Among the litany of new furniture, accessories and general baby equipment, that awaits entry into the house, you’ll find the humble high-chair.
The great thing about the high-chair is that it sets the scene for your little one’s relationship with food. Ahead of it sits many-a-moment of laughter, messiness and general introduction to broccoli, pasta and all the culinary treats you’re willing to prepare.
You may want to get it ahead of time so you’re ready to go, or perhaps your little one is already weaning, and you’re looking for an appropriate meal-time throne. You’ve come to the right place.
Table Of Contents
Our top three high chairs
What is a high chair and what is it used for?
A high-chair is a dedicated seat for your little one to learn about eating food properly. They’ll tend to be sturdy yet portable pieces of furniture with leg holes and a harness to help make sure there’s no escape when your back’s turned!
They usually include a tray that acts as a little table, so the meal you’ve lovely prepared can be put straight in front of them, ready to be smeared everywhere.
High-chairs tend to be easy to clean.
They’re either made of wood or plastic - and some have footrests. They’ll come into play at about 6 months; when you start weaning, and they can sit up unaided, and will last until about 2 to 3 years, depending on how big your child gets - and how wriggly they are!
There are portable versions available which can strap onto a ‘normal’ chair for when you’re travelling to see friends or relatives and don’t want to bring a full-sized one - or even if you have a day in the park planned and want them to sit on a chair so they can’t escape during lunch!
But there are plenty of other features that set them apart from each other.
What to look for in a high chair
You’re looking to optimise efficiency for you, and comfort for your child. This means that it’s going to be robust, easy to put away and clean, and has a wide-base to help make sure it won’t topple!
All chairs must meet safety standards. In the UK this means British Safety standard BS14988, and in the US it’s the ASTM F404-21 High Chair standard.
Materials
As with most child-based objects, you need the chair to be durable. As long as they conform to safety standards, you should be ok. Most chairs are either plastic or wood.
The harness
A key part of the chair, this ensures your child stays in the seat once strapped in. Make sure it has secure straps and a childproof buckle. It also helps if they’re adjustable so they can change as your child grows.
Ease of use
Consider how (and if) it’s foldable for storage. These are great options for space-constrained kitchens/eating-spaces.
When looking at trays, consider the size as they vary. Check the dimensions will fit in your desired space. Some chairs come with one-hand tray removal to make it easier to remove.
Adjustability and comfort
Some high-chairs offer reclining options or have adjustable height options, offering increased longevity. Others also offer padding for increased comfort - but as long as baby is effectively supported, this can be considered optional.
The 9 best high chairs
Editor's Review
“I feel the crummy high chair we used to have is the reason why our daughter had difficulty at meal times. She’d have her feet up on the high tray, she definitely appeared uncomfortable and we believe this is why she had difficulty eating."
The choice of many a discerning parent, and our overall choice - The Tripp Trapp High Chair brings with it an appropriate price-tag. It’s not the cheapest, but it has a strong history.
Designed to last from their first meal, to the time they graduate to a normal chair. Children have been eating from a Stokke Trip Trap for over 50 years.
The chair is the base from which you can add the high-chair accessory, and tray. Available in a multitude of colours and two wood build options.
They have a 90 day return window so you are able to see if you like it before committing.
Suitable from - The baby-set is good from 6 months to 36 months (3 years). The chair can support up to 300lbs - so up to when they move to a ‘big’ chair.
Key features
- JPMA certified and meets or exceeds ASTM safety standards.
- Designed to help babies through to pre-schoolers be part of the family at meal-time.
- Adjustable harness
- Included baby set
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I love the manoeuvrability of this high chair and that it has no fabric. It has a removable tray cover that can easily be removed and cleaned. It is so easy to keep clean and don't have to go through removing cushion covers to wash. My only complaint is when I pull out tray to get him out I can't seem to get it half way and keep it there, it falls, so I just have to take it completely off. Not a game changer.”
