High Chairs Guide

You know what those adorable pics of babies with chubby cheeks and mashed fruit and veggies plastered all over their faces have in common? There’s a high chair (and a mess) in every single one.

When it’s time to start solids, it’s important to have a spot for your little one to nosh in that is safe and easy to clean.

Do You Need a High Chair?

Yes, we recommend that you have a high chair. High chairs position your little one at the proper upright position for eating, providing a safe, comfortable spot for them to begin their lifelong journey with food. They also help contain the mess that comes along with starting solids. (Trust us, there will be a mess.)

When Can Baby Sit in a High Chair?

There are several developmental signs to look out for that indicate your baby might be ready to start solids.

• Baby should be able to hold their head up and sit in a high chair with good head control.
• Baby may open their mouth for food.
• Baby can move food from a spoon into their throat.
• Baby has doubled their birth weight.

All babies develop at different rates, but for most, they’re ready to start solids somewhere between four and six months of age, so you’ll want to be sure you have your high chair purchased, assembled and ready to go by then.

When positioning your baby in their high chair, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.

• Keep the phrase “90/90/90” in mind. That means you’ll want a 90-degree bend at the hips, knees and ankles and should only use a high chair with a footrest. This will ensure your baby is in the safest position for eating.
• If your child is leaning in their seat, consider adding support. A rolled-up towel or swaddle blanket behind their back or on either side often does the trick.
• Always feed your baby in your high chair’s most upright position; baby should never be leaning back while eating.

How to Choose a High Chair

Before you choose a high chair, you’ll want to think a bit about your lifestyle, space and budget. Here’s what to consider.

• Space. Do you live in a smaller space and eat most of your meals around a tiny table? Then a booster-style seat that straps right onto one of your chairs or one that clips to a counter may be right for you. Do you have a larger table, or live in a home with multiple eating areas? Then a standalone seat that comes with its own tray and can easily be moved from room to room may be your best bet.
• Lifestyle. If you’re a family who’s often on the go, consider a portable high chair in addition to one that stays only at home.
• Cleaning. When it comes to cleaning, some parents don’t mind sacrificing form for function and choose whatever high chair best fits their favourite aesthetic. But if you know constant scrubbing or getting into nooks and crannies is going to drive you nuts, you may want to stick with a basic, plastic model or one with wipeable fabric.
• Foldability. If space is an issue, you may want to consider a full-size chair that can be folded down and stored or a portable high chair.
• Durability and longevity. Planning on a large family and passing your high chair down from kid to kid? Although they’re on the pricier side, investing in a well-made wooden seat might be the best choice for you. You also need to think about how long you’re hoping to keep your little one in a high chair. There are several chairs that grow with your child, either by converting to a booster seat or even to an adult-sized chair.
• Safety. Always consider your child’s safety when buying any piece of baby gear, but especially when it comes to choosing the best high chair. You’ll want to make sure your seat features a restraint system like a three- or five-point harness, good stability (if the chair has wheels, make sure they lock in place), a footrest to ensure your child is properly supported while eating, a crotch post and nothing that’s going to pinch or catch on baby’s tiny fingers and toes—or on yours.

When to Stop Using a High Chair

Many parents choose to keep their children in a high chair for several years, up until two or three years old or beyond. And depending on the model of high chair you use, you may be able to use it much longer—some convertible high chairs hold the weight of an adult.

Baby & Toddler Best High Chairs

Best Modern High Chair – Lalo 3-in-1 High Chair – $325

The look of the Lalo stands out from a lot of what’s out there in the high chair market, and that’s one of the things we love the most about it. The modern, minimalist design accents any space rather than detracting from it. The smooth surface (including the large tray) is easy to wipe clean and assembly is really simple and takes only a few minutes. There’s also a two-position footrest, a supportive feature we always look for in a high chair. The other cool feature of this chair is its versatility. The Chair includes two sets of legs, one to use with the high chair + an extra set of play chair legs that convert it into a toddler chair that can pull up to Lalo’s Play Table and most other play tables. You can also buy the Booster Conversion Kit to convert your Lalo into a booster seat for babies four months to three years old.

Best Versatile High Chair – Skip Hop EON 4-in-1 Multi-Stage High Chair – $199

This Skip Hop Eon is a popular parent pick and a high chair you’ll definitely want to consider if you’re looking for a modern, multifunction seat. The streamlined chair is more than just good looks—it’s also almost effortless to keep clean thanks to the smooth, crevice-free surface. The other perk is the seat’s many functions. The Eon grows with your little one from a high chair to a dining booster, tableside booster and finally to a toddler chair. Two more features to love: an adjustable two-position footrest (so you’ll be able to position baby safely for eating) and a tray that’s both easy to get on and off and dishwasher-safe.

Best Affordable High Chair – Ikea Antilop – $29.99

There’s no denying the beautiful simplicity and unbelievable affordability of this IKEA high chair. At just under $30, this no-frills chair is sturdy, compact and a breeze to clean thanks to the molded plastic surface. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to move around. Lots of families keep one of these at grandma’s house since it’s easy on the wallet and easy to store.

Best Convertible High Chair – Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair – $538

We’re not going to lie—we have a major soft spot for this Scandinavian classic that’s been around since 1972 and is still going strong. The Tripp Trapp checks all the right boxes: it’s stylish, ergonomic, durable, safe and lasts for years. Called a “chair for life,” it really can take you from the baby days all the way through the big kid years and beyond, eventually converting to a regular seat that holds up to 272 pounds. The simple beechwood design doesn’t scream “baby gear” and fits seamlessly into your home decor. It’s also really easy to keep clean. And unlike many high chairs, the Tripp Trapp is intended to be pulled right up to the table so everyone can eat together. (You can also purchase a tray separately if you’d like.)

