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.
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.
