could end up costing you some. Quality comes at a price. Tip: look for secondhand options on Carousell – you’ll often find many are being resold at a steal!
Suitable for: Official stance is four months to eight years, but we say it lasts way longer (we know a 1o-year-old who still uses it!)
Cost: From $485
Where to buy: motherswork
3. Phil and Ted’s Lobster chair
Best for: the mum who’s looking for a space saver
Any mum will tell you that when you have kids, it’s easy to accumulate stuff – stuff we sometimes don’t even need. For some mums, your typical high chair can take up too much space. Enter: Phil and Ted’s lobster chair. You can attach it to almost any table, which saves you a lot of space when it comes to storage. It’s easy to fold up and chuck into the bottom of your pram, just in case you’re heading to a restaurant that isn’t so kid-friendly. “It’s compact enough to take anywhere! Including those hipster restaurants that don’t have high chairs because they don’t want kids around – ha!” says mum Selina.
The downside? If you’ve got a chunky monkey, you might find it challenging to slip your babe’s legs through the leg holes of the Lobster’s seat.
Suitable for: Babies up to 15kg
Cost: From $129
Where to buy: Amazon.sg
4. Peg Perego Siesta High Chair
Best for: the mum who multitasks
As mums, we’re all about being able to multitask, especially when we have more than one babe to care for. The Peg Perego Siesta high chair’s wheels make it easy for you to keep your little one close to you at all times – even when you’re doing the dishes! HoneyKids mum Brynie had this to say about the chair: “You can recline it for those moments that baby needs support or if they fall asleep – nothing beats not having to move a sleeping baby!” Psst, you can even adjust the height so if you need to sit on the floor, your bub can join you.
The downside? The Siesta is not inexpensive, but you can use the chair from birth onwards. Also, unlike its plastic or wooden alternatives, the polyester seat can prove to be tough to clean and can stain over the years.
Suitable for: Birth up to 15kg
Cost: From $1,055
Where to buy: Amazon
5. Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 Floor Seat
Best for: the mum who wants a multi-purpose chair
If you’re looking for a chair that doubles as a playtime seat and a mealtime booster seat, then the Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 floor seat is your best bet. It easily attaches to most kitchen or dining chairs, and the foam insert can be removed once your baby outgrows it. HoneyKids mum, Jana was gifted this chair and has used it for her two kiddos. “My almost-three-year-old still uses this chair! It’s super easy to wipe down and durable. And I love that I can remove the tray, making it easier for everyone to join in for mealtime.”
The downside? Once you’ve put your bub in (with the foam insert), it’s tough to buckle and strap your little one in because the buckle is quite tricky.
Suitable for: Six months and up
Cost: From $69
Where to buy: Mothercare
6. Nuna Zaaz High Chair
Best for: the mum who wants an escape-proof chair
Got a bub that’s always McGyvering his way out of his high chair? Nuna’s Zaaz High Chair not only aesthetically pleasing but it’s also got a nifty tray that acts as a lock when closed. This makes it virtually impossible for them to stand up in the chair or use their feet to push away from the table. Another thing we love about the design? It’s super easy to clean (no crevice design), you can even remove the small parts and pop them in the dishwasher. It grows with baby too!
The downside? Weighing 10kg, it’s a little heavy but it’s also sturdy!
Suitable for: Children six months to six years
Cost: From $399
Where to buy: Baby Kingdom
7. Oribel Cocoon Z High Chair
Best for: the mum who’s looking for form and function
As its name suggests, Oribel’s Cocoon Z is a high chair that is snug, warm, and cosy. It’s easily adjustable, transforming from a lounge bed for infants to dining chair for bub (three recline modes!) with just a click. This high chair also comes with a huge tray, giving your little one plenty of room to eat their meals and play with toys while you’re cooking. Kiddo made a mess? Clean-ups are easy peasy since the detachable tray is dishwasher-safe and you can remove the seat for cleaning! Plus, this new model is fitted with 360-degree gliders to help you move it around the house effortlessly without leaving scratch marks on any floor surface. We love!
The downside? The seat can feel a little too firm for some, but you can always get a seat liner if you feel bub needs some extra padding ($69.90).
Suitable for: Birth to three years
Cost: From $329
Where to buy: Love Oribel
8. Hauck Alpha + Trio: High Chair + Tray + Bouncer
Best for: the mum who’s looking for a sustainable, lifelong companion!
Designed in Germany, the Hauck Alpha+ High chair is a chair that your little one can use from birth to 90kg (as an adult chair!). It is designed to last you for a lifetime, across your baby’s milestones, and can be used for years even after your baby has grown.
The Alpha+ High chair is compatible with the Alpha Bouncer and the Alpha Tray attachments to suit your kiddos needs as they grow. It’s easy to clean, easily adjustable seat heights, and compatible with comfortable seat inserts. This is a great sustainable option made from beech wood!
The downside? It isn’t collapsible, and some accessories are sold separately. Rigid seat – so you might like to invest in a comfortable insert.
Suitable for: Birth onwards
Cost: From $209
Where to buy: Hatchery
9. Lucky Baby Chipee Urban High Chair with Double Tray
Best for: the mum who wants safety and affordability in one
This high chair has it all! With an adjustable safety harness, reclining backrest, and comfy leg rest, it’s built for your little one’s comfort. The wide feeding tray (plus an extra serving tray!) makes cleanup a breeze, while the sturdy legs and wide base keep things secure. It’s easy to assemble, compact for storage, and comes with a padded, removable cushion for hassle-free cleaning. Perfect for kiddos six months and up, supporting up to 15kg!
Suitable for: Six months onwards
Cost: From $89.90
Where to buy: Little Baby
10. Fisher Price Deluxe SpaceSaver Simple Clean High Chair
Best for: the mum who’s looking for a space saver
The Fisher-Price Deluxe SpaceSaver Simple Clean High Chair packs all the perks of a full-size high chair into a compact, portable design! With three recline positions, four tummy adjustments, and the ability to convert into a toddler booster, it grows with your little one. The deep-dish tray prevents spills, and both the tray and liner are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Plus, it fits most dining chairs and has a sturdy base with a 5-point harness. Perfect for babies six months and up, supporting up to 23kg!
Suitable for: Six months onwards
Cost: From $109
Where to buy: Amazon
And the verdict is…
When it comes to buying high chairs in Singapore, the HoneyKids mums put both price point and practicality at the top of their list. The IKEA Antilop high chair is the clear winner for most HoneyKids mums. Not only is it extremely affordable, but it’s also easy to clean – a must for any mum. The Stokke Tripp Trapp comes in at a close second!
