We LOVE all the modern, stylish options available for high chairs today. This expert buying guide covers 12 picks for the best high chairs for your baby in 2024.With so many options available, selecting the high chair model that’s best for youand your baby isn’t always easy. This post will help you make an informed buyingdecision, as we discuss what high chair features are necessary (and not!), thedifferent types of high chairs to consider, high chair safety tips, and where to buythe best high chairs today.
Medically reviewed and co-written by Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
In this guide, you’ll find: show
High Chairs for Baby
When it comes to baby gear, a high chair is typically one item that will be used more frequently and for a longer period of time than most other products. Starting at about 6 months and slowly progressing to 3 meals and a couple of snacks a day, you’ll get to spend a lot of time learning the ins and outs of your little one’s chair. So, we think you owe it to yourself to know your options before buying that first cute chair you see.
Using a high chair for meals and snacks is a great way to set the stage for structure and routines involving food. Your baby will start to learn that it is time to eat when placed in the chair at certain times of the day. They will start to understand that we don’t just eat anywhere in the house, all day long (ideally). Giving your baby their own seat also gives you two free hands, so you can eat yourself, be closer to eye level with baby, and model good eating habits.
Related
Ultimate Guide to Baby Food Purees
Types of High Chairs
Full-Size High Chair
Also called a traditional or standard high chair, it’s basically a seat with four long legs. They may be very basic or have options to adjust, but they typically won’t have the space-saving feature of a foldable high chair or the portability of a travel high chair.
Foldable High Chair
Designed to be able to fold in half, so that it can be stored out of the way when not in use.
Transitional High Chair
Often called a convertible high chair, it may look like a typical high chair but can also separate into multiple seating options for toddlers and young kids.
Travel/Portable High Chair
Designed for storage and transportability, and are usually smaller or able to assemble and disassemble easily.
Wooden High Chair
Often made from sustainable materials; many newer models are also designed with ergonomics and longevity in mind, so that babies, toddlers, and even adults can use it.
Related
Complete Guide to Baby-Led Weaning
Frequently Asked Questions
When does baby need a high chair?
Your baby doesn’t need a high chair until they are sitting upright, with good head and trunk control. This typically occurs around the age of 6 months, around the time it is recommended to start solid foods.
Does the high chair need a footrest?
Short answer? Not necessarily. But can a footrest make it easier to eat? Absolutely! A stable, adjustable footrest helps create a solid foundation for eating. When your baby has good postural support at the hips, knees, and ankles, it also supports the head and neck, which makes chewing, swallowing, and even reaching for food much easier.
If your high chair doesn’t have a footrest, you can place a step stool or large cardboard box underneath the chair. Or if the current footrest is too low and nonadjustable, you can fasten a tissue box, a thick book, or a pool noodle to the footrest.
How long can I use a high chair?
The recommended age and weight limits will vary from chair to chair, but most parents seem to use high chairs for about 2-3 years. (This may not include convertible models and does not include models that are designed to adjust to adults.)
What if my baby starts choking while in their high chair?
Safety harnesses on high chairs are designed to be quickly released, so that if your baby starts choking, you can easily get them out of the chair. Always use safety harnesses with babies and toddlers. Make sure you know infant CPR and how to help your baby before starting solid foods.
My baby seems to be leaning/reclining backwards in the chair. What can I do?
Some chairs seem to have a slight recline to them or may just be a little big for your baby in the beginning stages of eating, which prevents your baby’s shoulders from being aligned over their hips for good postural support. Placing a folded towel behind their back or pelvis in the chair can help with positioning to shift their weight forward.
Features to Consider
There are many features to consider when choosing a high chair and these features will vary depending on your specific needs. Here are a few of the most common to think about:
- Size – most chairs will have a broad base for added stability and safety, but you’ll have to look at specific measurements depending on your space
- Weight – do you need to move it from one room to another or simply move it a few inches to clean?
- Ease of cleaning – do you want removeable seat cushions or simply a chair to wipe clean?