Kids grow up fast and the Ingenuity Full Course SmartClean 6-in-1 High Chair – Slate grows with them. Every inch was designed to help you conquer mealtime as it advances from puree splatters to picky eaters. This convertible high chair easily transitions from first foods chair to a traditional high chair to a chair top booster to a dining chair and toddler seat.
When used as a booster and toddler chair, it can seat two children at the same time. Meanwhile, the seat cover is wipe-clean and easy to look after.
Suitable from - 6 months to 5 years - it’s designed to last for all the early years!
Key features
- 6-stage adaptability - it changes with your child
- 5-point safety harness
- 3-stage reclining option
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CONS
3. Chicco Polly
Editor's Review
“You don't go wrong with Chicco. Our first Chicco high chair was used for 12 years for my 3 kids. You know why I bought another one ? Because we used to live abroad and wanted to come back home that's why we sold it. Chicco is solid, size is perfect and high quality materials as usual”
The Polly Space-Saving Fold High Chair grows with your baby to offer comfortable meals from infant through toddler. Polly features new modern styling with smooth, soft fabric that’s easy to wipe clean. A compact, 11” wide fold stands independently for convenient storage.
Polly features a three-position reclining seat & leg rest and a five-point adjustable harness with soft webbing to accommodate infants as young as six months. For growing babies and toddlers, an extra-large, snap-on tray with a removable liner makes for easy serving and clean-up.
Seven height positions, fold-away armrests and rubberized wheels allow you to easily bring your growing toddler up to almost any table. When the tray is not in use, slide it onto the rear legs of the high chair for convenient out-of-the-way storage.
Suitable from: 6 months up to 40lbs.
Key features
- Adjustable high chair accommodates growth from infant through toddler
- 5-point adjustable harness with soft webbing and a 3-position reclining seat & leg rest for comfortable infant feedings
- 7-position height adjustment, fold-away armrests and convenient tray storage for meals at the table
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I bought this highchair because it doesn't have a lot of padding and looks easier to clean. My son had one that was solid plastic and I liked the ease of use. I would buy this one over others with tons of plush padding, because reality is once you start letting baby pick up their own food it goes everywhere and you want to be able to wipe and dry seat between meals.”
This 4-in-1 high chair transforms into a space saver, chair booster and toddler chair.
The reclinable high chair with tray supports infants 6 months and older for feeding. Then move to the Infant booster seat with tray for upright support. As they grew, use the toddler booster seat without tray for table use. The adorable toddler chair can be used in any room! An adjustable 5-point safety harness secures baby to the seat as they grow
It features a dishwasher safe multifunction meal mat and easy release removable food tray. Both the tray and seat back are adjustable for ideal positioner from tiny to toddler. Your baby will be comfortable with the easy to clean cushioned, low-density foam padding seat.
It’s available in two designs - fox and racoon
Suitable from: 6 months up to 33lbs
Key features
4 products in 1 (reclinable high chair, booster seat, toddler booster seat, toddler chair.)
The removable tray and low-density foam padding are easy to wipe clean.
Divided food and snack sections on the meal mat have raised walls that are perfectly-sized so little fingers can easily grab snacks
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5. IKEA Antilop
Editor's Review
"We have purchased two high chairs. One for our house and grandparents house. They are great, durable, easy to clean and transport. They are also great value for money."
Simple and effective - IKEA are known for furniture that gets the job done and the Antilop is no exception. A basic highchair that comes with or without a tray - it’s by far the cheapest on the market and any ‘best of list’ would be remiss not to include it! Seen at pubs and restaurants all round the UK.
Suitable from: 6 months up to 33lbs.
Key features
Easy to take apart
Simple to clean
Includes harness
PROS
CONS
Designed for babies and toddlers who can already sit up unaided, the Bumbo Baby Toddler Soft Foam Multi Seat can be transformed to accommodate the different stages of your child’s development.
This versatile chair can be used as a floor seat, strapped to an adult chair for feeding in place of a highchair, or used as a booster by removing the pad. As baby grows, the pad of the baby multi-seat can be removed and stowed inside the seat to provide more room for your growing toddler. The base of the seat has non-slip pads and a smooth rounded surface to avoid damage to furniture.
