High chairs in everyday life: From when does it make sense & what is it for?
A high chair lets your child sit safely at the table at the right height from the very start during meals.
Once you start introducing solid food, it quickly becomes a fixed part of your daily routine. It makes feeding easier, encourages an upright sitting posture, and ensures relaxed family meals. That's why a high chair often accompanies you for several years – from the first spoonful of puree to shared meals at the table.
What matters most is that the high chair matches your child's stage of development. Not every high chair is suitable for every age.
From when does a high chair make sense?
A clear distinction is especially important here, particularly when looking for a high chair for babies.
A classic high chair or children's high chair is only suitable once your baby has reached sitting age and can sit independently and stably, so their back isn't overloaded.
A high chair with infant insert can be used from birth onward. Your baby lies ergonomically in it while still being at table height with you.
Safety & guidance
Our high chairs meet common European safety standards (e.g. DIN EN 14988). Infant inserts are tested separately (e.g. to EN 12790).
What matters is that you use the high chair appropriately for your child's age: from birth only with an infant insert, from sitting age as a high chair.
The most important questions about high chairs
Trends & proven concepts for high chairs
When it comes to high chairs, many families today opt for growing concepts, which can be adjusted over several years. In particular, step-style high chairs are popular, as they stand stably and adapt flexibly to your child's size and stage of development.
Also modular solutions also play a big role: high chairs that can be extended with an infant insert or accessories accompany your everyday life from the start of solid food into toddlerhood.
Well-known brands like hauck stand for well-thought-out high chair systems designed for everyday practicality and long-lasting use.
Numbers & facts at a glance
Usage period
Growing high chairs are designed for long-term use and often accompany your child for several years – from the start of solid food into toddlerhood or even school age.
Load capacity
High chairs are designed for everyday use with children and, depending on the model, are rated for different weight ranges. While simple models tend to be designed for smaller children, growing step-style high chairs often support significantly more weight – sometimes even over 100 kg. This means they often stay in use for a long time.
Everyday safety
High chairs and matching accessories are developed for use with babies and children and are based on common European safety requirements.
How a high chair is used in everyday life
High chair with infant insert – there from birth
A high chair with infant insert lets your baby be at table height with you from birth. Your baby lies well supported and safe, always keeping you in sight and staying close to the action, while you sit together at the table. This way, the high chair becomes part of your family's daily life early on, even before your child can sit independently.
Solid food & feeding
Once you start introducing solid food, the high chair quickly becomes part of your daily routine. Your baby sits upright and safely while making first attempts to eat on their own or being fed spoonful by spoonful. Your baby sits well supported, you have both hands free, and you keep a good overview. This makes the start of solid food easier and more relaxed for you.
Learning to eat independently
Over time, the high chair becomes a fixed spot at the table: your child becomes increasingly independent, learns to use cutlery, reaches for food, and actively takes part in meals – safely and at eye level with the family table.
Playing & activities
Many families use the high chair for more than just eating. With the right accessories, it's also great for drawing, crafting, or short play sessions in between, whenever your child needs to sit safely at the table while you keep an eye on them.
Everyday life with multiple children
In everyday family life with multiple children, a high chair is especially practical: your child has a fixed, safe spot while you take care of other tasks or siblings at the same time.
Small apartment & limited space
When space is limited, growing high chairs are a great solution. They can be used for many years and replace several individual seating solutions for different age stages.
Choosing a high chair: How to find the right model
To make sure your high chair fits your everyday life, it's worth taking a quick look at the most important criteria. This lets you quickly narrow down which model makes sense for your child and your living situation.
Your child's age & stage of development
The most important factor is whether your child can already sit independently:
If you're specifically looking for a solution from birth, you'll find suitable models here: High chair with infant insert.
Growing or as compact as possible?
Many families choose a growing step-style high chair, because it can be used for several years. For a long-term solution, models with an adjustable seat and footrest are especially practical.
Accessories: What makes your everyday life easier?
High chair accessories aren't a must, but they sometimes make all the difference for your comfort. Depending on age and daily routine, these are especially practical:
Here you'll find everything in one place: High chair accessories.
For more support at the start: High chair inserts.
Use at the table: tray or directly at the dining table?
Think about how you'll use the high chair most often in everyday life:
Choosing a brand
If you already know which brand you prefer, you can narrow down your selection right away – for example with high chairs from hauck.
More FAQs about high chairs