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The Best High Chairs for Baby, Tested by Parents and Infants

These stylish, practical high chairs earned top marks from real parents who put them to the ultimate test: messy mealtimes with their little ones!
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profile picture of Elizabeth Narins
Updated July 30, 2024
mother feeding laughing baby in high chair
Image: Kristen Curette & Daemaine Hines | Stocksy United
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In a nutshell
Based on feedback from our independent product testers, a survey of over 300 members of The Bump community and advice from a baby gear expert and a pediatrician, we chose the Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair as the overall best high chair. It stood out because of its easy-to-use multiple configurations, affordable price point and wipe-clean surfaces.

The best high chairs offer baby a safe place to sit, play and graze as they progress from bottles to bite-sized snacks and, finally, to full meals. But some are more comfortable, stylish and simpler to clean and adjust than others. I would know: As a product tester and mom of two, I’ve served hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of meals to both my baby and toddler in a wide variety of high chairs (and table booster seats, and portable high chairs—ask me anything!).

So what qualities do you actually need in a high chair? Rebekah Kimminau, a certified child passenger safety technician and baby gear expert, tells us, “The most important features in a high chair from a safety perspective is how supportive it is and what posture it holds the baby’s body in.” A sturdy, anti-tip base and safety restraint straps are a must, but thankfully all new high chairs are now required to have by law. Our favorite high chairs for babies strike a balance between safety and comfort, without sacrificing on style. Thanks to many brands that now prioritize aesthetics right alongside practicality, your high chair no longer has to be an eyesore that you can’t wait for your kid to outgrow. Keep reading to discover the best high chairs for babies and toddlers following extensive testing—including this year’s Best of The Bump winners.

How We Tested and Chose the Best High Chairs

Image: Madison S., Brooke E., Mannibell M.

The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify 24 leading high chairs on the market, and chose a shortlist of 18 products to test. From there:

  • We enlisted the help of 18 parents to use and review the baby high chairs. With the help of their hungry children, these independent product testers assessed these high chairs for ease of use, safety, ease of cleaning, effectiveness and features, multi-stage functionality, style and design, and value for money.
  • We interviewed a pediatrician and baby gear consultant to better understand what features parents should look for in a high chair.
  • We checked scientific research and recent law changes regarding highchair safety from the CPSC. We also followed advice from the AAP and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on infant feeding to ensure the high chairs we’ve recommended meet the latest safety requirements.
  • We surveyed 300 members of The Bump community and asked them to rate the high chairs they’ve used with their own kids and comment on their overall experience.
  • We researched what was being said about high chairs in The Bump community forums to learn what parents liked and disliked about specific styles and brands. - Because every family’s experience is different, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these high chairs performed for parents across the country.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

The Best High Chairs to Shop

Overall best high chair for baby

Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair
Image: Target
What We Love
  • Transitional 7-in-1 design
  • Highly adjustable
  • Easy to clean
  • Good value for long-lasting chair
Things To Consider
  • Some parents say the tray is tricky to attach

Thanks to some pretty clutch features and impressive performance, the Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 Chair remains our choice for overall best high chair for the second year. It’s a highly adaptable seat that can be used from infancy to the 6-year mark, featuring a multi-mode design that can convert from a traditional high chair to booster seat, raised toddler seat and even a toddler seat-and-table combo, to name a few. Brands love to tout as many modes as possible these days, but we found the Table2Table offers truly distinct configurations that are useful and easy to use—no marketing ploys here! “It transforms into multiple configurations and it does so with ease and absolutely no tools needed,” our product tester Brooke reported. “Both my 10-month-old and my almost 4-year-old were able to use the seat comfortably.”

Image: Brooke E.

Brooke rated the Table2Table 10 out of 10, not just for multifunctionality, but across all categories, including ease of use. “Instructions were clear and easy to understand, making set up time quick and painless,” she told us. “Getting my little one in and out was also just as easy!” This easily adjustable high chair has five seat height options, three footrest positions and three recline positions. The tray can be removed with one hand and stored on the back of the chair or folded up with the rest of the chair, and can go straight into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The seat pad is also removable and machine-washable. “The chair itself is easily wiped down with a rag or baby wipe. Keeping the tray clean is pretty easy /[too],” Brooke told us. “There are some crevices that food finds its way to on the actual chair, but they’re easy to get to and clean!” Not only that, but this folding high chair is a breeze to tuck away when mealtime is over. “Once we’re done using it, only two steps fold the high chair up to store,” she said.

