OXO Tot Grey Sprout Highchair review

from OXO
RRP  £250.00
OXO Tot grey

by motherandbaby |
Updated on

At a glance:

This OXO Tot pushchair has a modern design that would fit into most kitchens. It’s sturdy, practical and importantly, super easy to clean. It cannot be folded away, so is not ideal if you’re short on space.

What they say:

“Our award-winning Sprout Chair is designed for extended use, from 6 months to 5 years. Height and depth adjustments, as well as removable parts, allow it to convert from high chairto youth chair. Seat, back and cushions are contoured for comfort and promote good posture. No tools needed to adjust.”

Tested by mum Laura Avery for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

I would recommend this product to other mums as I thought it looked great, and the padded seat was obviously really comfortable for both my children to sit in. The fact you could remove the tray for a toddler to climb into the highchair was fantastic, as they thought this was a great game to play, and it helped make mealtimes much more fun.

How did the product make your life easier?

Both my children loved sitting in this highchair. My daughter, who is nearly four and has not used a highchair in nearly two years, insisted on using it more than her brother, who is 18-months-old. We converted it for her and she loved the fact that it was a higher seat at the table. It made mealtimes a lot easier, as she wanted to be sitting at the table.

Would you choose this product to win?

I think it is quite expensive for a highchair. I did really like the appearance and my children really enjoyed using it, which did make mealtimes more fun and relaxed, however, I think I would be reluctant to choose this highchair over others in the market purely down to price. I know there are other highchairs that provide the same specifications, which are nowhere near as expensive.

What changes would you make to the product?

I didn’t like the fact that with the padded seat, there were quite a few places for food to get trapped, and it did make cleaning it a bit of a chore. I prefer highchairs that don’t have that many features so that there is less room for food to get squashed under. However, I did like the fact that the seat was magnetic, so removing it was quite easy.

Tested by mum Lindsey McCarthy for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

This highchair has a very modern and attractive design that wouldn’t look out of place in most modern day kitchens. The design of the chair is very sturdy and stable, which is hugely important from a safety perspective. The cushions included make it comfortable for my little one to sit in, and the five-point harness and the way the seat fits snugly around his legs means that I am confident in how secure he is. However, the snug design means it is difficult to locate the bottom strap between the legs once the child is sat in the seat, which can be frustrating at times.

How did this product make your life easier?

The chair is an excellent long-term investment for a family, as it can be adjusted to a range of different designs to suit your child as they grow. In terms of adjusting the chair, this can be done quickly and is really straightforward. The design means it is easy to wipe down, which is essential when dealing with messy tots! However, I would have preferred it if the removable tray could be cleaned by fully submerging it in water rather than simply wiping it down, as my son eats directly from the tray as part our baby-led weaning approach, so I would have some hygiene concerns.

Would you choose this product to win?

I love the stylish and modern appearance of the highchair, which would fit in alongside our other furniture. The material used gives it a high quality, luxury feel, and makes it feel very solid and secure. However, from a practical perspective, I find the chair too heavy to move around on a regular basis, and without the ability to fold, I would lean towards a more portable product.

What changes would you make to this product?

Due to the nature of the design, the chair cannot be folded up for storage or transport. As it is such a sturdy design, it is also quite bulky and heavy, so this could be a problem for families with limited kitchen space. However, the ability to fold the chair up may lead to a loss in the design or aesthetics of the chair, as the solid wood legs really do look high-end.

Tested my mum Claire Atteck for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

The highchair markets itself as being suitable from six months to five years. This would be an attractive selling point for new mums who will think it's an investment that will last a long time. However, my three and a half-year old refused to sit in it, as she is "too old for a highchair". She has been sitting on a standard dining room chair for approximately one year. My two-year-old enjoyed the chair, but I think this was mainly for novelty reasons, as he lost interest after about a week, and preferred sitting in his normal dining chair with a booster cushion. Perhaps if the product had been used throughout their lives and was "the norm" they would have had a different view. The product does not seem to collapse down for portability, and appears to have been designed so that it can’t be moved.

