A tray makes it possible to feed your baby in any room of the house (to begin with, we recommend having lunch in the easiest room to clean) and doubles up as a play surface for toys and drawing. Adjustable seats mean you can choose a height that’s comfortable for you from which to assist baby eat.
What else do I need to buy?
So you’ve chosen a high chair, now what? Regardless of whether you’re spoon-feeding your baby or going down the path of baby-led weaning, there are a couple of essentials you’ll need. These include bowls, spoons, a cup and bibs. It helps to have at least two of each so one can be washed while the other is being used. There are dozens of options to choose from, but we recommend a pair of plastic, bamboo, or silicone bowls; a plate with compartments; a pair of training spoons; a sippy cup; a pair of bibs with a catch tray (also typically made of silicone); and a pair of wearable bibs for when you’re ready to let them get messy. You could also opt for a weaning mat, which sits underneath the high chair to catch all the falling food to make cleaning up that little bit easier.
How we test high chairs
Every high chair in our roundup below has been tested by our reviewers in their homes with the help of their own babies. This allows us to make a complete assessment of each model, from how easy a highchair is to assemble, how it looks, how sturdy and secure it feels with baby sitting in it, and how easy and hygienic it is to clean. Real-life testing such as this allows us to deliver a fair and honest account of our experience, while also identifying any smaller issues that might arise in day to day use of a product.
In addition, we include a range of designs in our tests, from high chairs that can be completely folded down for easy storage, to those that grow with your baby for extra longevity, and travel options for times you’re visiting family or taking a holiday. Also highlighted at the end of each review are key details such as dimensions, weight, and age suitability.
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The best high chairs you can buy in 2023
1. Stokke Nomi: Best high chair for long-term use
Price when reviewed: £239 | Check price at John Lewis
For years, the iconic Stokke Tripp Trapp won over the hearts of countless families who wanted a chair that would grow with their child, but now the brand has outdone itself with the Nomi – a high chair that can be used from birth right up to adulthood. While the fundamentals of both chairs are similar, the Nomi feels more streamlined, provides better support, and – in our tester’s opinion – has a more comfortable seat, making it the superior option.
For young babies, parents can purchase the newborn set, which allows your little one to be close to you in every room – whether that’s the kitchen, at the table, in the office, or while you’re getting ready in the bathroom. The baby set can then be used from six months. This includes a scooped-out seat, made from wipe-clean recyclable plastic, which provides exceptional back and side support for little ones as they learn to sit and eat with you. As your child grows, the Nomi becomes a chair that’s perfect for desks, reading, activities at the table, and so much more. The seat and footrest offer supreme comfort and can be adjusted at the simple twist of a knob.
Cleaning couldn’t be easier, either. With no PVC or fabric, or pockets or corners in which crumbs can become stuck, everything can be wiped down with ease. After weeks of use, ours looks as clean as the day it arrived.
The lightweight chair sits on anti-tilt wheels, which make it easy to move it from room to room, but which also prevent the chair from tipping over, no matter how active your toddler might be at dinnertime. The harness offers extra security – this is considered an “extra” and is perhaps something (in our opinion) that should just be included as standard.
Yes, the Stokke commands a hefty price tag – particularly when you consider all the add-ons. But taking into account that this chair will serve for a good number of years, we think it’s worth the investment.
Key specs – Height: 83.5cm; Weight: 4.68kg; Other: Optional newborn set, baby set, harness, and cushion; Age: Birth to adult (max weight, 150kg)
