Buying Guide: 12 Best High Chairs for Baby

by Michele Olivier on May 26, 2022 (updated Jun 29, 2022)

We LOVE all the modern, stylish options available for high chairs today. However, that doesn’t always make it any easier to decide which high chair is best for you. Our expert buying guide will help you determine what features are necessary, types of high chairs to consider, high chair safety tips, and 12 of the best high chairs from baby to the toddler years and beyond.

Graphic for post – best high chairs for babies, recommendations, tips, 6+ months. Images are of bright colored in wooden high chairs against the white background.

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.

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.

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

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

A light pink wooden high chair for baby toddler and kids.

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.