How did this product make your life easier?

The plastic material is easy to wipe clean. However, crumbs can get trapped under the cushion, which then has to be lifted to wipe underneath it. Also, the straps would need to be removed to wash. The highchair tucks under the dining table, so it is possible to push the child in so that they feel involved in mealtimes (and also minimises risk of dropping food down into their laps). The footfall of the highchair is not too big, so it doesn't take up too much space. My two-year-old could climb into it using the steps on his own, so I didn't need to lift him. He also enjoyed the challenge of doing up the straps himself, however, he could easily remove them and, during rebellious moments, would stand up on the chair. As the chair is higher than the average dining room chair, these were worrying moments in case he fell.

Would you choose this product to win?

The highchair seems very expensive at over £200. However, it does not have the "style" that I would expect of a product with this price tag. It is a chunky, plastic item that I would expect to be in a lower price category. The highchair I purchased for my own children was a similar price to this one (£180-ish) but was much more stylish (although not as practical in terms of cleaning). However, if I was purchasing a highchair purely for practicality, then I would chose a very basic plastic model at a budget price.

What changes would you make to this product?

The appearance of this highchair (compared to its price tag) really lets it down. The chair is chunky, plastic and, despite this, still has some limitations in terms of cleaning. If the chair were cheaper then it may have scored better. However, for the price, I would’ve expected something that was much more stylish.

Tested by mum Louise Donovan for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

This highchair can be used from six months to five years, which makes this the perfect highchair for baby to grow with. It features an adjustable seat with foam cushions, a five-point harness, and solid wooden legs. The tray is easy to remove with one hand, and cleaning the chair is nice and easy (no little nooks in the fabric to get food stuck). It's slightly heavy, so not something that you want to move around all the time, but saying that, it fits perfectly under my breakfast bar. The base and legs are REALLY sturdy – my daughter is at the age where she loves to throw herself around at mealtimes and wriggle about, and this didn't wobble once.

How did this product make your life easier?

This is a simple, wipe-clean highchair. I have used quite a few highchairs in the past, and this is definitely the simplest to clean that I have come across. Due to the removable seat pads (which wipe down so easily) you won't be finding their foot getting stuck in the nooks. It's also easy to store against my breakfast bar, so doesn't have to be moved all the time. And because it's high enough, baby is able to eat with us without being to low down. Instructions are easy to read, and the simple photos in the instructions make it easier (unless, like me, anything that needs putting together gets left to the partner!).

Would you choose this product to win?

I really think the sprout should win. Its contemporary design is lovely, and it is easy to get baby in and out, and is also really comfortable for our little ones bottom! Also, the fact that you can convert this to a higher dining chair is amazing, as it gives your child the correct sitting position at the dinner table at the correct height. I see the product also comes in lots of other colours, making it a piece of furniture that would go with most households. I feel confident in knowing that this highchair can be used for many years to come! 100% worth the price tag!

What changes would you make to this product?

It has no recline, so is definitely not suitable for babies that are unable to hold themselves up. Although it's not too big, it doesn't fold up, and is quite heavy to move around. I also found it difficult to set up on my own, and had to wait for my partner to come home, as some pieces are quite heavy. Other than that, it's amazing!

Tested by mum Sarah Poynter for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

This is a good, quality product, and it goes from six months to five years with just a few adjustments. Side panels and a high back give it a better sitting posture than alternative under the table highchairs I have tried. This chair is easy to clean and doesn’t mark easily. Smart to look at, and feels very, very solid.

How did this product make your life easier?

This product is easy to clean and doesn't mark or scratch easily. It is also light enough for a toddler to move, but stable enough for them to climb up and down independently without it wobbling. This chair tucks nicely under the dinning room table to enable it to be out the way when not in use, and allows a toddler to sit at the table for food and tabletop play with the rest of the family.

Would you choose this product to win?