- Ability to grow with you – some chairs are useable until toddlerhood, while others can be used into adulthood
- Lifestyle – does your family eat mostly at home or do you enjoy dining out? You may decide you like one chair for home and a different one for on-the-go
- Cost – many great chairs are available at a reasonable cost, and keep in mind that many higher priced models can be used for multiple kids over decades
Things to Look for in a High Chair
- Adjustable safety straps – typically younger babies will use a 5-point harness and a 3-point harness can be used with older babies and toddlers
- Crotch post – keeps baby from slipping and sliding out from underneath the tray
- Back support
- Footrest that’s adjustable or has the ability to easily add one
- Broad, stable base
- Locks for wheels (if the chair has them)
- Tray – this one is optional; if you don’t want to use a tray, make sure the seat of your chair can adjust to match the height of your table
Best High Chairs for Baby
Best Full-Size High Chair: Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair
Bet Foldable High Chair: HAN-MM High Chair Folding
Best Transitional High Chair: Tripp Trapp High Chair from Stokke
Best Travel High Chair: hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat with Tray for Baby
Best Budget High Chair: Evenflo 4-in-1 Eat & Grow Convertible High Chair
Best Wooden High Chair: Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray
Best Lux High Chair: Nomi High Chair
Best Counter High Chair: Inglesina Fast Table Chair
Related
Best Spoons for Baby
Safety Considerations When Shopping for a High Chair
High chair safety is very important. A 2013 study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that more than 9,400 children were treated each year for an injury associated with a high chair or booster seat. Keep in mind the following safety tips:
High Chair Safety Tips
- Use the safety straps every time. Only chairs with either a 3-point or 5-point harness and a crotch strap or post should be used. Do not rely on the tray to keep your baby or toddler in the seat.
- Teach your little one how to use their high chair appropriately during meal time. Don’t allow climbing, playing on, or standing in the chair.
- Keep the area around the high chair clear. Watch out for tablecloths, curtains, electrical appliance cords, or sharp silverware that could be within reach. Use caution when placing close to a table, counter or a wall, as the chair could be knocked over by kicking feet into these objects.
- Make sure the chair is stable and that wheels are locked into place if applicable. Chairs with wide bases are often more stable.
- Always supervise during mealtimes to prevent your little one from trying to escape from their chair.
- Check for recalls to ensure that your chair does not have any known injury hazards. You can check www.recalls.gov.
Top 12 High Chairs
Tripp Trapp High Chair from Stokke
Key Features
- 5-point safety harness
- Adjustable seat and footplate
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe seat
- Gliders for stability
Weight: 15.4 pounds
Age: 6 months – adults (the baby set with a removable harness is recommended for ages 6-36 months); maximum weight recommendation for the chair is 242 pounds
Height Adjustments: both seat and footplate are adjustable
Why Our Experts Love It
This chair provides excellent back and foot support for any age, which helps little ones stay comfortable in their chair longer for meals. It’s easy to clean and its timeless design fits well with most decors.
Pros & Cons
Pros – the longevity of this chair is unbeatable, the adjustable seat and footplate help bring baby right up to the table, available in a variety of colors, and has a simple modern design
Cons – one of the more expensive options on our list, purchasing a tray or cushion for the baby set costs extra
Parents Review
This high chair is amazingly easy to clean. I have had the conventional high chairs (and just as expensive as this chair) but it had so many nooks and crannies to clean food out of… a headache. Especially if you’re doing baby-led weaning. Another thing that I love is that the foot rest is adjustable and my baby can put their feet on it for support. And it fits perfectly at the dining table. AND it doesn’t look baby-ish. I think it’s an all around win. Just get this chair and don’t look back.
-Patricia Diaz
Tripp Trapp High Chair from Stokke
The Tripp Trapp Chair was specifically designed to allow freedom of movement as your child grows. It’s available in a wide range of colors and two wood finishes, guaranteed to look beautiful in any setting.
Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair
Key Features
- Convertible 3-point and 5-point harness
- Front locking wheels
- Removable seat insert
- 6 height positions
Weight: 32.5 pounds
Age: infant – 6 years old; highchair recommended for children up to 40 pounds, toddler booster and youth chair recommended for children up to 60 pounds
Height Adjustments: 6 height positions adjust to your growing child’s needs, 3 position adjustable footrest
Why Our Experts Love It
We love that the Graco Blossom 6 in 1 can be used as a traditional Highchair, with a removable infant booster, a youth chair, and a toddler booster. Its one-hand removable tray is an added bonus for busy parents who have their hands full.
Pros & Cons
Pros – seat pad is wipeable and machine-washable, infant body support helps keep your infant in a comfortable position for feeding, variety of adjustable options for height and footrest, and can seat two kids at once, making it great for parents of multiples
Cons – does not fold for storage, bulkier and heavier than other models
Parents Review
I loooove this high chair! It was super easy to put together, it looks pretty comfy, the recline is perfect for my husband to bottle feed, it’s adjustable in height, it wheels around, and I love that the tray is dishwasher safe! My little muffin enjoys playing with his toys on the tray sitting up and eating reclined back!
-Katie
Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair
The Graco Blossom 6-in-1 chair offers multiple seating options from infant to toddler. It transforms seamlessly from an infant high chair to a traditional baby high chair, an infant booster, a toddler booster, and finally a youth chair.
HAN-MM High Chair Folding
Key Features
- One click folding chair
- Detachable double tray
- 3-point harness
- Adjustable footrest
- 3 in 1 convertible high chair
Weight: 11 pounds
Age: 6 months – 3 years (maximum weight recommendation = 50 pounds)
Height Adjustments: two height adjustments for the infant high chair and the toddler/kids chair
Why Our Experts Love It
This minimalist and modern looking high chair is easy to clean, lightweight and a space-saver, due to its ability to fold and store with one click. The 3 in 1 convertible feature makes it suitable for 6 months to 3 years.
Pros & Cons
Pros – foldable feature, great for small spaces, easy to clean (including dishwasher safe tray insert), affordable
Cons – does not provide a foot rest when used in the kid/play chair position, no padding option for younger babies
Parents Review
We are LOVING this 3-in-1 easy to fold high chair! My toddler loves chair height , she loves being closer to the floor but also somedays loves being high up like a average highchair! This is was so easy to assemble and also easy to clean and STURDY! I would recommend this product.
-Nicole
HAN-MM High Chair Folding
This modern high chair can be converted to a baby chair, toddler chair, or a kids chair for 6 months – 3 years. This highchair has your growing child covered, making it easy to find the right position to suit your baby.
Related
Guide to Baby Food Stages
Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray
Key Features
- Adjustable seat and foot plate
- Adjustable 3-point and 5-point harness
- Easy to clean, removable tray cover
- Stain-resistant, waterproof, and removable cushions
Weight: 17 pounds
Age: 6 months – adult; maximum weight recommendation = 250 pounds
Height Adjustments: both seat and foot plate are adjustable
Why Our Experts Love It
We love this sturdy and modern wooden high chair for its ability to grow with your child from infancy all the way to adulthood. The Abiie chair boasts revolutionary EZ-Seat technology, which enables super quick seating adjustments (under 20 seconds!) and easy cleaning.
Pros & Cons
Pros – great longevity for a high chair, lower priced than other wooden chairs, removable seat cushion, and tray cover helps prevent the tray from easily staining foods
Cons – some reviewers have noted the tray is on the smaller side and may also not fit bigger babies as well (although you can also use this chair without a tray and pull up to the table due to its adjustable height)
Parents Review
I bought this for a friend of mine with an 8 month-old who will soon be adding another baby to her family. She picked it out from more expensive options and is very pleased with her choice. The chair is beautiful and cute and seats the baby completely securely. Assembly was easy and straightforward. Adjusting the seat and footrest is super quick. The design is elegant, the wood is sleek and smooth, and the seat and backrest slightly cushy and very easy to clean. It looks great at her dining room table; it made all of us smile, including the baby. I’m sure it will endure through many years of sturdy use.
