EN 14988:2017+A1:2020/FprA2

Overview

EN 14988:2017+A1:2020/prA2 (CEN) - "Children's high chairs - Requirements and test methods" - is the European standard that defines safety requirements and laboratory test methods for free‑standing children's high chairs. It covers high chairs that elevate children to dining table height for feeding or eating, intended for children up to 3 years of age who can sit unaided. The standard applies to domestic and non‑domestic use and excludes special high chairs for medical purposes. If a product can be converted to other functions, additional European standards may also apply.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Free‑standing high chairs for infants/children up to 3 years; domestic and non‑domestic environments; medical high chairs excluded.
• Safety requirements: Design and construction criteria to reduce hazards during normal use (e.g., restraint system use, prevention of falls and tip‑over risks).
• Warnings and instructions: Mandatory user warnings such as never leave the child unattended, always use the restraint system, prevent climbing, ensure correct assembly, and be aware of heat/fire sources near the product. (These warnings are reflected in the standard’s multilingual annexes.)
• Test methods: Defined tests to verify stability, strength, restraint effectiveness and durability under specified loads and use conditions (the standard provides test procedures and pass/fail criteria).
• Documentation and labelling: Requirements for user instructions, safety labels and multilingual warnings to ensure safe assembly and use across CEN member states.
• Amendments and translations: The prA2 draft updates translations and warning texts in Annex C for several languages, demonstrating the standard’s focus on clear, consistent consumer information.

Applications and who uses it

• Manufacturers and product designers use EN 14988 to design compliant high chairs, select materials, and validate safety margins.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the standard’s test methods to assess conformity and issue reports/certificates.
• Retailers and importers reference the standard to ensure supplied products meet European safety expectations and to inform product labelling and manuals.
• Regulators and procurement officers use the standard as a benchmark for market surveillance, public procurement and safety enforcement.
• Parents and childcare facilities benefit indirectly through safer products, clearer warnings and reliable instructions.

Related standards

• EN 14988 may be used alongside other European standards that cover convertible furniture, restraints, or specific seating functions. If a high chair converts to another product or serves a medical purpose, additional relevant standards and directives should be consulted.

Keywords: EN 14988, children's high chairs, safety requirements, test methods, CEN, high chair standard, child product safety, feeding chairs, up to 3 years.