In a nutshell

A well-built, stable highchair with a retro look that's best for toddlers, not babies.

What we tested

  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of cleaning
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Comfort
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.2 out of 5.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble, simple functions, stable, made of long lasting wood, easy to keep clean, smart enough to leave out all the time

Cons

  • Can't be adjusted so not ideal for a young baby, harness isn't removable so likely to become grubby over time

Made of wood and with a refreshingly simple design, the East Coast Nursery A-frame highchair is practical, solid and built to last. There are no garish colours or busy patterns, just a nod towards the retro in the shape, which also makes it stylish and very stable.

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A family firm, East Coast has been supplying nursery products for more than 50 years and has won a number of awards. The wood used to make furniture is from sustainable sources and the company says it ensures products meet the latest safety standards.

Retailing for around £70, the A-frame highchair is priced in the middle of the market and is straightforward to assemble and use. Once you’ve put it together – using a key and a screwdriver – you’re done.

What we love

Highchairs vary in what they offer, and therefore price, as much as buggies can. Some can be folded away, some have adjustable seats, some can be reclined and others have dishwasher-proof removable trays.

The A-frame highchair from East Coast has none of the above, but therein lies its appeal. After a hassle-free and easy-to-follow assembly process, the chair remains as it is – a permanent piece of dining furniture just like the chairs for the rest of the family. Only this one probably has a cuter design and is certainly safer for little ones with its harness and wide feet, which make it all the more resistant to tipping over.

Its linear style means there are few nooks and crannies for food to get stuck in and it wouldn’t look out of place in the fanciest of restaurants.

Although you can’t change the height, I found the highchair matched up perfectly to our dinner table, allowing my 2-year-old to join in at meal times. He also seemed to find its wide seat, high back and footrest comfortable. Padded inserts are available if you prefer to use some cushioning.

What to watch out for

Despite being suitable from 6 months, I feel this highchair is better for toddlers. As you can’t change the seat or move the tray, I think you could struggle to keep a small baby happy in it. This may be disappointing as a wooden highchair is an ideal choice for parents looking for a model that will last.

That said, having bought a plastic highchair that was ideal for my son when he was very small but that’s now something of a squeeze, I welcome the fact that there are more ‘grown-up’ options like this highchair available. At its price, the East Coast Nursery A-frame is still a good investment if you want to upgrade once your child’s beyond the weaning stage.

The harness isn’t removable and would quickly become dirty if used by a messy baby but with an older child this is less of a problem.

Who is the East Coast Nursery A-frame highchair best for?

A mum with a toddler who wants a chair just like the grown-ups.

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MadeForMums verdict

A well-built, functional and attractive highchair. The A-frame from East Coast Nursery is ideal for toddlers who enjoy helping themselves at family mealtimes but not so great for little ones who are just starting the weaning process.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandEast Coast Nursery
ModelA-frame highchair
Price£69.99
Suitable for
Child age (approx)From 6 months
Dimensions & Weight
DimensionsH:90cm W:54cm D:56.5cm
Features
Seat height positions1
Recline positionsNone
Made fromRubber wood
Features
  • Footrest
  • Conforms to BSEN 14988
  • Harness
  • Non-removable tray
Accessories
Optional extrasPadded seat
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