Best High Chairs of 2023
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.
In this article:
- Babylist’s Best High Chairs
- Do You Need a High Chair?
- When Can Baby Sit in a High Chair?
- How to Choose a High Chair
- When to Stop Using a High Chair
Do You Need a High Chair?
Yes, we recommend that you add a high chair to your registry. 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?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 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 adding a portable high chair to your registry 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 favorite 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.
For even more info on choosing the right high chair for your family, check out our how-to video:
When to Stop Using a High Chair
Many parents choose to keep their children in a high chair for at least 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.
How We Chose Our Best High Chairs
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most, then took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best high chairs.
Best Modern High Chair
The Scoop:
- Modern, minimalist and fun design that’s easy to clean
- Converts to a booster and a toddler chair
- Babylist exclusive
- Not much support for younger babies
What Our Experts Think:
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. You’ll only find The Chair Full Kit at Lalo and Babylist.
What’s Worth Considering
The Lalo isn’t great for supporting younger babies, even with the seat cushion added. (And speaking of the seat cushion, some parents don’t love that food gets stuck underneath it after a meal.) Consider adding a rolled up blanket or small towel for extra support for the first few months.
What Babylist Parents Think
“This modern-looking chair doesn’t stick out in my home like so many other baby gear items. And I love that I’ll be able to use it as a toddler chair once my baby gets a bit older.” -Kristin
Additional Specs
| Weight | 10 lbs |
| Height | 33” |
| Usage | 4+ mos or when baby can sit up unassisted up to 3 years old; play chair holds up to 200 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | 2 positions, one in high chair mode and one for play chair |
Another Modern, Versatile Pick
The Scoop
- 4 ways to use
- Easy to clean
- Babylist-exclusive color
- Large footprint
What Our Experts Think
This Skip Hop Eon is a popular Babylist 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.
What’s Worth Considering
Like many of the more modern high chairs on the market, the splayed leg style of this seat means that it takes up a good amount of floor space. (The legs are also easy to trip over if you’re not paying attention!) And due to the shape and size of the seat, it’s not ideal for younger eaters; you’ll want your baby to be able to sit up completely independently and have excellent head and neck control before using it.
What Babylist Parents Think
“Pros: Extremely easy to set-up; did so without instructions. Easy to clean with a removable tray cover. Love that it will grow with our baby. Maybe Con: No cushions included or even sold separately, but that allows for easy clean-up post feeding. No complaints!” -Nick & Akiko H.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 17 lbs |
| Height | 36” |
| Usage | High chair: 6 mos-3 yrs (up to 33 lbs); Booster: 6 mos+ (with harness); Big kid chair: supports up to 80 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | None |
Best Affordable High Chair
The Scoop
- Ultra affordable
- Easy to clean
- No footrest
- Not supportive for younger infants
What Our Experts Think
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.
What’s Worth Considering
There are a few major drawbacks of this seat. There’s no footrest and the tray is difficult to remove (many parents just leave it on). The chair doesn’t fold for storage. The safety buckle clips at the waist, which may not offer enough support for younger infants compared to a five-point harness. To add more comfort to the basic surface, buy IKEA’s support cushion and cover or find other cushions and a footrest at Yeah Baby Goods.
What Babylist Parents Think
“Our IKEA high chair is stylish, easy-to-clean, and cheap. You. Can’t. Beat. That.” -Katie
Additional Specs
| Weight | 7.9 lbs |
| Height | 35 3/8” |
| Usage | When baby can sit up unassisted (around 5-6 months) until toddler age |
| Height adjustments: | None |
Best Convertible High Chair
The Scoop
- A classic since 1972
- Grows with your little one; converts to a chair that holds up to 242 pounds
- Pulls right up to table
- Costly, especially with add-ons
What Our Experts Think
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.)
What’s Worth Considering
There’s no getting around the Tripp Trapp’s biggest flaw: cost. The seat itself is expensive, then once you start throwing in extras like the Baby Set, tray or cushion, things can really start to add up.
If you like the look and convertible aspect of the Tripp Trapp but want to spend less, our two favorite (and cheaper) alternatives are the Keekaroo Height Right High Chair and the Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray.