Suitable from: 6 months up to 33lbs.
Key features
- The tray is easily detachable and can stow away neatly behind the backrest of the seat
- The seat has two height settings to accommodate smaller babies and larger toddlers
- The buckles of the attachment straps can be neatly stowed away in its slots on either side of the multi seat
- The soft foam pad of the baby multi seat can be removed and stowed neatly inside the seat
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
"I absolutely love the chair!! My son loves to sit and see everything. So it’s perfect for when I’m cooking and need to put him down sitting up. I love the straps to keep him in place. And I love the black on black colour scheme for my kitchen! It’s perfect!"
“The Chair”, as Lalo like this product to be known, is number one on the Forbes list of baby high-chairs. With its stylish and easy to clean design, it’s easy to see why.
Made from 100% non-toxic plastic, sustainable wood and with a machine-washable cotton pad, it passes a lot of parental pre-tests. It's long-lasting, ergonomic and screams quality.
It’s versatile, chic and will last for years.
Suitable from: 6 months up to 30lbs.
Key features
- Includes a 5-point safety harness and comes with an adjustable footrest that will come up a little higher
- Converts into a booster seat
- The Chair and its accessories were designed to be easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about the mess!
- Dishwasher-safe tray,
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Editor's Review
"This product offers versatility as it can be used conveniently on the road, restaurants, at home, and stores with minimal space to use. The quality of material is durable and easy to use. My wife and I are very happy with this product!"
Compact and convenient, the FastLock hook-on high chair is easy to set up on tables and counter-tops. The clamps attach in seconds with a reassuringly tight grip. The rubberised feet help enhance grip and protect the table from scratches and scuff marks.
The fastening fits to most tables and table skirts up to 5.25".
The main seat pad fabrics are made from recycled plastics. The easy-to-clean seat pad is also wipeable and machine washable.
It folds for convenient travel and storage and is an ideal portable high chair for babies and toddlers. The chair is also available in a ‘360’ model which comes with a tray, if there isn’t enough space on the table
Suitable from: 6 months up to 37lbs.
Key features
Fastlock clamps. The chair attaches securely in seconds with rubberised feet Fastens to surfaces .75” – 1.5” thick and navigates a table skirt up to 5.25” thick.
Main fabrics are made from recycled plastics.
Easy to clean. Removable seat pad is wipeable and machine washable for easy clean-up.
PROS
CONS
Easy to clean, easy to assemble, and easy on the eyes, this stylish high chair is also easy to love thanks to its superior safety features. A five-point harness system keeps baby secure while the unique swivelling design moves with you and makes feeding solids a breeze.
From the clear ergonomic seat and removable cushion to the chic wooden legs and dishwasher-safe tray, the 360° Cloud is a breath of fresh air when it comes to baby gear.
It does look good too. Its modern, neutral aesthetic helping it blend seamlessly with your décor.
Suitable from: 6 months to 33lbs
Key features
360 swivel - a one-of-a-kind swivelling feature allows for easy feeding and interaction with your little one
Removable tray and tray insert are dishwasher-safe for quick, effortless cleaning
Stable base and 5-point harness system with adjustable straps
JPMA certified
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FAQs
What age can babies sit in high chairs?
As with many questions about babies, it will depend on the child and their development; especially their ability to sit up. As a rule of thumb, this is usually around 6 to 8 months of age. However, it's important to note that every baby develops at their own pace, so some may be ready a bit earlier or later.
How long can children stay in high chairs?
This also varies depending on the child's age and temperament. Whilst having their food, their attention span usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes in the early days, gradually increasing as the child gets older and more accustomed to sitting.
What is the standard height of a high chair?
The standard height of a high chair can vary, but they are typically designed to bring the child up to a comfortable height for feeding at a table. The seat height is often around 21 to 30 inches (53 to 76 centimetres) from the floor, but this can vary based on the specific design and brand of the high chair.
It's important to choose a high chair that is adjustable and suits the height of your dining table to ensure a comfortable and safe dining experience for your child.