If that’s not all, all this convenience and versatility comes in at an affordable price point of $200, clinching it a Best of The Bump award for overall best high chair. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

Dimensions: 24" (L) x 27" (W) x 44" (H) | Weight: 25 lbs. | Age range: Up to 6 years | Weight capacity: 40 lbs. (high chair); 60 lbs. (booster) | Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes | Tester set-up time: 10 minutes

Our product tester says:
“You’ll never have to buy another high chair for your child—this literally has it all. The quality is fabulous and the durability is unmatched.”

Buy Now

Best newborn high chair

What We Love
  • Fully reclining seat safely accommodates newborns
  • Seat adjusts to nine different positions
  • Has locking wheels and a compact fold
  • 12+ color and pattern options
Things To Consider
  • High price point

When can babies begin using high chairs? If you’ve got the Peg Perego Siesta, they can join you at the table from day one! It’s not safe to place babies in a standard, upright high chair until they can sit up unassisted—but the Siesta’s true-flat recliner mode and adjustable footrest means you can safely have your newborn next to you at mealtimes. While plenty of high chairs on the market recline, it’s much rarer to find one that reclines fully flat, helping the Siesta win a Best of The Bump award for best newborn high chair.

Our tester Mannibell was a fan of this newborn high chair’s safety features, telling us that they were “the best part.” She appreciated how easy it was to put on and take off the five-point harness that, while in use, “stays in place and secure,” she said. What’s more, wheels that lock let you pull baby right up to the table without worrying that a sloped floor or mischievous toddler will take them for a surprise ride.

Once baby does begin sitting up and eating, you’ll love the seat’s mess-resistant surface. “It's easy to wipe off, and it doesn't have small spaces in which food can get stuck in,” Mannibell reported. “The material of the cushion doesn’t let anything smear in, and I love that with a wipe, everything goes away.” The tray can be removed with one hand and stored on the back of the chair. Plus, thanks to its compact fold, the Siesta is a cinch to store. “We don’t have that much space in this apartment, but I’m able to fit this chair anywhere after use,” Mannibell shared.

All in all, the Peg Perego Siesta made a big impression on Mannibell, who rated it 10 out of 10 across categories like ease of use and versatility. While this newborn high chair is on the more expensive side, Mannibell felt that its features warrant the price—especially since it can be used from birth through to toddlerhood. With more than a dozen color options, Mannibell found it “stylish and trendy,” and, most importantly, “worth every penny!”

Dimensions: 29.8" (L) x 23.8" (W) x 41.5" (H) | Weight: 24 lbs. | Age range: 0 months to 3 years | Weight capacity: 70 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes | Tester set-up time: 5 minutes

Our product tester says:
“My child sat very comfortably …He had another chair that he didn’t like to sit in for more than five minutes, but this high chair is different. He stays calm and happy all the way ‘til he ends his meal.”

Our community says:

We have the Peg Perego high chair. […] It has a vinyl cover, which I highly recommend. It also folds, but we have never folded it since we started using it. It's held up very well and will be great for baby #2. – Halen0804, The Bump forum member

We have [had] the Peg Perego Siesta since my 1st, which we often used for him and it's great. – Tulips29, The Bump forum member

Buy Now

Best easy-to-clean high chair

What We Love
  • Easy-to-clean seat with dishwasher-friendly tray
  • 360-degree swivel seat
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Quick, easy assembly
Things To Consider
  • Doesn’t fold
  • Footrest isn’t adjustable

It’s no secret that babies and toddlers are messy eaters, so finding a high chair that’s easy to keep clean is a top priority for a lot of parents. If you count yourself among that majority, you can’t go wrong with the Munchkin 360 Cloud Baby High Chair, the Best of The Bump winner for best easy-to-clean high chair. According to our product tester Mallory, this seat was a piece of cake to sanitize; she awarded it a 10 out of 10 for ease of cleaning. You can pop the tray directly into the dishwasher, and because the sleek plastic bucket seat is completely free of any nooks or crannies, it’s ultra-easy to wipe down. The removable seat pad is super slim with very few crevices—meaning it’s not a magnet for crumbs—and parents say it’s easy to remove the harness straps if they get dirty. “I was very pleased with how well I was able to clean the high chair after a messy baby-led feeding meal,” Mallory shared.

