Highchairs tested: only a few were rated "good"
20.6.2018
Translation: machine translated
The magazine "Stiftung Warentest" tested 20 models in a practical test and a chemical analysis. Worryingly, every second one contained critical harmful substances and harbours an increased risk of falling. Find out more in this report.
Before buying a highchair, you should ask yourself the following questions: Can my child pinch their fingers or slip out of the seat? Are the materials harmful? And most importantly: Is the chair tip-proof and ergonomic? Stiftung Warentest also wanted to know this and tested twelve stair climber high chairs that grow with your child, including four with a baby bouncer, as well as eight high chairs and folding chairs.
Tested according to these criteria
- Child-friendly design (30 per cent weighting): Seat ergonomics, seat angle and foot support
- Handling (20 per cent weighting): Instructions for use, initial assembly, adjustment for size adaptation, securing with straps and other holding devices, putting children in and taking them out, sitting at the adult table, age specifications and cleaning
- Durability (20 per cent weighting): Impact test on backrest, tray or play board and side panel, vertical static load test of the seat, vertical static load test of the footrest and a strength, stability and drop test of the tray. The locking mechanism was also actuated 300 times and the highchair with tray was tilted in all four directions.
- Safety (20 per cent weighting): Stability of the chair, risk of injury to the child, getting stuck, slipping, jamming and bumping on sharp corners and edges
- Pollutants (10 per cent weighting): Hydrocarbons, phthalate plasticisers, banned dyes, organotin compounds, flame retardants, formaldehydes and short-chain chlorinated paraffins
The test result
The ratings from "Stiftung Warentest" varied: Three chairs are "good", five are "satisfactory" and one is "sufficient". The remaining nine chairs are "unsatisfactory".
In seven of the models tested, Stiftung Warentest found that they contain large amounts of harmful substances that children should not come into contact with. This judgement includes the Polly2Star from Chicco, the Move from Roba, the Prima Pappa Zero3 from Peg Pérego, the Philip from Pinolino, the Tipp Topp Comfort IV from Herlag, the Aron from Fillikid and the TecTake.
The little ones sit too precariously in four other chairs. This judgement includes the Tamino from Geuther and the Alpha+ from Hauck. In the former, children can slip downwards, which is life-threatening if their head gets caught in the chair. With the second, the little ones can climb out without any problems.
In addition to safety and non-toxic materials, it is also important that the little ones sit comfortably in the high chairs. They should be able to lean back, rest their legs and put their feet down. As little ones also grow quickly, it is ideal if the chairs are easy to adjust. That's why only these three models are recommended by "Stiftung Warentest".
- The Evomove Nomi is designed to be very child-friendly for children aged five months and over. Footrests can be infinitely adjusted for different age groups. It is easy to handle and lightweight, but somewhat expensive.
- The classic highchair from Stokke may also be expensive, but it is safe and free from harmful substances. It offers a very ergonomic seat for children from five months. This chair can even be used by schoolchildren for many years to come. However, you should use the Stokke and Evomove without a bouncer. Babies sit too upright in the Sokke bouncer. Nomi can tip over if someone pulls on the bouncer. Unfortunately, we don't have these two in our range.
- But the price-performance winner is the Safety 1st Timba. It is particularly suitable for older children and is reasonably priced. No harmful substances were found. However, you should definitely buckle your child in, otherwise they may get out on their own. There is no infant car seat for this model.
*Scores according to the German rating system (0.5 = very good, 5.5 = poor)
The price-performance winner
Safety 1st Timba
Quality judgement: good, grade 2.2
Grade distribution
- Child-friendly design: good, 2.2
- Handling: satisfactory, 2.9
- Durability: very good, 1
- Safety: satisfactory, 3
- Pollutants: very good, 1
High and folding chair
The best highchair without stairs is the satisfactory Hauck Sit'n Relax. Unlike the Evomove and the Stokke, it is actually suitable for newborns.
Hauck Sit'n Relax
Quality rating: satisfactory, grade 2.9
- Child-friendly design: satisfactory, 3.4
- Handling: satisfactory, 2.6
- Durability: very good, 1
- Safety: satisfactory, 3
- Pollutants: very good, 1
To the "Stiftung Warentest" report
To all highchairs for children
Arbenita Jashari
Junior Editor
arbenita.jashari@digitecgalaxus.chWhen it comes to office supplies, I believe in form and function. From pens, scissors, paper notes to glittery glue and funky folders. That’s what I’m about at work. When I’m not busy checking out the latest desk accessories, I enjoy jetting off to remote corners of the world, lifting weights or taking an evening walk.
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