I have a Stokke Trip Trap, and I like the fact that I can alter the seat depth on the Trip Trap to allow my 18-month-old to place her feet on the footrest. The OXO Sprout doesn’t have this ability, and therefore I don’t think her sitting posture is as good. However, I think that it is much easier to clean and maintain this chair.

What changes would you make to this product?

I would adjust the design of the OXO Sprout to add in-seat depth adjustment, as it would allow for a more secure and stable sitting posture for my 18-month-old while she grows, as she was unable to reach the footrest on the sprout. The other design features I like are more or less equal to rival brands or models I’ve seen elsewhere.

Tested by mum Claire Dooley for the M&B Awards 2017:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

This highchair has the ability to grow with the child, and can be used up to the age of five. The OXO Tot Sprout can be used with or without a tray, meaning that the chair can be drawn up against the family table, which is perfect for babies following Baby Led Weaning. This product is classically stylish, and would not look out of place in most homes.

How did this product make your life easier?

The OXO Tot Sprout is adaptable, and height adjustable meaning that there isn't the concern of the baby growing out of the highchair for a long time. Visually the chair looks great, and so doesn't need to be hidden away when any guests visit. The timber construction is easily cleaned, and the seat cushion appears to be very comfortable.

Would you choose this product to win?

Aesthetically, this was my favourite chair, by far. However, despite this chair being capable of lasting a child up to the impressive age of 5, ultimately I prefer the Connect 4 in 1 chair, due to the fact that it can be used as a stand alone table. This chair surpasses the more traditional looking highchairs in terms of style and functionality, and allows the baby or child to feel like one of the family at meal times by allowing them to sit right up at the table.

What changes would you make to this product?

In terms of functionality, I don't think that I would make any major changes to this product, so any improvements required would purely be visual. The highchair would benefit by being available in more colour ways, for both the timber and the seat padding. This would mean that the chair could be chosen to match with more dining sets and decor.

Tested by mum Caroline Sykes for the M&B Awards 2017:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

Good quality, easy to clean and comfortable. Easy assembly. Very sturdy. Takes up very little floor space. The tray is very close which is useful for baby led weaning. It's very easy to clean and looks amazing. Unlike many baby products this looks nice in the home and seems very comfortable. This is a fantastic highchair, and given that it will last so long it is well priced.

Would you choose this product to win?

Highly recommend this chair. Easy to put together. Solid sturdy frame and seat. Tray a good size and easy to remove. Small floor print which saves space, it may not fold up but it looks so nice we don't mind. Great quality and worth the price. Great quality highchair which looks lovely too. Very pleased all round. Little one is secure and comfy. Easy to keep clean. Pricier than other chairs but worth the money overall.

What changes would you make to this product?

It does not fold down in any way but is not very bulky and doesn't take up too much room - plus looks good: real wood rather than all plastic and metal. Big investment, no fold or recline functions. The Sprout has no recline, so it’s not ideal for first weaning if your baby is still floppy when sitting up. Although the Sprout has a very small footprint it doesn’t fold up, and is heavy so not for those who need their highchair to be in anyway portable.

Tested by mum Steph Alonwy for the M&B Awards 2017:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

This highchair is very stylish. It looks like it is a very high quality product that will last more than 1 child. It looks very durable. My child was very comfortable in it. The safety harness was easy to adjust to ensure my baby would not fall out. My child was not able to rock the highchair which she can with our current highchair so I felt that they were more safe which is essential.

How did this product make your life easier?

The highchair has a large easy to clean tray on the chair which helps to keep the plate and food on the tray and not on the floor. The OXO Tot Sprout is made of very high quality materials that will last a very long time, more than one child and appears as though it would maintain its retail value if you needed to sell it on. The highchair looks great and would look great at any table set, it looks more like a standard chair, it is made from wood which helps to make it look more appealing.

Would you choose this product to win?