-Dave
Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray
This eco-friendly, wooden adjustable high chair is made from top-quality European cultivated beech wood. The Abiie Beyond high chair is a perfect choice for your family that will last for many years to come.
Stokke Clikk High Chair
Key Features
- 5-point harness
- Foot rest offers 2 adjustable positions
- Lightweight
- Detachable and dishwasher safe tray
Weight: 10 pounds
Age: 6 months – 3 years; maximum weight recommendation = 33 pounds
Height Adjustments: 2 foot rest adjustments, chair height not adjustable
Why Our Experts Love It
This lightweight, modern style chair is a breeze to assemble and clean. We love the convenient travel bag that allows you to take your chair anywhere.
Pros & Cons
Pros – easy to assemble and clean, lightweight, includes four color options
Cons – tray is on the smaller side, only offers 2 options for foot rest adjustment, no options for converting to toddler chair or growing with child past 3 years
Parents Review
Just got this and so far we love it. It look like less than five minutes to put together. Everything just clicks into place. We got the cushion to go with it which I feel is essential because our baby is so small. The only thing that I wish was different was that the foot rest had more than just two options. It’s a beautiful modern clean looking high chair!
-Truman
Stokke Clikk High Chair
Ergonomically designed for toddlers 6-36 months or up to 33 lbs, this high chair includes 3 configurations for optimal seating, plus an adjustable foot rest. Optional cushion is available for added softness and comfort.
Related
EZPZ Happy Mat Review (Pros + Cons)
Evenflo 4-in-1 Eat & Grow Convertible High Chair
Key Features
- 4 Stages of use: infant high chair, toddler dining chair, toddler stand-alone chair, and kid table and chair
- 5-point safety harness
- Machine-washable seat pad
- Removeable tray
Weight: 11.6 pounds
Age: 6 months – 5 years; maximum weight recommendation = 50 pounds
Height Adjustments: two heights (can be used in the high chair position or toddler dining chair position)
Why Our Experts Love It
We love this chair for its versatility at a great price. It’s also quick and easy to assemble and disassemble.
Pros & Cons
Pros – lightweight yet stable, convertible options grow with baby to toddler, available in 3 patterns, affordable
Cons – limited space for a foot rest and foot rest not adjustable, tray has to be tilted slightly when removed, so may cause some spilling if food is left on it
Parents Review
I love this highchair!! I’ve spent alot of money on “decent” highchair and this one has been far better then my others and half the cost! And my kids love that it converts to a play table! Super easy to clean! Doesnt stain. I dont know how many times pizza sauce has sat for a couple hours and it just wiped right off. Very very sturdy!! I bought two! My one daughter is disabled and this gives her great support!
-Joesze
Evenflo 4-in-1 Eat & Grow Convertible High Chair
Converts with ease through 4 modes that adapt to your growing and increasingly independent child. This sturdy chair is appropriate for 6 months of age all the way up to 50 pounds.
IKEA ANTILOP
Key Features
- 3-point harness
- Removeable tray
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean and assemble
Weight: 7.9 pounds
Age: 6 months – 3 years; maximum weight recommendation = 33 pounds
Height Adjustments: chair is nonadjustable
Why Our Experts Love It
This no-fuss high chair has become quite popular for good reason. It’s incredibly affordable, easy to clean, and quick to assemble and disassemble. It’s also stackable, making it a helpful space saver for parents of multiples. You can easily customize the chair with add-ons and many youtube videos are available to help with hacks for the chair.
Pros & Cons
Pros – the most affordable on our list, easy to clean, ability to customize and add options (many products are available to use specifically with the Ikea Antilop, such as a chair cushion, silicone tray mat, and foot rest)
Cons – does not include a footrest, height of chair not adjustable, cannot be used past 3 years, tray can be tricky to take off
Parents Review
I just purchased my third Antilop high chair. I have one at home, one at the cabin and got one for a temporary winter destination. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble, stores in a small space and the price is right!