Most Versatile High Chair – Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair – $189

Versatility is the name of the game with the Graco Table2Table. It has just the right setup for each stage of your child’s development, from infant to bigger kiddo. It works as a traditional high chair, an infant booster, a toddler booster and a youth chair, and also converts to a toddler-sized table and chair set. It’s designed with lots of thoughtful features like a convertible three- and five-point harness, a reclining seat, plenty of height and footrest adjustment options and one-handed tray removal. We also love that this chair can be used for two kids simultaneously; the included booster seat can be used for the big sibling while the high chair can be used with your little one at the same time.

Best Portable High Chair – Inglesina Fast Table Chair – $99

If you travel or go out to eat a lot, or simply don’t have the space for a traditional high chair, the Inglesina Fast Table Chair is a great option. This 4.2-pound parent favorite clamps right to the end of most tables and countertops. Although it’s small, it still boasts features that provide maximum comfort, like a high backrest and padded seat. Use it at home, at restaurants, on vacation or anywhere your child needs to eat food you’ve lovingly cut into small pieces that they undoubtedly will throw on the floor.

Best High Chair for Small Spaces – Fisher Price SpaceSaver High Chair – $75

If your living space can’t accommodate a full-size high chair, this space-saving chair that attaches onto most dining chairs is a good, really affordable choice. There are lots of features that mimic a full-size seat like a three-position recline feature (which comes in handy for younger babies) and two height adjustments. The tray is easy to remove with one hand and features a deep dish to help prevent food from flying off of it. We also like that it lasts through the toddler years by converting into a booster seat.

Best Baby Led Weaning High Chair – Nomi High Chair – $599

If you’re planning on doing baby-led weaning (a way of introducing solids that skips over purées and spoon-feeding and focuses instead on self-feeding and finger foods), you’ll want to pay extra attention to the ergonomics of the high chair you choose and the proper positioning of your baby while eating. The Nomi, created by the same designer who invented the Stokke Tripp Trapp in 1972, was created with exactly these things in mind. Based on the idea that children need a safe and stable platform from which to move, it features a supportive base, an adjustable footrest and pulls right up to the table. Other pros: it’s super easy to clean and doesn’t trap food (a must-have for baby-led weaning!) and converts to a regular seat that holds up to 330 pounds.

Best Foldable High Chair – Baby Jogger City Bistro High Chair – $349

Lots of parents like the idea of a full-size high chair but don’t have the kitchen or dining space to accommodate one at all times. The City Bistro solves for this—it folds down to 80% of its size than when it’s unfolded, making it super compact and easy to tuck away next to a counter or even in a closet. Other than the fold, which is definitely this seat’s standout feature, there are a few other things to love about the City Bistro. The seat is covered by a really comfy pad that’s stain resistant and machine washable. There’s calf support, a dishwasher-safe tray and a five-point harness. Two other unique things we loved are the tray storage on the back (the tray clips right onto the back of the high chair when folded, keeping everything organized) and that the chair stands independently when folded.

Best Easy to Clean High Chair – Boon Grub Dishwasher Safe Adjustable High Chair – $199

Ever wish you could simply toss your entire high chair right into the dishwasher? (You will after only a few weeks of introducing your baby to solids, trust us.) Meet the Boon Grub. Both the tray and the seat are dishwasher safe, and we could not be happier about that. Other things we love include the adjustable tray and a five-position footrest and that you can use this high chair either at table- or counter-height, a valuable feature that’s not common in many other seats. The Grub converts from a high chair to a toddler seat and will work until your little one hits 50 pounds.

Best Travel High Chair – Bombol Pop-Up Booster – $175

Nope, the Bombol isn’t a cool piece of origami art—it’s (an also very cool) travel high chair! This 3D seat just might be the way of the future when it comes to traveling and eating out with your baby in tow. It’s incredibly light, weighing in at two and a half pounds, so carrying it around is super convenient. It holds a child up to 75 pounds and the seat’s fabric is stain, abrasion and odour-proof. And the coolest part? It folds flat to about the size of a large book. You can easily slip it into a diaper bag or a tote and be on your way. When it’s time to eat, simply pop it open, lock it in place, secure it to your chair and you’re good to go. (And yes, it’s incredibly sturdy. We tried it!)

Best High Chair with Easy Tray – 4Moms Connect High Chair – $479

There’s something about mealtime with kids that’s a special brand of hectic. By the time it’s over, you need cleanup to be as quick and seamless as possible, and you often need to get it done with a baby on your hip. That’s why we love the 4moms Connect. The tray connects with magnets and slides effortlessly on and off with one hand. It may not sound like a big deal, but trust us—it’s a big deal. The chair reclines, so you’ll be able to use it before baby can sit up unassisted, and it eventually converts to a toddler chair with a maximum weight of 60 pounds. There are also a lot of adjustment options to ensure the proper fit, including three height and three tray positions.

Best Swivelling High Chair – Munchkin 360 Cloud High Chair – $200

Starting solids with your baby is about exposing them to lots of different foods, but it’s also about sharing the experience of mealtime together. The Munchkin 360 high chair has a unique swivelling seat that makes interacting with your baby during meals a lot easier. The other feature that sets the 360 apart is its sleek, modern design. The seat is completely clear, which not only looks cool but is pretty effortless to clean. (There’s a removable cushion if you’d like to add that on as well.)