Buying a children's chair: what to consider before you buy
As soon as children take their first steps, they want to sit down, stand up and play on their own. With the right children's chairs and tables, you can support and encourage your child as they do.
1. Uses
High chair
A high chair lets toddlers sit at the height of a standard dining table and join in with family meals.
"A high chair with flexible adjustment options will stay at the dining table for a long time. It encourages babies to sit in a stable, correct position and, even at primary school age, gives children the best sitting position for their height." – Viktoria, interior expert
Depending on the model, high chairs are suitable for babies from around 6 months – but only once your child can sit up independently without help. A surround and seat cushions are especially useful for very young children. High chairs without armrests are only suitable from the age of 3.
Rocker
With seesaws, ride-on toys and rocking animals, you can bring a bit of the playground into your home. Models that take on a new function when you simply turn them over are especially practical. This way, the rocker can be used as a chair once your child is old enough.
Classic children's chair
The classic chair is a companion to the play table. With a children's chair, it's essential to pay attention to the seat height so that your child doesn't get used to sitting incorrectly. The rule is: better a little too low than too high.
Children's table and chair sets, where the chairs come with a matching table, are particularly popular. They are ideal for drawing, crafts or playing together with other children.
Children's stool or children's bench
Children's stools and benches also go well with a play table. Stools and benches without a backrest are only recommended for slightly older children who won't accidentally tip over backwards.
Lounge furniture
Armchairs and lounge furniture are perfect for curling up with a book. Seats of different sizes and widths allow for different sitting positions. This isn't ergonomic, upright sitting, however, but a more reclined posture. Bean bags are another option for this purpose.
Children's desk chair
For schoolchildren, continuously height-adjustable chairs such as a children's swivel chair make a good desk chair. They are designed in much the same way as adult models, just smaller. In theory, a classic children's chair will also do, but the longer your child works at the desk, the more important it becomes to sit correctly.
Design children's chairs: classics in miniature
The same design, in a compact size. Many well-known design classics are also available as children's chairs. That way, the children's room doesn't have to compromise on design.
2. The right seat height
The right seat height depends on your child's height and proportions – for example, whether they have long legs or a long upper body. You can use the following measurements as a guide.
3. Ergonomic sitting
Sitting correctly is especially important while children are growing, so ideally the chair should be adjustable and grow with your child.
When sitting, your child's thighs and lower legs should form a 90° angle (1). The thighs rest on the seat (2), the backs of the knees don't touch the edge of the seat (3), and the knees and thighs don't touch the table (7).
When seated, the feet rest flat on the floor (4) or on a footrest, like the ones found on high chairs.
The forearms rest flat on the table and the shoulders are relaxed (5). The backrest supports the pelvis and shoulders (6).
4. Materials and sustainability
Children's chairs can be made of wood (1), wicker (2), plastic (3) or metal (4), for example.
It's important that the children's chair is light, so that your child can move it around on their own whenever they like. Lightweight materials such as plastic or rattan are a good choice.
Children's chairs should also be easy to clean. Materials such as plastic or metal can easily be wiped with a damp cloth. If the chair is upholstered, the upholstery should be easy to care for too – made of felt, for example. Otherwise, the covers should be washable.
Wood and metal stand out for their stability and durability. And when made of aluminium, children's chairs are even suitable for the garden.
Harmful substances and safety
Young children in particular explore a lot with their mouths – and that includes licking and nibbling furniture. If you choose children's furniture made of natural materials such as wood, make sure the wood is untreated. The surface should also not have been treated with harmful varnishes.
Sustainability
Look for products that have been made sustainably. Sustainably produced wooden furniture is usually low in harmful substances and is also durable.
Choose furniture that grows with your child, is height-adjustable or extendable, so it can be used from babyhood into childhood.
You can also consider where a product is made. For example, products made in Germany or elsewhere in Europe travel shorter distances, which can reduce CO2 emissions.
5. Summary – what to consider when buying children's chairs online
- Children's chairs have many uses: choose from classic children's chairs, desk chairs, benches, stools, lounge furniture, high chairs, ride-on toys or rocking animals
- The right seat height depends on your child's height and proportions
- Ideally, the chair should be adjustable and grow with your child
- Plastic or metal children's furniture is easy to clean, and any upholstery should also be easy to care for
- Lightweight materials such as plastic or rattan let your child move the chair around on their own whenever they like
- Sustainably produced wooden furniture is usually low in harmful substances. Also make sure the wooden surfaces are untreated
Buy design children's chairs online at Connox – your benefits at a glance
- High-quality children's chairs – originals from top design brands
- Personal support from our customer service team
- Fair delivery costs
- Secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
- Delivery in just a few working days
Shopping advice at Connox
Would you like to buy children's chairs online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen items delivered straight to your door.