What Babylist Parents Think
“Having three children at home, and having used multiple highchairs over the past 6 years, I can honestly say I wish I had tried the Stokke TrippTrapp sooner. This highchair is simply perfect. The attention to detail from design and aesthetics, to ergonomics, to how it will function practically for incorporating baby into family meals, it really is in a league of its own.” -Amanda
Additional Specs
| Weight | 15.4 lbs |
| Height | 31.1” |
| Usage | Ages 6 months+ (it can hold up to a 242-pound adult!) |
| Height Adjustments | 4 positions |
Most Versatile High Chair
The Scoop
- 7 growing stages
- Grows with baby and can be used for two children at once
- Lots of height, recline and footrest adjustments
- Large footprint, tough to clean
What Our Experts Think
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.
What’s Worth Considering
The Table2Table has a fairly large footprint when it’s open (although it does fold pretty compactly for easy storage), so it may not be a good choice if you’re short on space and want to leave the chair open all the time. (If that’s the case, check out the Slim Snacker, another popular and much lower profile seat from Graco that features a one-handed fold.)
And although the seat pad can be wiped down or put in the washing machine, some parents report that the small nooks and crannies are tough to clean and that there’s a lot of space between the tray and your baby where food can fall through.
What Babylist Parents Think
“Great high chair. Bought for my own home for the grandbabies visits. I spent time researching and comparing several high chairs. This was super easy to put together, easy to clean, has great functionality and portability. Love that it folds up for storage and more than 1 child can use simultaneously with the toddler booster/infant recliner high chair. Definitely recommend.” -NJ Grandma
Additional Specs
| Weight | 25.2 lbs |
| Height | 44” |
| Usage | From newborn up to 60 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | 5 positions |
Best Portable High Chair
The Scoop
- Hooks directly to most counters or tables
- 4.2 pounds
- Removable, washable cover
- Works for babies 6+ months and up to 37 pounds
What Our Experts Think
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.
What’s Worth Considering
This chair doesn’t have a footrest, so we don’t recommend it as your child’s primary high chair for everyday use. You’ll also want to keep an eye on weight. This seat maxes out at 37 pounds, which is fairly high but not quite as high as most full-sized high chairs on the market.
What Babylist Parents Think
“I think this chair should be on every parent’s registry! I love how easy it is to wash and travel with!” -Nora
Additional Specs
| Weight | 4.2 lbs |
| Height | 11” |
| Usage | For babies 6 months and up until 37 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | None |
Best High Chair for Small Spaces
The Scoop
- Affordable
- Compact and attaches to most dining chairs
- Converts to a booster
- Hard to clean
What Our Experts Think
If your living space can’t accomodate 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.
What’s Worth Considering
Keeping this seat clean is the major complaint here. The seat fabric is machine washable, but removing it to throw in the wash all the time isn’t ideal because of all the straps you have to undo. (And you’ll need to wash it pretty frequently since it’s not the type of fabric that can easily be wiped clean). Another common complaint is the seat’s angle; some parents say that despite the recline angles, the pitch seems off and their little ones just don’t seem comfy in it.
What Babylist Parents Think
“Best thing ever! We use this high chair multiple times a day, everyday. She loves her chair so much!” -Holly
Additional Specs
| Weight | 7.6 lbs |
| Height | 21.65” |
| Usage | 4-24 mos, up to 50 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | 2 positions |
Ready to Add a High Chair to Your Registry?
With Babylist, you can add any item from any store onto ONE registry. Start your registry today and get a Hello Baby Box full of free (amazing!) goodies.
Best High Chair for Baby Led Weaning
The Scoop
- Ergonomically designed
- Adjustable seat and footrest
- Easy to clean
What Our Experts Think
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.
What’s Worth Considering
The Nomi is really expensive, especially if you purchase any add-ons (all sold separately) like the tray or the cushion.
What Babylist Parents Think
“I debated for a long time whether to go with the Nomi high chair or the Stokke Tripp Trapp. I am so glad I ended up choosing the Nomi! I have so many great things to say about it - mainly how easy it is to adjust the seat/footrest height, and how incredibly easy it is to clean. I also love how light it is and that it can hang on my table when I am cleaning up the floor.” -Rebekah
Additional Specs
| Weight | 10.8 lbs |
| Height | 32.8” |
| Usage | Newborn (with attachment, sold separately) to 330 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | Seat height from 20.4-22.8” |
Best Foldable High Chair
The Scoop
- Most compact folding high chair on market
- Stands when folded
- 4 height positions
- Fairly large footprint when unfolded
What Our Experts Say
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.
