sitting pretty

Sleek lines, multi-functional and contemporary – the days of high chairs being an eyesore in living spaces are gone

BEING a parent goes hand in hand with having cereal crumbs embedded in the crevices of your car seats, finding toys where they don’t belong and swopping out your 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 needs to attend to something.

Since the days of clunky models, with kitsch patterns and difficult-to-clean upholstery, high chairs have undergone a massive transformation.

1 THE FRESCO

Made from recycled plastic and non-toxic sustainable materials, the Bloom Fresco Chrome high chair is innovative in design and functionality. Dubbed “the world’s highest baby chair”, it comes with a three-position recline system, 360-degree swivel and easy 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 (R6 637.14) from bloombaby.com.

2 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 being trapped. The tray is dishwasher safe and can be detached for cleaning. But, the greatest selling point is that the chair can be folded up for easy storage and transportation.

Price: €225 (R3 816.15) from thebabystore.ie.

3 SCANDINAVIAN CHILD SVAN SIGNET COMPLETE HIGH CHAIR

Children love eating with the family and with the Scandinavian Child Svan Signet Complete high chair it’s a breeze. It is made to fit standard sized tables and is able to grow with your child from 6 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 colour.

Price: R6 360 from wantitall.co.za.

4 ICANDY MICHAIR

Known for their luxurious and adaptable products, iCandy’s first venture into designing high chairs is a success. 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 high chair can be used with or without the fabric padded cushions making cleaning a dream come true for parents of messy tots.

Price: £260 (R5 004.91) from johnlewis.com.

5 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 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 available, designed specifically for the dining needs of children at each stage of life.

Price: $249.00 (R3 674.14) from stokke.com.

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