Mallory also raved about how straightforward this high chair was to assemble; it took her less than two minutes. While the design only has one mode of use (it won’t convert into other functions like some options on our list), it still boasts impressive features that will make mealtime more seamless. One of these highlights is the 360-degree swivel seat, allowing you to feed and interact with your little love from every angle. Plus, “It was very easy to adjust to the height I wanted for my baby, and I was able to secure my baby with the belt easily and hassle-free,” Mallory added, rating it a 10 out of 10 for ease of use.

While the 360 Cloud doesn’t fold up for storage, “it doesn’t take up a lot of space,” Mallory said, and the chic, modern design won’t be an eyesore in your home. “I would absolutely recommend this product, as it’s stylish and practical to use at an affordable price point,” she summed up. So if you’re on the hunt for an easy-to-clean high chair that delivers on safety, comfort and aesthetics, this may just be the seat for you!

Dimensions: 28" (L) x 28" (W) x 40" (H) | Weight: 16 lbs. | Age range: 6 months to 3 years | Weight capacity: 33 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes | Tester set-up time: 2 minutes

Our product tester says:
“We are big fans of baby-led feeding, but that means mealtimes get messy. The cleanup of this high chair after a messy meal was smooth and easy.”

Buy Now

Best high chair for small spaces

Graco Everystep Slim 6-in-1 Highchair
Image: Target
What We Love
  • Slim, foldable frame
  • Converts from high chair to booster seat and step stool
  • Simple set up
Things To Consider
  • Footrest isn’t adjustable

When you’re living in tight quarters, a bulky high chair that’s permanently planted in your kitchen isn’t going to work. But the Graco Everystep Slim 6-in-1 Highchair will. At 17 inches wide, it’s notably narrower than any of the other options we tested (by about 3 inches), letting you maneuver around the high chair more easily. Not only that, but this foldable high chair can be stored when not in use, freeing up your precious space. Our product tester Stormie, a mom of two, loved the “sleek and not-bulky design” that doesn’t take up much room.

All that would be a strong argument for bestowing this pick a Best of The Bump award for best high chair for small spaces. But topping it off is the fact that this versatile seat can be used in six different modes, depending on your child’s age and stage—so rather than filling your house with several products, you can get one multi-use high chair that saves on space without sacrificing function. Over the months (and years), you can count on it to seamlessly transition from a baby high chair to a toddler booster seat and, finally, into a step stool for bigger kids. (Pro tip: You can use the booster and step stools separately, which is a big plus for those with multiple young children.) “All six formats that this high chair has were comfortable, easy to use and quick to set up,” Stormie said. “I feel this could be used in different ways for all ages of young children. My 5-year-old loved the step stool."

Image: Stormie S.

Stormie also gave the Everystep Slim high marks for ease of use and ease of cleaning. It took her about five minutes to set up, and it proved simple to get her baby in and out of the seat. “The height adjustment was very easy to use, and I liked this feature a lot!” she told us. Plus, between the dishwasher-safe tray and wipeable seat padding, it’s “simple and easy to clean,” according to Stormie. The final verdict: This slim high chair saves on space while still offering top-notch features that will grow with your family’s ever-changing needs. What’s not to love?

Dimensions: 28" (L) x 17" (W) x 40" (H) | Weight: 18 lbs. | Age range: 6+ months | Weight capacity: 40 lbs. (high chair); 60 lbs. (booster); 75 lbs. (step stool) | Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes | Tester set-up time: 5 minutes

Our product tester says:
“It’s a very sleek and not-bulky design, which I prefer so it doesn’t take up much space. …There are six different formats, and I could see myself using this until my oldest turns 7. I would definitely buy this product for myself and recommend it to other moms to put on their baby registries.”

