High chairs

The basics

There is a risk that children can fall from high chairs when:

• there's no adult supervision
• safety straps are not used
• safety straps don't work properly.

Before you buy a high chair

Look for a highchair that has:

• a wide base to stop the chair from tipping when a child is sitting in it
• a tray that:
  • can be adjusted and locked easily and securely in place
  • doesn't expose holes to trap fingers when removed
• edges that are smooth and rounded
• 5 point safety straps — straps that go over shoulders, around the waist and between the legs (or the capacity to have one of these fitted)
• tube ends that are sealed to prevent the child's fingers getting trapped
• locks on folding chairs that will stay locked under the weight of a child
• compliance with a British Standard (BS), American Standard (ASTM or CFR) or Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS).

Using a high chair safely

• Check the high chair for hazards — make sure there are no splits in the chair's seat or back — a child could pick out and choke on pieces of foam padding.
• Make sure the chair is on a level surface — it could tip if one leg is resting on a rug.
• Place the high chair where a child can't push with their legs against nearby furniture or walls and tip the chair over.
• Make sure electrical cords and other hazards are kept out of reach of a child in a chair.
• Never fix a hook-on porta chair on the flap of an extension table.
• Put the child in the seat carefully, and fasten all straps.
• Make sure you don't trap the child's hands, fingers, or head when you raise or lower the tray.
• Always watch a child in a high chair.
• Stop your child from standing in the chair or climbing in or out of it — it can easily tip over or the child could fall.
• Check that your child can't reach the table with their feet in a hook-on porta chair — they might be able to get the chair off by pushing against the table.

Reporting an issue with high chair safety

If you have a safety problem or concern with a high chair, let us know.

Report an unsafe product

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act you can get a refund, replacement or compensation if goods are unsafe. The Consumer Protection website has more information about what to do when you have a problem with goods.

Consumer Protection website — Faulty products(external link)