
The Best High Chairs of 2025
A high chair should do more than just look good in your kitchen—it needs to be a safe place for your baby at mealtime.

By Jen LaBracio, CPST
Medically Reviewed by Holly Peretz OT
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

In This Article
While it may feel like it’s a long way off when you’re waiting for your baby to arrive, starting solids happens sooner than you think (usually around six months old). And unlike some baby gear that’s okay to skip, a high chair is a must-have as a safe spot for your little one to sit when it’s time for them to join family meals.
Most parents want a high chair that fits their aesthetic, but we’d advise you to consider more than good looks when choosing a safe seat. In addition to testing dozens of high chairs ourselves over the years and analyzing feedback from thousands of parents, we spoke with feeding experts about the features they prioritize in a high chair and how to ensure your baby is safely positioned while they eat.
Keeping this in mind, we think there are two high chairs that rise to the top to earn our best-of status: the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair² and the Mockingbird High Chair. There are some differences between them (more on that below), but both are parent and expert favorites thanks to their ergonomic design, impressive functionality and superb durability.
And since we know every family’s needs and budgets vary, we chose five other high chairs we think are worth a look, including a best affordable pick, a travel favorite and a foldable option, among others.
How We Judged the Best High Chairs
Babylist Pick
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair² - Natural
From $279.20Pros
- Ergonomically designed to position baby safely for eating
- Versatile and long-lasting; turns into an adult seat that holds up to 300 lbs
- Pulls right up to the table for family meals
- New + improved harness straps are easier to use, adjust and clean
Cons
- Need Allen wrench to adjust
- Doesn’t fold
- Expensive, especially with add-ons
I’ve spoken with at least a dozen feeding specialists about high chairs over the years—and heard from hundreds of parents—and the Stokke Tripp Trapp is always a part of the conversation. Feeding experts love its ergonomic design and that it pulls right up to the table and properly supports kids of all ages in a safe eating position. Parents love that it’s easy to clean and looks good in their kitchen. (Almost 20% of parents in our Most Loved Baby Products survey ranked it as their favorite high chair, the most popular pick.) And I count myself as one of the seat’s biggest fans; I’ve used it daily with both of my children and am continuously impressed even after a decade+ of use.
The Tripp Trapp is designed with a flat back, a depth- and height-adjustable seat and an adjustable footplate, all features that the feeding experts I spoke to told me were essential in a good high chair. Both Ferraro and Winkelmann ranked the seat as one of their top picks. “This chair has one of the largest footrests, providing excellent support for your baby,” says Winkelmann. “It needs no modifications,” adds Ferraro.
They also love it for its versatility—and that it’s a well-made piece of gear that grows with your baby. With the addition of the Newborn Set, you can use the chair right from birth and then as an adult chair that holds up to 300 pounds. “My ten-year-old still sits in their Tripp Trapp,” says Ferraro.
Parents give the seat big points for style. “I love that it isn't a big piece of plastic that we will end up throwing out,” one Best Baby Product survey respondent told us. “It's a real piece of furniture for our son!”
High chair cleanup is one of my least favorite parenting chores, and the Tripp Trapp makes it as easy as possible—the wood wipes clean in seconds and there are no nooks or crevices to trap food. I also love that I can pull it right up to the table for family meals. Both of my kids were able to sit at our kitchen table from the first day they started solids.
Past editions of the Tripp Trapp did have one major downfall: the harness straps. They were a pain to adjust and an even bigger pain to clean. (This was the dominant feedback from many parents, and speaking from experience, I completely agree.) Stokke listened, and, in 2024, the straps on the Baby Set got a major upgrade: a new and improved harness featuring an easy-release button and a much smoother strap adjustment system. It's now also a lot easier to remove the harness for cleaning, another welcome improvement.
The two biggest downsides of the Tripp Trapp are cost (it’s expensive on its own, and even more so once you start adding on accessories) and that you’ll need to bust out the Allen wrench every time you need to make an adjustment. However, the price tag may be easier to stomach for some parents because the seat holds its value on baby gear marketplaces if you ever choose to sell it. (It’s also safe to purchase used if you have your eye on one but don’t have the budget for a new one.) And, with the Baby Set attached, the seat is a bit tougher to clean, but once your baby is big enough to ditch it, that's no longer a concern.