Buy Now

Best wooden high chair

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
Image: Saks Fifth Avenue
What We Love
  • Made of durable European hardwood in a range of finishes
  • Minimal, Scandinavian-inspired style
  • Can be used for babies, toddlers and adults alike
Things To Consider
  • Heavy
  • Doesn’t fold
  • Tricky to adjust at times

Having a baby doesn’t have to mean bringing a bunch of bright plastic into your home if that’s not your style. The Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair, a perennial parent favorite, is made of European beech and oak wood and is beloved for its sleek, durable design. In fact, the seat was first launched in 1972, and some parents say theirs has lasted for decades! “[It'll] last for years (my grandma bought one for her grandchildren 25 years ago and still has it!),” gushed stellablue96, a member of The Bump forums. Small wonder, then, that the Tripp Trapp is our Best of The Bump winner for best wooden high chair.

Our product tester Danae, a mom of three, was a fan of the Tripp Trapp’s Scandi-chic vibe and awarded it a 10 out of 10 for style. But there’s more to this high chair than meets the eye—the adjustable seat design conveniently grows with your child. If you want to start using the Tripp Trapp right away, a newborn attachment (sold separately) lifts baby up to table height while keeping them reclined and cozy. Once they’re old enough to sit upright (around 6 months), you can buckle them right into the seat for mealtime. Older children can forgo the straps and tray and use it as a regular seat that slides right up to the table. And this convertible high chair doesn’t stop there. Because the high chair has a weight capacity of 242.5 pounds, penguingrrl, another member of The Bump forums, says that at parties “/[we] were able to set the high chairs up in 'adult chair' mode and have extra seating for our guests. I plan to keep these as playroom /[and] extra chairs for company long after the kids are done using them as everyday chairs." Talk about versatility!

Image: Danae C.

Of course, no chair can look good if it's perpetually a mess—but that won’t be an issue with the Tripp Trapp. Danae gave the convertible high chair top marks for ease of cleaning. “It wipes very easily, and I like that the tray is detachable so I can just clean it over the sink or dump leftovers into the trash.” Form and function in one package? It’s a win-win in our books!

Dimensions: 19.3" (L) x 18.1" (W) x 31.1" (H) | Weight: 15.4 lbs. | Age range: 6+ months | Weight capacity: 242 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes | Tester set-up time: 20 minutes

Our product tester says:
“I like that the /[optional] tray is detachable so my son is able to come right up to the table—or I can put the tray on and he can have his own space.”

Our community says:

%% QUOTE 1 % %

We love our Stokke Tripp Trapp! Yes, it's expensive, but we'll be using it for years. It adjusts to your child's EXACT size. – jsstrothmann, The Bump forum member

We love our Tripp Trapp; [it's] so easy to clean and I like that [it's] wood and not plastic. There's a separate play tray you can buy; [it's] pricey but I like it for the beginning stages of solids. I also love that this highchair can grow with [my little one]. – wifeyvana, The Bump forum member

Buy Now

Best folding high chair

 Baby Jogger City Bistro High Chair
Image: Walmart
What We Love
  • Easy to set up and fold down
  • Compact fold is 80% smaller than expanded size
  • Adjustable seat height and footrest
Things To Consider
  • Some ran into issues with the tray’s locking mechanism
  • A bit tricky to clean, according to some parents

A high chair that folds up easily is a must-have for families who store high chairs between uses. The Baby Jogger City Bistro High Chair, our Best of The Bump winner for best folding high chair, is bound to come in handy. You've probably heard of Baby Jogger's strollers (which have gained a reputation for providing practical solutions for urban spaces), and the brand’s foldable high chair definitely lives up to the tradition.

The sleek, modern design isn’t just nice to look at; it collapses to 80 percent smaller than its expanded size for easy storage. If that’s not all, it can be folded up in just two steps and stand on its own. This feature was a hit with our product tester Germany; in fact, out the 18 chairs we tested, it was the only high chair that was expressly praised by its tester for easy fold and compact storage. “It’s both stylish and practical, since we’re able to fold it down, and it’s very compact,” explained Germany, who awarded the City Bistro 10 out of 10 for features and style. “I also like that you can store the tray on the chair when it's folded down.”

