Now that I’ve had three kids, I’m a big believer in only spending money on baby gear that’s really worth it. That spendy bottle warmer you’ll use for oh, 3 months? But a highchair that will literally last until your kids are in elementary school (or older) — that’s totally worth the investment to me. So, we’ve taken a look back at some of the very best highchairs we’ve had a chance to review over the years to find our favorites that will grow with your kids. In other words, you know you’re getting your money’s worth even after you’ve quit buying baby food. You can start using the Cocoon highchair from Oribel at 6 months old — right when you reach the point where your baby is ready for solid foods, and trying their best to make a mess of whatever is in front of them. Which is why we think their side tray that’s out of your child’s reach is so brilliant. Later on, when you’ve got a toddler who’s eating finger foods but who’s also super antsy and always trying to climb out of the chair, you can remove the regular tray entirely (and stash it underneath the seat, thanks to a magnetic attachment — love!) and pull them right up to the table.
And thanks to the 5-point harness, you can still keep them buckled in and in that seat for mealtime. The six different height positions and three recline positions ensure that your kid up to 3 years old will be comfortable eating from this chair, and you’ll be comfortable feeding them in it too. We weren’t surprised to see so many smart, innovative features in the new magnetic highchair from 4moms, because they’ve been pioneers in inventive baby gear for years. But we still really appreciate the magnetic tray — and magnetic bowls and plates that go with it. Because anything that helps keep food on the tray and off the floor is a huge plus. Amazingly, this highchair can hold a child up to 60 lbs — around second grade, by our estimation. Of course, you won’t still be spoon-feeding them at this point. But you can lower this highchair to the height of a regular chair and remove the harness and the tray to make it just another seat at the table. Only better, because you can easily wipe it down clean after every meal.
Of course, one of the most coveted highchairs that grows with your kids is Stokke’s Tripp Trapp. It’s been around since the ’70s and will (literally) last for generations. In its highest position, you can use the 5-point harness and baby accessories to make feeding your child at the table a breeze. (As much of a breeze as it can be to feed your baby strained peas.) When they’re a little bit older, you can keep the harness on to hold them in place while they’re learning to eat at the table with the rest of the family. But the best part about this highchair is that it has the ability to keep on transitioning from one stage to the next, year after year. And it’s not just a mealtime chair — once our own kids were able to sit in one of our dining chairs, we transitioned the highchair to a desk chair for homework. And since it will hold an adult’s weight, too, even the grandparents can sit in it to feed the kids. That’s a win-win-win, in our opinion.
The Ikea Antilop received the most votes in the highchair/feeding category. Introducing solids is a time of incredible, astonishing mess that your child-free self would never have believed. But it's also a time of exciting new firsts, funny faces and family time as your little one discovers a whole new world of tastes. We don't need to tell our readers just how important it is to have the right highchair for this icky sticky time when you find pumpkin in unlikely places, making washing everything down a daily task, so we weren't at all surprised by the winner of this category.WINNER: IKEA AntilopThe basic IKEA Antilop model is by far the most popular in Australian homes (and cafes and restaurants and daycares), mostly due to its value for money, ease of use, easy cleaning and easy storage. (See more of the Ikea range.)Read what our members love about Ikea Antilop: Simple, doesn't stand out in the house, easy to clean!! easy to take to friends house or on holiday if you're going in the car :)
Cheapest, easy to clean, easy to transport when visiting others, easily replaced if ruined in future. (Nothing else matters when it comes to high chairs!) Cheap, functional and easy to clean. Don't need all the bells and whistles to distract them eating. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Stokke Tripp TrappSince 1972, the Stokke Tripp Trapp has been helping babies and children sit at the correct table height for an interactive family life. It's a Scandinavian design classic, and with a seat and footrest that can be adjusted in both height and depth, even a young toddler can climb up safely. (See more of the Stokke Tripp Trapp range.) Read what our members love about the Stokke Tripp Trapp: Sturdy, safe, easy for my 4 year old to climb up and down. Straps to keep my 16 month old in. A chair that can be used from newborn right through to the teenage years is amazing! There is nothing better than being able to sit at the dinner table with my toddler and newborn both at the correct height without being distanced from us by a bulky tray.
Easy to clean, small, will last a lifetime. I like that the design is minimal and not babyish. I have one of these for each of my children. The most versatile seat ever. My 8 and 6 year old still love theirs and it's perfect for my 2 year old. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Phil&Teds PoppySimplicity of design is key when it comes to high chairs. Your favourite designs have no fussy detail, and the Phil&Teds Poppy is no different. Modern lines, a cinch to clean and great to look at, our readers listed it as a favourite. (See more of the Phil&Teds range.)Read what our members love about the Phil&Teds Poppy: Quick to clean, love that you can pull the seat skin off and put it in the dishwasher, easy to use. Beautiful colours, nice and comfy, easy to clean and the fact that it transforms as Bub grows is great. Outstanding design that doesn't hide food, easy clean, easy use, easy conversion as child grows and table heights change. Extremely easy to clean, sits upright so bub can't lean back very far with food in her mouth.
Great design and awesome colours! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Infasecure Feed'n'ReadThe Feed'n'Read Convertible Highchair is a strong and durable blow moulded chair which easily converts from a feeding chair to a table and chair. It features a convenient second tray to make cleaning easier.The seat, in both modes, features a three-position reclining backrest, and a removable seat pad for extra comfort. (See more of the Infasecure range.)Read what our members love about the Feed'n'Read highchair: Very sturdy and colourful. plus it converts to a table and chair once the highchair is no longer needed. its a great chair for when they are first starting to eat with good support and converts to a table and chairs for when a bit older. Can be used as a traditional highchair, low chair and a chair & table. Practical and can use well into toddlerhood and beyond. I love this as bubs has been able to get out of the Ikea & similar chairs. With infasecure, the straps are in right place to keep bubs in place, you can separate the chair from base to use as seat when bubs older.