Highchairs - what types are there?
At RRP £149 the Jané Mila is up against the Cosatto 3Sixti2 (£165) with its stylish design, under base roller and gas lift mechanism. There’s also the Stokke Tripp Trapp (£159), a little more expensive with extras at an additional cost, but considered an investment piece as it can be used through to adulthood.
Buy the Jané Mila highchair from Samuel Johnston, Baby Planet, and Johnston Prams .
How is assembling the Jane Mila highchair?
The Jané Mila came fully assembled (yay!) and just needed to be lifted out of its box.
Does it feel sturdy?
It does. Even when my 16-month-old climbs on it, I don’t feel concerned that it’ll topple over.
Does the chair recline? If so how many reclines does it have and at what stage should you use it?
There are 6 recline positions. Useful during early weaning if you spoon feed your baby. I used a bouncer to wean my first baby, the Jané Mila would have been a nice alternative.
How many height positions does it have?
There are 7 height positions. Just about every level you could need. Low down works if you’re sat on the sofa or floor feeding a younger baby. The 2nd from top position works for us so that my baby can eat with us at the table. I also do my daughter's hair in her highchair – top position works for me to not have to stoop.
Can you adjust the tray?
You can. But it’s limited to just 2 positions. I felt that more positions would have been helpful. I like to push the tray right up to my toddler's body so that food doesn’t fall between her bib and the tray. This is not possible with the Jané Mila so there is a gap of about an inch which equates to a lot of Rice Krispies!
Is it suitable for newborns? Would you recommend it for newborns?
The highchair comes with a nicely decorated baby insert. With the insert it can be used for a newborn which would extend the life and usefulness of the highchair.
Is it easy to move around the house?
It could be easier. The handle I use to move the highchair is a twisting lever to activate the seat recline. I find it a little too small to comfortably grab especially when my toddler is seated, so prefer to pull the highchair by its legs or the arm rests when I need to move it. Not ideal.
Could you use it as a travel highchair?
I wouldn’t. It’s just a little too bulky – even when folded.
Travel highchairs rated for you
Is it anti-tilt?
Nothing in the marketing material indicates that it is.
What do you think of the harness?
Initially the fastening clasps were quite stiff and would hurt my fingers because of the amount of pressure needed. However after a couple of weeks they have loosened slightly so I expect that over time they’ll get even less stiff.
The material used on the harness is a woven polyester like material. It’s commonly used on kids’ harnesses. However I’m not a fan of this material as yoghurt or any other thick liquid can easily get between the grooves and is hard to clean off.
It seems nice and sturdy and is padded at the top.
Is the chair supportive?
Yes. The seat is padded and plush so my daughter sinks into it like a comfortable chair. I also pop her into the highchair sometimes when I take a shower and she always seems relaxed.
Does it feel safe?
Yes. While testing it I had no concerns at all about safety.
What you need to know about highchair safety
If your little one climbs up on it, will it remain stable or will it wobble/fall over?
It remains stable. As a general rule I prefer my daughter not to climb on it so I put the tray in place to block her entry. I don’t fold the highchair as I use it very regularly. Folded it would easily topple over so would need to be stored away from little ones.
What do you think of the tray?
There is a knack to putting the tray on and unfortunately its best done with two hands. There are two gaps in the tray that need to be lined up to 2 spokes on the chair. They are not naturally aligned so a small “jiggle” is needed to get both gaps lined up. Not the best, as at mealtimes I’m typically using my hands to carry food or my toddler. The same applies to taking the tray off.
The trays need to be cleaned regularly and I find it a little cumbersome trying to fit them into the sink due to their size. But this was the same with our old highchair. It provides adequate surface area for baby to eat.
There are 2 trays provided, however you always need the bottom tray if your little one isn’t eating at the table. The top tray is optional.
The top tray is a bit annoying as my daughter can easily lift it herself. She often decides she’s finished eating, starts saying “up” and lifts the tray herself. If I’m not close by I need to run over to stop the contents of the tray ending up on the floor.
How easy is it to adjust the chair?
Recline is easy. Adjusting the height takes practice and I found it easiest if holding the highchair down with my foot on the back bar.
Can it be used in different positions and heights?
Yes. There are 84 different combinations you can achieve!
How does it compare to other chairs you have used?
Our last highchair was a Fisher Price Easy & Fold that used to live at my mother-in-law's house until we “borrowed” it when my oldest was born. It was on its 6th grandchild (my 2nd child) and about 10 years old! Despite the wear & tear it had several features which I miss on the Jané Mila; limitless tray positions, 2 use-alone trays, one hand tray release and a handle at the back of the chair which you could put your entire hand through making it easier to move.
The Mila tops our old highchair in appearance. I love the red leatherette for how easy it is to clean and that it appears quite classy – our living room has too many kids’ patterns! The material is a lot softer on my daughter's skin too. On a hot summer day I knew she would be comfortably seated in just her nappy and a vest. Even when dirt gets into the creases the material has enough “give” so that it can be cleaned. Our old highchair's material was too stiff.
Would you recommend this seat to someone with a child of a particular age?
I’d say a baby of 4 months who’s soon beginning weaning.
Will it last the recommended 3 years and beyond?
Our old one was still standing after ten years and a lot of use so it’s possible! Depending on how many kids use it and the durability of the material over time the Jané Mila might last. however, after just two weeks the Jané logo on the bottom tray had already started to wear off so there might not be much lettering left.
What’s in the box?
- Highchair
- Bottom & top trays
- Baby seat insert
- Instructions
What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the item?
Top tray can’t be secured.
Is the product value for money?
Being at a higher price point I would expect the Jané Mila highchair to tick a few more boxes regarding manoeuvrability and usability.
Is there anything unique about this product?
I’m a fan of the red leatherette material.
Everything you need is included for the RRP of £149. I would like the option to buy additional trays – mainly because I hate having to wash them several times a day and would rather tackle washing a few together in the evening when the kids are asleep.
The Jané Mila highchair is a nicely designed, versatile piece and my little one seems very comfortable when sat in it. However, for the price I would expect it to be a little more user friendly.
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