What we love
Looks-wise, this is smart and unobtrusive - unless you choose bright pink or orange, of course!
It seems lower than many highchairs, so it fits in better at the dining table. The fact that it can be used from 6 months right up to 10 years gives this an enviable longevity, though you’ll need an extra one if you have more than one child.
It feels quite sturdy and the V shape of the frame gives good stability. These simple classic lines also mean there aren’t too many nooks and crannies for bits of food to hide, so it’s easy to wipe clean. The seat pad, available as an extra, is machine washable, too. For a chair that will last up to age 10, the price is fantastic.
What to watch out for
The safety bar at the front looks like a tray, but is far too small (a separate tray is available at extra cost), so your child has to sit at the table to eat. This is of course a good thing as it encourages good social skills, however it is difficult because of the width of the bar – unless your table is high enough for this to sit under, the chair won’t reach the table and lots of food will be spilt.
If space is at a premium, you should bear in mind that the feet are quite widely spaced, and this chair doesn’t fold flat for storage.
When your child is big enough not to need the safety bar, you’ll have to dismantle the chair to remove it, which will take time.
The crotch strap, a narrow strip of fabric secured with Velcro, looks cheap and uncomfortable. There are no straps on this highchair to keep your little one in, though the safety bar should keep all but the most determined under control. The fact that this bar isn’t easily removable may mean a struggle getting a wriggly baby in place.
Smaller babies will need the seat pad, which costs extra.
Who is the Hauck Alpha highchair best for?
Budget-conscious parents after a highchair with longevity.
As an adjustable chair that will last beyond the toddler years, the Hauck Alpha highchair offers great value for money and will not look out of place in most dining rooms. However, the poor design of the safety bar, which is neither tray nor bar, obstructs your chances of using the Alpha as a baby chair for sitting at the table.