What’s Worth Considering
Although this high chair does have an impressively small footprint when folded, it’s on the larger side when it’s unfolded; we found ourselves tripping over the back legs quite a bit. And the seat pad is removable (a huge plus), but we did find that food tended to get trapped beneath it, making it a bit of a pain to keep clean.
The Joovy Nook NB High Chair is another great option if you’re looking for a foldable seat.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I love the having the convenience of a full-size high chair combined with something so compact that it barely takes up any room when folded. It’s really durable and easy to clean, too.” -Jen
Additional Specs
| Weight | 15.4 lbs |
| Usage | Children starting at 6 months; up to 40 lbs |
| Height adjustments: | 4 positions |
Best Easy to Clean High Chair
The Scoop
- Tray and seat are dishwasher safe
- Adjustable seat and footrest
- Converts to a toddler seat
What Our Experts Think
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.
What’s Worth Considering
This high chair has wide, splayed-out legs, so it requires a pretty big footprint. You’ll also need two hands to remove the tray, a feature parents don’t love.
What Babylist Parents Think
“Love this high chair! I live in the city & needed a bar height high chair because that’s our only table option. I was surprised there were NO options to add to my registry at the time. But, the Boon Grub high chair came out right when my babe started solids, so I was excited! It’s super easy to clean.” -Amanda
Additional Specs
| Weight | 14.5 lbs |
| Height | 30.25-36.25” |
| Usage | 6 mos to 6 years; up to 50 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | 3 positions: counter, table and toddler chair height |
Best Travel High Chair
The Scoop
- Folds flat and weighs 2.5 lbs
- Holds up to 75 lbs
- Fits almost all adult chairs
What Our Experts Think
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 odor-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!)
What’s Worth Considering
Although it’s approved for use with babies six months and up, we found it works best once your little one is a bit bigger and more stable. It’s also pretty pricey for a booster.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Height | Folded: 11.8” x 10.8” x 1.4”; Unfolded: 11.8” x 11” x 10.6” |
| Usage | 6+ mos up to 75 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | None |
Best High Chair with Easy Tray
The Scoop
- Easy on/off magnetic tray
- Reclines for newborn use
- Adjustable height and footrest
What Our Experts Think
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.
What’s Worth Considering
Like a few other high chairs on our list, this one has a pretty large footprint. It’s also on the heavier side. There’s also a tray liner, which is great for managing messes, but just be sure you’re removing it to clean and dry it thoroughly (along with the lower portion of the tray) after every use to avoid any built-up dirt or mold.
What Babylist Parents Think
“4moms did not disappoint with this beautifully designed high chair. Love how lightweight it is and super easy to clean. I think the tray is the best part - not only does it come with a tray liner that’s dishwasher safe you only need one hand to clip it on. The best high chair ever!” -Fatuma
Additional Specs
| Weight | 17 lbs |
| Height | 37.21” |
| Usage | 0-60 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | 3 height positions, 3 tray positions |
Best Swiveling High Chair
The Scoop
- Unique swiveling seat design
- Clean, modern aesthetic
- Easy to wipe clean
What Our Experts Think
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 swiveling 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.)
What’s Worth Considering
The modern look of the clear seat appeals to lots of parents, but keep in mind that it will also show handprints, smudges and any residual mess. The 360 also has a wide base and a fairly large footprint. And the seat and footrest aren’t adjustable.
For another swiveling option, check out the TruBliss 2-in-1 Turn-A-Tot High Chair.
What Babylist Parents Think
“I love the modern design of this high chair. I found it easy to assemble with minimal work. It’s easy to clean and keep clean looking. I like the fact that it swivels so you don’t need to keep moving the high chair to turn the baby. I do find that it’s a little wide but we still love it!” -Amanda
Additional Specs
| Weight | 16 lbs |
| Height | 40” |
| Usage | 6 mos to 3 years, up to 33 lbs |
| Height Adjustments | None |
About Babylist
Looking for the best items for your growing family? Add all your favorite baby products to ONE registry with Babylist.
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}