For a tool-free option, check out the Stokke Nomi. It has a super modern look and doesn’t require any tools for assembly or adjustment, but it’s just as well-designed and ergonomic as the Tripp Trapp.
Additional Specs
Weight: 15.4 lbs
Height: 31.1"
Usage: 6 mos up to 300 lbs; from birth with the Newborn Set
Height Adjustments: 3 seat positions, 5 footrest positions
Babylist Pick
Mockingbird High Chair - Natural
From $249.00Pros
- Grows from baby to big kid years
- No tools needed for assembly or adjustments
- Easy to clean + straps are easy to adjust
Cons
- Doesn’t fold
- Need 2 hands to remove tray
Sometimes, two is better than one. The Mockingbird High Chair is so good that we ranked it as an even tie for first place alongside the Tripp Trapp as our best high chair.
The direct-to-consumer brand behind one of our favorite strollers, I wasn't sure what to think when I heard Mockingbird was releasing a high chair. I’m happy to say I’ve been beyond pleasantly surprised—I liked almost everything about this high chair from the moment I took it out of the box, and I’ve continued to love it ever since.
Ergonomically, the Mockingbird High Chair passes the high chair safety test with flying colors. The adjustable tray and footrest make it easy to get my toddler in the proper position to ensure a safe swallow. And although the seat itself isn’t adjustable like the Tripp Trapp, that doesn’t hinder the Mockingbird’s performance. “It’s the only high chair without an adjustable seat that I recommend because of the way it’s designed—you can make it safe for all ages,” Ferraro told me.
The other standout feature of this modern seat is ease of use. It’s a no-tools-required seat, something I always appreciate. The harness straps are coated with silicone, so they not only wipe clean but take very little effort to adjust. (Ferraro called them “genius” when I asked her about them, and I definitely agree. They are a true pleasure to use.) I was worried that the silicone coating would cause them to slip off my baby’s shoulders, but that wasn’t the case at all. The clasp on the harness was recently updated to include a magnet, making opening and closing super easy (for adults, not babies or toddlers). And when things get really messy—which they will, especially over the first year of solids—you can remove them completely and toss them in your washing machine.
The Mockingbird High Chair converts to a child seat, and I tested it in that mode, too. My son loved climbing in and out, and I love that it has a 150-pound weight max so I’ll get years of use out of it.
Like the Tripp Trapp, you can use the Mockingbird with the tray (which is included, a nice perk) or pull it right up to the table. It doesn’t fold, which wasn’t an issue for me but may be for some folks, and the buckles took a bit of practice to get the hang of. And I don't love that I need two hands to get the tray on and off.
Additional Specs
Weight: 16.5 lbs
Height: 35.5"
Usage: 6 mos up to 150 lbs
Height Adjustments: 3 seat positions, 4 footrest positions
Best Affordable High Chair
Pros
- Super affordable
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight, easy to move
Cons
- Not supportive for younger babies
- No footrest
- Tray is difficult to remove
There aren’t many things you can get in the world of baby gear for under $25. IKEA’s high chair isn't perfect, but it's pretty good considering the price—and really good if you’re able to make a few minor modifications to it.
The brilliance of this high chair lies in its straightforward design. It’s quick and easy to assemble, even easier to wipe down and isn't an eyesore in your living space. “Our expensive high chair was hard to clean and cumbersome,” one parent commented in our annual survey. “The IKEA high chair ended up being perfect for us. I wish we would have started with that one.”
The Antilop is also lightweight and fairly compact. While some families use it as their primary seat, many choose it as a second seat to keep at the grandparents’ or anywhere else they need a safe place for their baby to dine.
It is essential to be aware of the seat's drawbacks before purchasing it, however. There’s no footrest, and the tray is difficult to remove, so many parents just leave it on, which isn’t ideal from a safety standpoint. It doesn’t fold for storage. (Although the legs do pop off fairly easily.) It has a fairly low weight limit, and the safety buckle clips at the waist, which may not offer enough support for younger infants compared to a five-point harness.
