You know what those adorable pics of babies with chubby cheeks and mashed fruit and veggies plastered all over their face have in common? There’s a high chair in every one of them. When it comes to starting solid foods, having a spot for your little one to nosh that is safe and easy to clean is crucial. If you opt not to get a high chair, you can use your lap, stroller, or other piece of baby gear with a seat. But (and this is a biggie) prepare for a gigantic mess to be made all over it. We recommend that you add a high chair to your registry because it’s not only more convenient, but will also be easier to keep clean and will offer the best upright positioning for your child depending on age. What kind of high chair you choose depends on where you eat most of your meals, how much cleaning you’re willing to do on a daily basis, and how much space you have in your kitchen or dining area. There are larger, standalone high chairs that you can sit around your table, or anywhere really, that come with their own tray.
You can get a basic, plastic model that’s super easy to clean or go for one with more bells and whistles like wipeable cushions, wheels, footrests, a reclining seat (think: bottle feedings), and a chair that adjusts to various heights. If space is an issue, you might want to consider a full-size high chair that can be folded and stored when not in use, or a portable high chair that attaches to one of your kitchen or dining room chairs or the edge of the table–great for those who often eat out, too. There are even high chairs that grow with your child by converting to a booster seat for toddlers and later, a kid-sized chair. Because you’ll be nursing or bottle feeding with your baby nestled in your arms or in a bouncy seat or swing, you won’t need a high chair until your baby starts eating solid food - usually around six months. But, you’ll get good use of it until your child is two or three years old. We asked thousands of real BabyList families about the baby products they love the most.
We took the top high chairs they shared with us and added our own research and insight. We think you and your little one will love at least one of these items, too. Wallet FriendlyIKEA Antilop HighchairWHY WE LOVE IT The Antilop has sleek good looks and is so lightweight it’s a breeze to lift and move around. But what parents love most is how ridiculously easy it is to clean since it’s just molded plastic with a seatbelt attached (no fabric or nooks and crannies to clean up), not to mention the rock bottom price. “Our son loves it!” This basic model will probably not be comfy enough for your baby to sit for long periods of time given that it’s all hard surfaces. But, you can buy the matching cushion ($5.99) to make a cozier seat. Just remember that fabric cushions will need to be washed, frequently. WHAT BABYLIST PARENTS SAY “We used it at a restaurant and we were immediately interested in getting one. We liked the minimalist design, ease of use and ease of cleanup.”
“This highchair is so simple and non-bulky that you hardly even notice it. It just kind of blends into your home. The only thing we had difficulty with in the beginning is popping the tray off. We had to watch a Youtube video to see how to do it, as the Ikea instructions were not very detailed. Our son loves it!” -Chloe M. From when baby can sit up unassisted (around 5-6 months) until toddler age. Cute & CompactFisher-Price SpaceSaver High ChairWHY WE LOVE IT This high chair is true to it’s name. There’s zero bulk because you just attach it to one of your kitchen or dining room chair. Plus, you can use the reclining seat to bottle feed a newborn and it converts to a booster seat for toddlers. Be prepared to wash the fabric cushion multiple times a week (unlike vinyl or nylon cushions that you can just wipe down). It can get filthy, and taking it off and putting it back on can be a big pain because of all the straps you have to undo. “We don’t have an area to store a high chair, so we were glad to find one that can adjust to any chair (we have bar height chairs).
It’s also easy to clean. We happen to travel a lot to visit family and this highchair is easy to assemble and disassemble and pack up.” From newborn up to 50 lbs. Double SeatingGraco Blossom 4-In-1 Seating SystemWHY WE LOVE IT This transforming high chair can be used in four different ways - as a seat to feed an infant, as a full-size high chair, as a toddler booster, and as an older child’s chair. And it even seats two kids at once! You can use the high chair for a baby and the booster for a toddler at the same time, or use the infant recliner and the youth-sized chair simultaneously to accommodate your growing brood. “We have been able to use it in so many situations.” Since the Blossom highchair is a full-sized model, and doesn’t collapse, it does take up a good deal of kitchen real estate. Also, some parents report that the gap between their babies and the tray is too big, causing food to drop down and make a big mess. “Because it’s really four chairs in one, we have been able to use it in so many situations.
We travel quite a bit and love the detachable booster chair.” -Leah P. From newborn up to 40 lbs. for the high chair, booster and chair up to 60 lbs. Tray ChicOXO Tot Seedling High ChairWHY WE LOVE IT The Seedling high chair is all about the tray. You can remove it with one hand, and when you lay it down on the counter it stays level so any bowls on top don’t spill over. To eliminate any gaps between your baby and the tray (where all the food would end up!), you can adjust the tray to four positions. Plus, you can store it on the chair’s legs in between uses. Although the frame can be disassembled into two parts for storing, doing this on a daily basis isn’t practical. You’d more likely use this feature to tuck it away in between having kids. “The OXO Seedling is wonderful! It’s so easy to clean and wipe down and move around!” -Jessie B. From four months up to 45 lbs. Solid InvestmentStokke Tripp Trapp HighchairWHY WE LOVE IT This mod high chair looks like a piece of art, but functions as a sturdy spot for feeding your child.
You just pull it right up to the table - there’s no tray. The beechwood chair not only works for your baby but can seat him as a toddler, preschooler, and big kid too. Plus, the nine gorgeous colors it comes in makes us swoon. (Don’t worry, the paint is water-based and non-toxic.) “Absolutely worth the price.” The Tripp Trapp high chair is great for hardwood floors, or other smooth surfaces that it can slide on, but can’t be used on rough tile or carpet. Also, it could tip over if your child uses the table as leverage to push backwards. The infant seat, tray, and seat covers are sold separately. “Love everything about the Tripp Trapp and it is absolutely worth the price.” -Jacqueline C. From six months and up (can hold an adult up to 300 lbs.) Fold & StowInglesina Gusto HighchairWHY WE LOVE IT If you want a high chair that later acts as a booster or a child’s chair, this isn’t the one for you. But if your pad is tight on space, then meet your new best friend - the Gusto high chair.
When your little love is done chowing down, easily fold the high chair up and store until the next meal. When folded, it stands upright and even has a carrying handle. Great for traveling too! For children who can sit up unassisted up to 3 years old Comfort KingPeg Perego Siesta HighchairWHY WE LOVE IT With five reclining positions and three footrest settings, your baby can nap, play or watch you cook while in the Siesta high chair. The seat cushion is covered in buttery leather-like fabric and can be wiped clean. Parents do say that while the Siesta has wheels, it’s actually very hard to move around. But what is super useful? The Siesta folds up flat for easy storage. Recliner for newborns up to 19 lbs., the highchair seat up to 45 lbs. Go Anywhere GadgetInglesina Fast Table ChairWHY WE LOVE IT If you’re an on-the-go type, you’ll fall head over heels for the Fast Table Chair. The portable chair is sans legs and works by clamping onto most table edges.