The 90-90-90 Method that guided the design of Frankie Highchair
Every parent dreams of a smooth dinner time….a calm child and a bowl of dinner that actually makes it into little mouths instead of the floor. Just ten peaceful minutes around the table seems like a distant dream for many, as the more common reality is a child with one foot dangling, the other tucked underneath them; They're sliding forward in the seat, wriggling every few seconds, dropping food, asking to get down before they've even taken three bites.
Many assume that's just toddlers being toddlers. But sometimes, it's the chair.
Where the design of Frankie began
When Mark became a parent, he quickly realised something surprising. Most highchairs were designed for the parents - to be easy to clean, match a certain aesthetic, or to simply fit children. Very few were designed to support children.
Mark investigated a principle that occupational therapists, feeding specialists and physiotherapists have known for years: It's called the 90-90-90 Rule. Once Mark understood it, it guided is approach to highchair design. Because when a child is supported properly, eating becomes easier.
So...what is the 90-90-90 Rule?
The rule is beautifully simple; when your little one is sitting down to eat, ideally they should have:
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Hips at 90°
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Knees at 90°
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Ankles at 90°, with their feet resting firmly on a footrest
Think of it as building a stable foundation. When they are supported, their body doesn't have to work to stay upright. Instead, all that energy can go where it belongs...into eating.
Why posture matters more than most people realise.
Eating isn't just opening your mouth and chewing. It's one of the most complex motor skills babies learn. Their brain is coordinating posture, breathing, chewing, swallowing, hand movements, balance and attention, all at once. If they're constantly trying to stabilise themselves because their feet are dangling or their seat is too deep, they're using valuable energy just to stay upright.
That can lead to:
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Difficulty focusing during meals
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More wriggling and fidgeting
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Less successful self-feeding
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Poorer swallowing mechanics
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Shorter, more frustrating mealtimes
A supported body creates a more supported eater.
Why dangling feet are such a big deal.
If you've ever sat on a bar stool where your feet couldn't reach anything... You'll know the feeling. You shift around, legs get tired, you lean on the table, shuffle in your seat. Now imagine trying to learn an entirely new skill while sitting like that.
That's what many babies experience every day.
Without somewhere for little feet to rest, children instinctively search for stability elsewhere, curling one leg underneath themselves, pushing against the tray or constantly moving around. They're not being difficult - They're simply trying to find balance.
Meet Frankie.
Frankie was designed to support your child through every stage. With a removable saddle, tray, and adjustable foot and seat rests that adapt as they grow to help children sit comfortably, confidently and safely through every stage of growth. Built to make achieving the 90-90-90 position simple, whether they're just starting solids or happily joining family dinners years later. Without having to stuff a cushion behind or under them, or roll up a towel.
Even beyond the toddler years, Frankie can hold up to 90kgs, so is sure to become a mainstay at meal times for years to come - We love that kind of ROI!
Better posture. Better mealtimes.
Will the 90-90-90 Method magically stop toddlers from throwing broccoli? Probably not. They're still toddlers. But when children feel secure, balanced and comfortable, they're free to focus on the important part: Learning to eat, chew, swallow, and enjoy sitting around the family table.
And that's exactly what Frankie was built for.