If you’re considering the seat for everyday use, Ferraro recommends modifying it by adding a support cushion to help keep baby’s back flat and a Yeah Baby Goods footrest so their legs won’t dangle unsupported.
Additional Specs
Weight: 7.9 lbs
Height: 35 3/8"
Usage: 6 mos up to 3 yrs or 33 lbs
Height: Adjustments: 3 seat positions, 4 footrest positions
Best Modern High Chair
Lalo High Chair - Coconut
From $157.50Pros
- Modern aesthetic
- Converts to a booster and toddler chair (kits sold separately)
- Quick, easy assembly
Cons
- Splayed legs have a large footprint and are easy to trip over
- Footrest has only 2 positions
- Not supportive for younger babies
If you’re looking for a high chair with modern, minimalist vibes, you’ve found it. Lalo was one of the first brands to introduce this style of high chair (it’s since been copied many times over), and its many fans appreciate that it complements their living space rather than detracting from it.
Beyond aesthetics, one of my favorite things about this high chair is how easy it is to clean. Both the tray and the seat wipe down in seconds. I also like the versatility. You can swap in Play Legs to convert it into a toddler chair that fits Lalo's Play Table (and most others), or use the Booster Conversion Kit to convert your Lalo into a booster seat for babies four months to three years old.
Functionally, Lalo has made some helpful improvements lately. The tray historically has been a sticking point (pun intended) for parents, but it’s now a lot easier to put on and take off. They also modified the straps to stay in place better on baby’s shoulders, and added a second position to the footrest for better support. (The footrest situation still isn’t perfect, but a big improvement from the previous iteration.)
The biggest complaint we hear from parents about the Lalo, which I agree on, is the lack of support for younger babies. The cushion helps, but many parents say it’s still not enough to properly position a younger or smaller baby for a meal. And while the splayed legs look stylish, the wide footprint takes up space and the seat is easy to trip over.
Additional Specs
Weight: 10 lbs
Height: 33"
Usage: 4+ mos or when baby can sit up unassisted up to 3 yrs old
Height Adjustments: 1 seat position, 2 footrest positions
Best Foldable High Chair
Maxi-Cosi Minla 6-in-1 Adjustable High Chair - Classic Oat
From $231.99Pros
- Folds compactly for storage
- Works from infancy through early elementary school
- Several height and tray table positions
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Highest footrest position still too low for some younger babies
I hear from many parents that they like the idea of a full-size high chair but don’t have the space to keep one out all the time. The Minla from Maxi-Cosi solves for this—it folds quickly and compactly, so you can stash it beside a counter or in a closet.
Beyond its fold and sleek design, versatility is where the Minla shines. It offers five recline positions, four tray positions and eight height adjustments, so it was easy for me to find a comfortable and supportive position for my taller-than-average preschooler. It also converts into a booster: just remove the backrest and slide the seat up to the table.
There are a couple of trade-offs. The adjustable footrest is still fairly low, so younger babies’ feet won’t be fully supported until they grow. (That said, it’s better than most foldable options on the market, which generally don't have great foot support—but since not all families have a permanent spot for a high chair in their home, we wanted to include one.) The fabric cushion also spot-cleans well, but for a deeper clean you’ll need to unzip and machine wash it, a bit of extra effort some parents may not love.
Additional Specs
Weight: 24.6 lbs
Height: 42”
Usage: Birth to 50 lbs
Height Adjustments: 5 recline positions, 4 tray positions, 9 height positions
Best High Chair for Travel
Pros
- Lightweight
- Built-in, adjustable footrest
- Removable, washable cover
- Small footprint
Cons
- Silicone tray doesn't connect all the way to the seat, creating a small gap
- Smaller babies may not reach the footrest
- Fabric is tough to clean
If you travel often, eat out or simply don’t have room for a traditional high chair, a hook-on seat is a great solution. Weighing just over five pounds, this one clamps to most tables and countertops, folds for travel and includes a carry bag. But it's the built-in footrest that truly sets it apart: it's the only hook-on style high chair on the market that has one. Instead of dangling feet, it helps keep little ones supported and properly aligned for safe eating.
