Sleek lines, multi-functional and contemporary, the days of babies high chairs being an eyesore in living spaces are gone.
Being a parent goes hand in hand with having cereal crumbs embedded into the crevices of your car seats, finding toys where they don’t belong, and swapping out your favourite purse for a nappy bag.
So it’s no surprise that your once trendy living space is now buried under a mountain of all things baby. But all hope is not lost, as a movement of “modern” baby gear is on the rise. Created with the purpose of blending in with surroundings, rather than being a garish presence in one's home, they offer the perfect balance between design and functionality.
High chairs are an important purchase for parents and baby. They securely support children during meals, story or play time and are a safe place to sit when mom or dad is in a pinch, needing to briefly attend to something.
Since the days of clunky models, with kitsch patterns and difficult-to-clean upholstery, high chairs have made a massive transformation. There are endless options for sleek and modern feeding chairs with designers coming up with new features to make parents lives a little bit easier.
iCandy MiChair
Known for their luxurious and adaptable products, iCandy’s first venture into designing high chairs was a success. The product not only looks stunning, but also has the ability to grow with children. Strong, yet surprisingly lightweight, the nifty design fits four features into one chair that functions as a baby bouncer, high chair (with or without tray), a low chair (suited for toddlers) and a rocking chair. The highchair can be used with or without the fabric padded cushions making cleaning a dream come true for parents of messy tots.
Price: £260 (R5004.91) on www.johnlewis.com.
Tripp Trapp Chair
The iconic Tripp Trapp chair was the first high chair of its kind when designed by Peter Opsvik in 1972. Made from solid European beech wood, this minimalist chair is designed to last from birth and fit babies’ until early childhood. It’s available in a range of colours to seamlessly blend with any home palette. Parents can also rest easy knowing the paint used is water-based and non toxic. A variety of accessories are also available, designed specifically for the dining needs of children at each stage of life.
Price: $249.00 (3674.14) on www.stokke.com.
The Fresco
Made from recycled plastic and non toxic sustainable materials, the Bloom Fresco Chrome Highchair is innovative in design and functionality. Dubbed as “the world's highest baby chair”, it comes with a three position recline system, 360 degrees swivel and easy up/down height adjustment to allow baby to join the family at the dining table or the modern breakfast bar; starting from birth, all the way to school age. From frame to the cushioning, you can customise the product to suit your taste.
Price: $450 (R6637.14) on bloombaby.com.
Baby Bjorn Appetite
Minimalism defines the look of the Baby Bjorn high chair. Kitted out with an adjustable curved backrest to support the posture of babies as they grow, the crevice free surface prevents food from getting trapped. The tray is dishwasher safe and can be detached easily for cleaning. But, the greatest selling point is that the chair can be folded up for easy storage and transportation.
Price: €225 (R3816.15) on thebabystore.ie.
Scandinavian Child Svan Signet Complete High Chair
Children with love being able to eat with the family, with the Scandinavian Child Svan Signet Complete High Chair with Option Seat Cushion. The designs is made to fit standard sized tables, and is able to grow with your child from six months until five-years-old. Its adjustable seat depth supports children's torso and legs, while the adjustable footrest provides a sturdy platform for their feet. Add one of their seat cushions to the highchair for added comfort and a splash of color.
Price: R6360 on www.wantitall.co.za.