-Kim
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
Key Features
- Portable, collapsible design
- Lightweight
- 3-point harness
- Fits tables up to 3.5 inches thick
Weight: 4.2 pounds
Age: 6 months to 36 months; maximum weight recommendation = 37 pounds
Height Adjustments: chair is nonadjustable
Why Our Experts Love It
The Inglesina Fast Table Chair has quick and secure twist-tight coupling to give your baby a seat at the table. We love its portable, collapsible design and integrated travel-friendly carry bag for dining out or trips.
Pros & Cons
Pros – lightweight, washable, travels well, includes a convenient storage pocket for access to wipes, snacks or toys
Cons – no footrest, disassembling and washing the cover can be time consuming, so may not work well for use multiple times in one day, may not fit all table thicknesses
Parents Review
I love love love love this chair. We have taken it to vacations, daytime trips and in-laws houses. Its great because its super sturdy. Easy to assemble and it has never failed. I do however put a chair under just for my own peace of mind! but overall this works much better at restaurants than the high chair they provide. As far as cleaning goes, it is a little bit difficult to clean as in, the belt especially and the velcro but it makes up for it by being a reliable chair for any place outside the home.
-Lily
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
This is an award winning convenient baby high chair for taking on-the-go. It can be used at most tables or restaurants without leaving scratches.
hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat with Tray for Baby
Key Features
- 3-point harness
- Lightweight and portable
- Attachable, non-skid duck feet for added stability on uneven surfaces
- Dishwasher safe swivel tray
- Removeable and machine washable cover
Weight: 4.19 pounds
Age: 6 months – 36 months; maximumweightrecommendation = 45 pounds
Height Adjustments: nonadjustable but can be used on the floor or strapped to a dining room chair
Why Our Experts Love It
This travel-friendly chair includes a rear pocket for bibs and spoons, plus a shoulder carry bag. We love the removeable swivel tray for easy use.
Pros & Cons
Pros – folds down easily for travel, machine washable cover, removeable swivel tray to easily get your little one in and out of the chair
Cons – no foot rest if used on a dining room chair, even with tip-over prevention “duck feet,” caution should be used to make sure chair is safely attached with additional straps on a dining room chair
Parents Review
This is the coolest piece of baby gear I’ve seen in a long time. It is perfect for restaurant outings and everyone who sees it wants to know where it came from. My grandson loves it and we love that it’s so portable. The little bag it comes in makes it so easy to take it everywhere. And I can’t forget to mention the tray. It’s so much more sanitary that having him eat from the restaurant table, since he doesn’t use utensils yet. We can just put food on his tray and we know it’s been properly cleaned. I haven’t put the tray in the dishwasher yet, but clean it with hot soapy water.
-Tricia
hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat with Tray for Baby
This portable chair provides a safe space for babies to sit, eat, and play. It quickly and securely straps onto any type of adult chair for family mealtimes at tables or provides a safe floor seat at outdoor events or during play time.
Bloom Fresco White High Chair
Key Features
- 5-point harness
- 360-degree rotation
- 3 recline positions – fully lie-flat newborn cradle, semi recline, and upright seat
- Adjustable height and foot rest
Weight: 33 pounds
Age: newborn (in the reclined position) – 8 years; maximum weight recommendation = 79 pounds
Height Adjustments: both seat and foot rest are adjustable
Why Our Experts Love It
The Bloom Fresco high chair is definitely the most unique looking chair on our list. We appreciate that this chair can easily adjust from cradle mode for resting to semi-recline for bottle-feeding to a fully upright position with the light-touch handle.
Pros & Cons
Pros – dishwasher safe tray, wheels concealed in base for easy movement, 10 colored seat pad options
Cons – the most expensive on our list, limited longevity relative to its higher price, time consuming to assemble
Parents Review
I love the fact that it swivels and my baby can watch me do things all over the first floor of our house. It looks great, is very sturdy which was my number one requirement and Is super easy to assemble, use and clean!
-Tami
Bloom Fresco White High Chair
This completely customizable chair is ready to grow with your family. The pneumatic up/down height adjustment makes it easy to pull it up to the table or breakfast bar.