Germany gave the City Bistro another perfect score for ease of use. The setup was so straightforward, she “barely used the instructions, and when I did, they were clear and easy to follow,” she told us. The seat height and footrest are both adjustable, so baby can sit at the level of your table. And while this high chair does have a cushioned seat, which “is a little more tedious to clean up,” Germany says “you can easily put it in the washer. It’s pretty easy to keep clean, and no food has gotten stuck so far.”

Bottom line: The Bistro is a stylish, easy-to-use high chair that boasts a simple, compact fold. If you’re looking for something that you can rely on during mealtime and then comfortably tuck away afterward, this one is sure to hit the mark.

Dimensions: 25" (L) x 19.5" (W) x 42" (H) | Weight: 18 lbs. | Age range: 6+ months | Weight capacity: 40 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes | Tester set-up time: 2 minutes

Our product tester says:
“I would recommend this chair because it’s both practical and stylish. …I especially love that it can fold down to a very compact design. It’s great for transporting around or just keeping it and storing it at home.”

Buy Now

Best affordable high chair

IKEA Antilop High Chair
Image: IKEA
Buying Options
IKEA |$19.99
What We Love
  • Affordable price point
  • Easy to wipe down
  • Stackable
Things To Consider
  • Height isn’t adjustable
  • Doesn’t fold
  • No footrest

The IKEA’s Antilop high chair costs less than your most recent grocery run—but it’ll last a lot longer. The Swedish retailer is well-known for their affordable yet stylish furniture, and the Antilop, our Best of The Bump winner for best affordable high chair, is no exception. Whereas most high chairs on this list hover around $200 and up, this pick rings it at a mere $20.

This perennial favorite is a solid, no-frills high chair. You can’t adjust or fold this one, and it doesn’t convert into multiple modes. But if you’re looking for a basic option that’s easy to use (and easy on your wallet), the Antilop really shines. Unlike other IKEA pieces, this high chair requires very little assembly and no tools at all; everything just snaps together. “Setting up the chair was quite easy. It came in four parts and took about five minutes,” reported our tester, Ariana. The chair boasts extra-large leg holes, which made it comfortable for Ariana’s son to sit in and easy for her to get him in and out of the chair. (Rest assured, that extra wiggle room shouldn’t be a point of worry: “The three-point harness secured my baby very well,” she said, adding that the high chair felt “very stable.”)

And when it comes time to clean up, the Antilop is a winner as well, scoring a 10 out of 10 in this category. “Unlike many other chairs, this high chair has a very simple design—no crevices, which makes it simple to wipe down.” Members of The Bump community forums agree that it’s a breeze to sanitize. One parent, muppet.fan, even said: “We used to pull it outside and just hose it down after super messy meals!"

Best of all, Ariana predicts the Antilop will continue saving her money, since it’ll accommodate her child well into toddlerhood despite its budget price. “The high chair is definitely suitable for older children,” she said. “The harness can be adjusted /[and there’s a] large gap between the tray. My guess is the chair will last a while as my son gets older.” And should you decide to purchase extras for other children or visitors, you’ll quickly learn that these chairs stack easily, adding to their allure. It’s no wonder that the IKEA Antilop has been beloved by parents for years!

Dimensions: 22.8" (L) x 24.4" (W) x 35.4" (H) | Weight: 8 lbs. | Age range: 6 months to 3 years | Weight capacity: 33 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes | Tester set-up time: 5 minutes

Our product tester says:

“For the price, it gets the job done. It kept my baby safe and sitting straight up while eating, and it’s easy to clean.”

