In a nutshell

Contemporary and easy-to-clean, this chic looking highchair can be used from birth.

What we tested

  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of cleaning
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Comfort
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 5.0 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 4.7 out of 5.

Pros

  • Attractive, well made, easy to clean, can be used before 6 months of age

Cons

  • Not easily portable, likely to be of limited benefit to breastfed newborns

The Phil & Teds Highpod is one highchair that’s a little different from most – it’s suitable from birth. This point aside, the Highpod is modern in looks, and does the job very well.

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Phil & Teds – yep, those people behind the 3-wheeler buggies – has created the Highpod, a new highchair for 2010. It claims to the world's first certified highchair for newborns and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

Stylish and contemporary, parents who opt for the Phil & Teds Highpod will have a talking point in their kitchen. Its space-age looks are sophisticated for a baby product.

It has three recline positions, the furthest back being suitable for babies up to 6 months and the others for children when they can sit up unaided. Certainly Benny, 3 months, enjoyed the novelty of the view from higher up than his usual bouncy chair and was happily entertained for some time watching me in the kitchen.

The makers of the Highpod suggest it is convenient to be used for bottlefeeds followed by a nap. Certainly some newborns will sleep anywhere but my lively rascal isn't one of those babies and demands a higher level of comfort than provided by the aerocore (multi-density foam) insert.

As Benny’s breastfed I wasn't able to test out whether he could be fed to sleep in the Highpod. As the newborn position isn't completely flat, I can see it being a potentially useful solution for bottlefed infants with reflux. However, new parents shouldn’t expect any chair to be a substitute for being cradled in mum's arms. As our kitchen isn't the warmest, I wanted to cover Benny with a blanket but found this difficult with the straps to consider.

What we love

I usually leave these assembly things to my partner, but in the interests of research I opened the box myself and managed to put together the Phil & Teds Highpod in a few minutes.

The Phil & Teds Highpod is well built and sturdy and, with care, should last through to the claimed 3 years still looking good.

It’s easily height adjustable and, with the tray removed, can be used by a toddler to sit at the table.

Despite being a brand new product, it already looks like a design classic, and looks great in a contemporary kitchen.

The Highpod’s sleek contours are easy to wipe clean and the tray has a dishwasher safe insert. The aerocore seat liner is removable, which is handy for cleaning purposes and it’s moulded in such away that there are no crevices for dirt to hide in.

The straps fasten in independently and are the easiest straps I've had to plug together on any baby product. With a wriggly little one this is brilliant for taking the stress out of securing him in the highchair. Once in, the Highpod's solid structure and design means it's impossible Benny could fall out and I felt safe to turn my back.

What to watch out for

With a curious 3-month-old to keep amused, I found the Phil & Teds Highpod a little awkward to move about to give him different views as it doesn't have wheels.

It would be too bulky to transport to Granny's house so it's not suitable if you need a travel-friendly solution.

Who is the Phil & Teds Highpod best for?

Design-loving parents who want an easy-to-use, easy-to-clean highchair with a twist.

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MadeForMums verdict

Attractive, yet practical, the Phil & Teds Highpod is a talking point highchair. If you get your hands on it before your baby hits the 6-month mark, it’ll provide another place for him to hang out, but don't rely on it to work sleep miracles.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandPhil & Teds
ModelHighpod
Price£199.00
Suitable for
Child age (approx)Birth to 3 years
Dimensions & Weight
DimensionsH:118.5cm W:50cm D:86.5cm
Dimensions (folded)H:72cm W:50cm D:55cm
Features
Seat height positions5
Recline positions3
Made fromAluminium
Features
  • Suitable for use from birth up
  • Three recline positions
  • Five height positions
  • Removable tray
  • Wipe-clean removable aerocore insert
  • 5-Point safety harness
  • Free newborn accessories kit
  • Removable tray for up-to-the-table feeding/play
Accessories
Accessories includedNewborn assessories kit (highheels fit-to-frame footrest and lumber jack lumbar control insert)
Optional extrasSnack attack extra large food tray (£20)
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