The name Silver Cross for me conjures up thoughts of big old British prams, stability, tradition and a steadfast brand that’s been in existence for well over a century. The Sovereign Highchair is created with every bit of brilliance that you’d expect from such a long-standing company. The Sovereign also comes complete with a guarantee that covers it for two years (you have to register it online with Silver Cross).
First produced in 2007, the Sovereign has proved to be a best-seller and award winner, thanks to its clever Microban® technology. And perhaps that’s the greatest feature of all about this product. Microban® is a coating of antibacterial protection that won’t wash or wear away. It creates an invisible barrier and stops bacteria in its tracks. Pretty clever stuff. Also, the Microban® coating is assured to last the lifetime of the highchair.
What we love
Esme, now 20 months, was totally amused when the Silver Cross Sovereign Highchair arrived. The normal wanting to play with the box didn’t apply - she was too impressed with what now stood before her. From the moment I assembled it (it opens in one easy move), she took a vested interest and it has quickly become her highchair of choice.
I can’t blame her - every time I look at her in it, I understand why. She sits with her head and neck supported, her body cushioned within the soft PVC padded liner. This padding is secured in place with Velcro and can be removed to wash. The nooks and crannies simply don’t exist because you can wipe all of it clean so easily.
It’s easy to move around with its small back wheels that then lock in place. Esme is safely strapped in using the 5-point harness whose clips click together easily, not like some I’ve tried.
The Sovereign Highchair is multi-positional and being able to adjust the height and recline position means that it offers exceptional support and comfort. There are six height and four back reclining positions giving you so much flexibility.
When a friend’s 6-month-old, Issy sat in the Sovereign for lunch, we positioned it low to the ground and her mum sat in front of her on the floor to feed her. It worked a treat, as she could give her toddler lots of attention, too. After a while we lay Issy safely back in the highchair, and weren’t at all surprised to see she nodded off.
With Esme, I often sit her in the Sovereign with a book while I’m getting her meal. The Sovereign comes complete with three Microban® treated trays: one for feeding, one for general playtime and one for safety. The play tray enables Esme to do play-dough and colour, and not just when I’m cooking. There’s a large storage basket underneath too, useful for stashing toys.
Esme’s latest saying is “new highchair” and she is particularly taken with the image of the cat on the cushioning. Ours is blue, or ‘sky’, but it also comes in a pretty pink, or ‘rose’, which has an owl motif. The design complements Silver Cross’ Owl and the Pussycat toy range, based on the original poetry of Edward Lear.
What to watch out for
Toddlers are inquisitive and they imitate what they see all the time. So I suppose it was quite natural that Esme - after watching me change the play tray to food tray in one easy move (it simply slots on top) - chose to lift up the food tray all by herself, throwing her entire lunch on the floor. She’s a great eater and to her dismay, her food was no longer within reach and I’m sure this is why she hasn’t done it again since.
The size of the Sovereign Highchair is something that you should be aware of. If yours is a small dining area you may want to think about purchasing something more compact. It’s fairly large and the base when unfolded measures 82cm. That said, the Sovereign does fold up neatly so it is easy to store.
The price at £100 may seem expensive to some, but this is Silver Cross after all and you’re paying for quality.
Who is the Silver Cross Sovereign Highchair best for?
Families with space after that extra touch of cleanliness, comfort and class for their child’s mealtimes.
The Silver Cross Sovereign Highchair offers top-notch comfort, support and cleanliness at mealtimes and for play. The adjustable height and recline positions make it a flexible option, though it isn’t for those short on space.