Our community says:

%% QUOTE 1 % %

It’s under $30, is relatively small compared to other full-sized high chairs and is super easy to clean. The legs come apart, so it’s easy to store. – doraleigh35, The Bump forum member

I love the cost, style and ease of cleaning of the IKEA high chair. – Taylor, mom and The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best budget-friendly convertible high chair

Safety 1st Grow and Go Rotating High Chair
Image: Walmart
What We Love
  • Lower price tag than other convertibles
  • Converts from high chair to booster seat, stool and table and chair set
  • Rotates 360 degrees
  • Easy-to-wipe seat
Things To Consider
  • Shoulder straps slip at times
  • Doesn’t fold

Most convertible high chairs come with a higher price tag because of their versatility and longevity—but the Safety 1st Grow and Go Rotating High Chair proves you don’t have to spend a small fortune to score top-notch features. It boasts nine different modes (technically the highest among the high chairs we tested), but whereas other convertible options on this list cost between $200 and $300, the price tag on this one is under $170. Those nine modes include (but definitely aren’t limited to) a reclinable baby high chair, a toddler seat, a booster seat, a low stool and a table. As a result, it can accommodate little ones from 6 months old up to age 5. “With four children, I can convert one high chair into two small tables for the toddlers and a booster seat for the baby,” our product tester Jazmine said—no tools needed.

Image: Jazmine B.

One of the Grow and Go’s coolest functions is its 360-degree turning radius. This lets you face baby for feeding while sitting beside them at the table. And while the seat turns, you can be assured that the rest of this high chair will remain stable. “My child could not easily rock or tip over. The grips on the bottom of the legs make for scratch-free floors and a steady base for the child’s high chair position,” Jazmine reported.

What’s more, Jazmine described all parts as “easy-breezy” to clean up, thanks to the chair liner’s coated fabric, which is “perfect for wiping hard messes like peanut butter and mushed up bananas.” The dishwasher-safe tray does have some nooks and crannies, but crumbs were no match for Jazmine’s scrub brush. The bottom line: “The whole entire chair is extremely versatile, and I really do love it,” Jazmine concluded.

Dimensions: 28.3" (L) x 28.3" (W) x 40.9" (H) | Weight: 17.6 lbs. | Age range: 6 months to 5 years | Weight capacity: 50 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes | Tester set-up time: 20 minutes (initial high chair); 3 minutes (conversions)

Our product tester says:
“This is a product I can see us utilizing for many years as we continue to grow our family, due to the many modes it can transform into.”

Buy Now

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

High Chairs Comparison Chart

Overall best high chair for babyBest newborn high chairBest easy-to-clean high chairBest high chair for small spacesBest wooden high chairBest folding high chairBest affordable high chairBest budget-friendly convertible high chair
Overall Best
Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair
Peg Perego Siesta High Chair
Munchkin 360 Cloud Baby High Chair
Graco Everystep Slim 6-in-1 Highchair
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
Baby Jogger City Bistro High Chair
IKEA Antilop High Chair
Safety 1st Grow and Go Rotating High Chair
Price$$ $$$ $$$$$$$$$$ $ $$
Dimensions24" (L) x 27" (W) x 44" (H) 29.8" (L) x 23.8" (W) x 41.5" (H) 28" (L) x 28" (W) x 40" (H)28" (L) x 17" (W) x 40" (H) 19.3" (L) x 18.1" (W) x 31.1" (H) 25" (L) x 19.5" (W) x 42" (H)22.8" (L) x 24.4" (W) x 35.4" (H) 28.3" (L) x 28.3" (W) x 40.9" (H)
Number of modes72164119
Foldable
Dishwasher-safe tray
Care instructions:Wipe clean (frame); machine wash, drip dry (seat pad) Wipe clean Wipe cleanWipe clean Wipe cleanWipe clean (frame); machine wash (fabrics)Wipe clean Wipe clean (frame); machine wash (seat cover)
Buy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full Review

What to Consider When Shopping for a High Chair

When picking out a high chair, safety is an obvious priority. According to Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), safety features like a sturdy, tip-proof base and effective straps should be your primary concern. And thanks to new federal safety standards approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2019, all new high chairs meet requirements for stability and restraint systems—phew!

You’ll also want to think about your lifestyle—in other words, how and when you’ll be using it. To streamline your search, keep the following in mind while browsing:

  • Manufacture date. According to the AAP, it’s safest to use a high chair manufactured or imported after June 2019. Why? Thanks to updated CPSC safety standards, all high chairs manufactured on or after this date meet requirements for stability, have a crotch restraint, a three-point restraint system and include a warning label on how to prevent falls. A label on the high chair will list the manufacture date.