The seat's cover is removable and machine washable. You can spot clean the seat in between washes, but parents note that it gets dirty pretty easily. The footrest is adjustable, but one of the younger babies we tested in the seat still had trouble reaching it. And while parents love how easy it is to clean the silicone mat, several note that there's a small gap between where the mat ends and the tray begins: a perfect spot for babies to mash food into.
Additional Specs
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Height: N/A
Usage: For use when the child can sit up unaided (approximately 4-6 mos) and up to 37 lbs
Height Adjustments: N/A
Other High Chairs Worth a 👀
The Chicco Zest LE 4-in-1 Folding High Chair is a stylish, space-saving option that folds compactly and costs under $100. Parents also love that it's easy to wipe down. Just keep in mind that it's fairly small, so fit may be an issue as your little one grows.
The Ingenuity Proper Positioner 7-in-1 Deluxe High Chair is well-priced at just over $100 and is ergonomically designed to keep baby in a 90-degree angle at the hip, knee and ankle for both support and safety. It can be used from birth and eventually converts to a toddler booster seat.
The Graco EveryStep Slim 6-in-1 Highchair is another convertible option that folds for easy storage. Parents like that it's easy to keep clean and that older children can use it as a kitchen step stool. Just note that it has a deep seat so it may not provide younger, smaller children with proper support and many parents wish the tray was a bit larger.
Munchkin's Float Easy Clean Foldable High Chair is super easy to clean, the main reason why parents love it. It also folds for storage. Keep in mind that the seat is large, however, so younger children may need some additional support.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
Firsthand professional and personal experience. I’ve been feeding kids for over a decade as the mom-chef-in-residence for my two boys, ages 10 and three. I’ve used classic wooden high chairs, modern options, travel seats and boosters; I’ve done baby-led weaning and served up purees; and I’ve wiped more food off of the floor than I care to think about. I’ve also tested dozens of high chairs over the years in my role as Babylist’s gear editor. All of this kid-feeding experience helped me choose the seats on this best-of list.
Expert input. I enlisted the help of two feeding experts for this guide: Katie Ferraro, MPH, RDN, CDE, a dietitian, nutrition professor and mom of seven who specializes in infant feeding, and speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP, who is also ezpz’s Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Specialist.
High chair data. I regularly analyze which baby products our users are adding to their baby registries the most (and which ones they aren’t) and what our team of Merchandising experts—our buyers who are responsible for ensuring the Babylist Shop is stocked with the best and newest gear—is excited about. Studying this kind of data helped us choose which high chairs to narrow in on and which ones to recommend to new and expecting parents.
Feedback and reviews. I reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our staff about their real-life feeding experiences.
When Can a Baby Sit in a High Chair?
There are two parts to this question: when can a baby sit in a high chair and when should a baby sit in a high chair.
Most feeding specialists don’t recommend starting solids until around six months of age, but “that doesn’t mean they can’t sit in the high chair,” says Ferraro. While she doesn’t recommend babies having anything except breastmilk or formula at four or five months old, “getting them acclimated to the high chair is a fun pre-feeding exercise they can do,” she says. “Don’t have the first time the baby sits in the high chair be the day you decide to start solid foods.”
“I encourage parents to practice sitting their baby in a high chair for five minutes a day starting around four months of age,” adds Winkelmann. “This daily practice will help ensure a successful and safe introduction of solid foods at six months, as the baby will have developed more core strength and better head control from these early sessions.”
Three signs of high chair readiness
According to Winkelmann, parents should look for these three signs of high chair readiness:
Age: Baby is at least four months old.
Head and neck control: Baby can keep their head and neck stable and upright without support.
Sitting Ability: Baby can sit with minimal support.
Proper high chair positioning
A high chair is more than just a comfy seat. Your baby must be positioned correctly in their high chair to ensure a safe swallow and reduce the risk of choking. Keep these positioning tips in mind.