This highchair appears to be made in very high quality. It is versatile and would look great at the dining table, it helps the child to feel part of the dinner table rather than being sat out in a plastic chair that identifies them as different to the rest of the family. It is reducing the amount of plastic being produced and used.

What changes would you make to this product?

It is a very heavy highchair that is not easy to carry around but this should not be too much of an issue in a household that does not need to move the chair. The weight issue is only small as great quality dining room chairs tend to be heavy and it would fit in well with a lot of households. The chair looks like a premium product and the weight of it adds to this impression.

Tested by mum Candy Evans for the M&B Awards 2017:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

The design of the OXO Tot Sprout is real quality; the solid wood finish looks great with our dining furniture. This highchair is built to last and it is one I would save for future children. I like how it can be converted into a chair once my baby is older. The plastic chair and tray are easy to clean. My baby was very comfortable due to the foam padded chair cover.

How did this product make your life easier?

The Sprout made meal times a lot easier as it was so quick and easy to clean. The plastic chair and tray are a completely smooth design with no ridges, this meant any food dropped was really easy to wipe up. The seat unit also comes off very easily so I was able to wash it down at the sink at particularly messy meal times. This meant clean up time was a lot faster than with other highchairs.

Would you choose this product to win?

This product stands out above the rest as it is solid wood that could last generations. Although the cost is at the higher end of the market, it can last children up to 5 years so it is a great investment. I like the removable chair and the smooth design of the chair. The Sprout is so much more sturdy compared to other highchairs and it is fairly slim so it takes up less space.

What changes would you make to this product?

The Sprout cannot be folded, so although it is a slimmer design, it is not possible to fold it away to store. It is also very heavy so it is hard to move once built.

Tested by mum Maria Xydhias-Mace for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

The good points: It's easy to clean; everything's easy wipe and the seat pads all come off for the thorough clean when you feel like it. The tray is just so simple - goes on and off with one hand, really easy to get little one in and out as a result (and the remnants of lunch/dinner out afterwards). It's adaptable: works as a highchair, then the central (between the legs piece) comes out to make it a child chair when they're older.it'so really stylish.  The negatives: the tray needs to be cleaned quite soon or it can get stained a little (always managed to get it off in the end so far though) and it doesn't fold, so not ideal if space is a big issues. It's also not the cheapest, but will last for ages and you get what you pay for here.

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

Easy to put baby in one handed, comfortable and versatile.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

Make the tray table easier to keep clean.

Tested by dad Simon Bristow for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow dad?

For me, the best thing about this highchair is how it looks; it just looks to be good quality, with a good wood finish that is hard wearing.  It's evidently solid, our two-year old can climb into it easily by herself.  Unlike some wooden chairs, it comes with padding that can be removed to help clean the chair fully after the little one has made a mess!

How does this product make your life easier as a dad?

Unlike some wooden chairs, raising and lowering the height is a lot easier.  This has been particularly helpful with two young children 18 months apart, when one keeps changing their mind about which chair to sit in, so its user is frequently alternated.  The ease for fitting and removing the tray table is also very easy when being forced to operate one-handed.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

Whilst it is a positive that the cushioning can be removed easily for cleaning (with the help of velcro), it does often present an amusing activity for our child to turn around in the highchair and to try to pull it off.  More velcro might help this, or it might present a more interesting challenge.  Other than that, not sure how to get around it, as the concept is generally quite useful.

Tested by mum Emma Corfield for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

The chair is smaller than it looks in the photos, which is great - there is no need to fold it because it doesn't take up much room. It looks really attractive as well, feels like part of the furniture and blends in beautifully rather than just been a plastic tacky chair which sticks out like a sore thumb.  I can move it from room to room quite easily. The construction is very clever - the tray comes on and off with one hand which makes getting him in and out of the chair very easy. And the cushions are all attached with Velcro which means everything is very easy to clean. It is on the pricey side but would be worth every penny in my opinion as grows with the baby

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

It’s just nice to have a highchair that is part of the furniture.

Product Information

OXO Tot Sprout Highchair

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us
How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.