  • Ease of cleaning. Feeding a baby is a messy process, so finding a high chair that’s easy to clean is of the utmost importance to many parents. Kimminau says to look for a high chair with “easy-to-clean surfaces without fabric, notches or grooves.” This is sage advice, since some chairs with padded seats tend to trap crumbs in those hard-to-reach crevices.

  • Removable tray. To make cleaning less of a chore, Kimminau recommends purchasing a high chair with a removable tray. It should also be dishwasher-safe, small enough to actually fit inside your appliance and free from awkward parts that prevent you from setting it down on a kitchen counter or sink.

  • Size and shape. Think about how big your space is. That might help you determine whether you want a big high chair that stays out all the time, or a foldable option that can be collapsed and expanded in a breeze, and stowed away when it’s not in use.

  • Convenience. What will make feeding time easier for your family? Perhaps it’s a really easy-to-clean high chair. Or, according to Kimminau, “many people are prioritizing a chair that is able to be pulled up to the table so that babies and toddlers can fully interact with their family at meal times.” Again, this boils down to your specific preferences.

  • Longevity. Many of the best baby high chairs are pretty pricey, so you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck. Whether baby’s high chair is wooden or plastic, it should be built to last. Plus, many top-rated high chairs have convertible, multifunctional designs that can be used from infancy through toddlerhood.

When Can Babies Sit in High Chairs?

Before making any decisions, it’s critical to understand the safety guidelines surrounding high chairs. “Babies can sit in a high chair once they have good head control and can sit with little support, which is generally around 6 months and also coincides with the age we are introducing solid foods,” explains DiMaggio Walters. This is in line with CDC advice, which states you shouldn’t introduce solid foods until baby can hold their own head up and are able to sit without much support, if any. That said, manufacturers provide specific age recommendations for their individual products—some can even be safely used from the newborn days, thanks to specific recline options and other features, for those who want even the littlest (and non-solids-eating) family member to join them at the table.

Whenever you introduce a high chair, it’s important to use it safely; the AAP recommends the following:

  • Make sure the high chair has no chance of tipping. That means placing it far enough from the table or counter so baby can’t use their feet to push themselves back. Don’t let other children play or climb on the high chair either.
  • Always supervise your child when they’re in their high chair and never let them stand. “Don’t leave baby alone in a high chair or place it too close to a table where they can reach for hot liquids or grab a piece of food that might not be developmentally appropriate,” DiMaggio Walters adds.
  • Use the high chair’s safety straps—they should always be buckled. Don’t ignore crotch straps; they prevent baby from sliding out.
  • When you unfold a collapsible high chair, make sure it’s locked into place so it can’t refold while in use.

About the writer:

Elizabeth Narins is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer, content strategist, copywriter and mother of two, in no particular order. She has written extensively for The Bump, including articles on the best portable high chairs and best table booster seats (and even product tested a bunch of those seats with her kids). Her work has also appeared in Cosmo, Women’s Health, Parade, Parents, Health, What to Expect, Verywell Family and many more. She previously led digital content at Weight Watchers, where her work was nominated for a Webby Award. She has also served as Cosmo’s inaugural digital health and fitness editor and led social media and special projects for Women’s Health.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Sources

Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and a spokesperson for the AAP. She is the co-author of the book The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, and serves as a clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Walters earned her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and she was previously a resident at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

Rebekah Kimminau, CPST, IBCLC, has specialized in the world of baby gear for over 10 years as a baby gear and baby registry expert. She’s the founder of The Baby Gear Consultant, a platform that helps families build their dream registry and make important decisions about the baby gear they’ll use daily. She’s also an international board certified lactation consultant, babywearing educator, newborn care specialist and postpartum doula.

Consumer Product Safety Commission, New Federal Standard to Improve Safety of High Chairs Takes Effect, June 2019

American Academy of Pediatrics News, Health Alerts: Plush toys, bouncers, pajamas, and more recalled, August 2019

American Academy of Pediatrics, Infant Food and Feeding, November 2023

US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods, June 2023

HealthyChildren.org (AAP), 6 Quick High Chair Safety Tips, March 2017

The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new and expectant parents from among The Bump community, and asked whether they used a high chair, what type and brand they used and what they liked or didn’t like about it.

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