A flat back. Ferraro says one of the most important parts of your baby’s anatomy to pay attention to in their high chair is their back. “We want the back flat,” she explains. “If the back is flat and the baby is sitting on their own, then their airway is straight.” This can help to reduce their choking risk.
90/90/90. Also called a “three by 90” setup, this term refers to how your baby’s waist, knees and ankles should be positioned in their high chair. “A high chair should support a baby sitting with their hips, knees, and ankles all bent at 90 degrees,” says Winkelmann. This is why feeding experts always recommend high chairs with adjustable footrests and tend to dislike seats with big bumps in baby’s crotch area. “A baby’s knees have to hang over the seat at a 90-degree angle,” explains Ferraro. “Many fancy high chairs are designed to prevent that because you can’t scoot your kid forward—and that’s not good,” she says.
Supported arms. “Baby’s arms should be able to rest supported on the high chair tray or, if the tray is removed and the chair is pushed up to the adult dining table, on that table as well,” says Winkelmann.
If you can’t achieve the proper positioning with your high chair alone, it’s okay to make some modifications. “Parents can use a rolled-up towel to give the baby a small amount of comfort and support,” says Winkelmann. “However, if multiple towels or pillows are needed to keep the baby positioned, it may be best to work on high chair stamina and hold off on solids for a few weeks.”
Types of High Chairs
There are three types of high chairs: full-size high chairs, portable high chairs and booster seats.
Most people think of full-size high chairs when they picture a traditional high chair. Full-size high chairs can be made from wood or plastic and often have a large(ish) footprint. Features vary, but a few common ones are wheels, an adjustable seat, tray and footrest, recline options, an infant seat, harness straps or the option to fold for storage.
Sometimes called travel high chairs or clip-on chairs, portable high chairs are designed for on-the-go. (But that doesn’t mean you can’t use one at home if you’d like.) Portable high chairs are lighter and more compact than their traditional counterparts. Most feature clips that attach to a table or counter or straps for a dining chair. Some have pop-out legs that make the chair easy to set up and break down.
Booster seats are designed for older toddlers and children who need less support at the table. A booster seat straps onto a regular chair to create extra space and for added convenience. Some also come with removable trays.
How to Choose the Best High Chair
When registering or shopping for a high chair, consider the chair’s structure and features, how you plan to use it and your living space.
High chair features
“It is not the baby’s job to grow into their high chair; it is our job to select a high chair that fits the baby’s safety needs,” explains Winkelmann. Here are the features to look for:
A seat with a straight, flat back. “You want a chair that keeps baby seated upright with no recline whatsoever, as this is important for reducing choking risk,” explains Winkelmann.
An adjustable footrest. “An adjustable footrest is essential so that baby can put their feet flat on it. Flat feet on a stable footrest allow your baby to swallow more easily and help maintain their posture to cough food out if it goes down the wrong way,” she says.
An easy-to-remove tray. A high chair with an easily removable tray is important in case of an emergency.
And while not a must-have, both Winkelmann and Ferraro prefer high chairs that pull up to the dining table so baby can join in on family mealtime. “If you have a regular height table and you want your baby to participate in mealtime, that’s tough if they’re sitting across the room with the tray on their high chair,” says Ferraro.
What else to consider
You should also think about your lifestyle and how you plan to use your high chair as you’re considering different options.
Space. If you live in an apartment or don’t have a large dining area, then a high chair specifically designed for small spaces like a clip-on or booster-style seat or a foldable option 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. Some parents don’t mind sacrificing form for function when it comes to cleaning and would rather prioritize a seat that fits their favorite aesthetic. But if you know constant scrubbing or getting into nooks and crannies is going to drive you nuts, stick with a smooth plastic or wipeable wood model.
Durability. Planning on a large family and passing your high chair down from kid to kid? 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. Some high chairs grow with your child, either by converting to a booster seat or even to an adult-sized chair, so pay attention to weight limits.
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. Look for safety features such as a restraint system like a three- or five-point harness with secure buckles and good stability (if the chair has wheels, make sure they lock in place).