Nomi High Chair
Key Features
- 5-point safety harness
- Adjustable seat and foot plate
- Extensions and wheels on rear chair legs to prevent tipping
- Easy to clean
Weight: 14.8 pounds
Age: 6 months – 24 months for Nomi high chair, 24 months – adult for Nomi chair; maximum weight recommendation = 330 pounds
Height Adjustments: both seat and foot plate are adjustable
Why Our Experts Love It
We love this sleek Scandinavian designed chair for its comfortable and ergonomic positioning for babies all the way to adulthood. The foot rest seamlessly adjusts without tools as your baby grows.
Pros & Cons
Pros – easy to clean, quick adjustability, available in many color options, can be used into adulthood
Cons – one of the most expensive chairs on our list, purchasing a seat cushion or tray is an additional cost
Parents Review
This chair is just perfect. It’s great for baby led weaning and as something that’ll grow with your baby. The foot rest and seat adjusts so baby can actually sit with feet supported. It’s very easy to wipe down after meals. The design is very different from regular high chairs but that’s why it works so well. This can truly be used into toddlerhood and teaching baby how to sit independently at meal times. It is pricey but well worth it when you realize how much use you can get out of it. Assembling it was easy and can be done with just one person.
-Kelly
Nomi High Chair
Nomi can be used from birth with the addition of the Nomi Baby attachment. Then, it easily transforms from high chair to chair so your child is positioned in the most ergonomic position from newborn through the toddler years and beyond.
Dream On Me Nibble Wooden Compact High Chair
Key Features
- 4 point adjustable foot rest
- 5-point harness
- Removeable tray
- Non-skid feet
Weight: 13 pounds
Age: 6 months – 3 years; maximum weight recommendation infant high chair = 33 pounds, maximum weight recommendation junior stool chair = 55 pounds
Height Adjustments: chair is nonadjustable, foot rest does have 4 adjustable options
Why Our Experts Love It
This high chair is stylish, durable, and lightweight. We love the safe and adjustable 5-point harness and 4-point adjustable foot rest. Also converts to a junior stool chair for ages 4-5 years.
Pros & Cons
Pros – easy to clean, non-toxic seat cover, adjustable foot rest, comes in 4 color options, lightweight
Cons – wide base takes up more space, junior stool chair does not offer a backrest
Parents Review
First off this high chair is just so pretty to look at!! It’s aesthetically pleasing and goes with my house style! It was pretty easy and straight forward to put together but did take about 20 minutes to do. Easy to do by yourself. My little one seems comfortable in it which is good. It is easy to clean and take apart. It’s adjustable to accommodate a growing baby!!
-Olivia
Dream On Me Nibble Wooden Compact High Chair
Made from sleek beechwood, this chair is aesthetically pleasing. The comfy, padded seat is made of PU fabric, which is extremely durable, lightweight, and non-toxic.
Graco Made2Grow 6 in 1 High Chair
Key Features
- 6 growing stages from infant to big kid
- Convertible 3-point and 5-point harness
- Foldable for storage
- Machine-washable seat pad
- Dishwasher safe tray insert
Weight: 20 pounds
Age: newborns – 6 years old; high chair maximumweight recommendation = 40 pounds, toddler booster maximum weight = 60 pounds
Height Adjustments: high chair and foot rest are both nonadjustable
Why Our Experts Love It
We love the versatility of the Graco Made2Grow 6-in-1 Highchair. It offers 6 growing stages from infant to big kid, along with infant head support and 3 recline positions for early comfort.
Pros & Cons
Pros – folds for easy storage, convertible options grow with baby to young child, reasonably priced
Cons – chair height and foot rest are nonadjustable, no backrest in toddler booster or big kid chair position
Parents Review
I absolutely love this highchair. I only had it a few weeks but it seems sturdy and baby loves sitting in it. I love that it has 6 different settings and it’s super easy and convenient to just take the top part off and take it along when you go out to eat or whatever!
-Mernie
Graco Made2Grow 6 in 1 High Chair
The Graco Made2Grow 6-in-1 High chair offers 6 growing stages from infant to big kid. This high chair can even seat two kids at once to grow with your family.
