What's behind our high chair Ratings? High chair user reviews and provide valuable feedback to other members and our testers. High chair buying guide When it comes to selecting a high chair, try not to be overwhelmed by the choices on the market: there are literally dozens: classic or modern, wooden, plastic, or metal, among other options. But the right high chair can help make feeding a hungry baby a lot more enjoyable for both of you. Here's what's to consider.Today's high chairs–whether they're made of wood, metal, or plastic--are loaded with features such as adjustable trays with dishwasher-safe inserts that make cleanup a cinch, seats that recline to multiple positions, and chair heights that accommodate your growing baby and give you flexibility to feed her at different levels.Regardless of the materials, you should look for high-chair safety features that include a crotch post; a safety-restraint system with a five-point harness; wheels that lock in place (or no wheels);
and, when folding, chairs that won't scissor, shear, or pinch you or your little one's fingers.At a minimum, you'll want a stable, sturdy high chair that can stand up to heavy use, spills, and regular cleaning for at least a year. Although they're intended for children from infancy up to about three years (the typical top weight is 40 to 50 pounds), some babies can't bear to sit in one once they become adventurous toddlers.Many high chairs now convert to toddler chairs when your child is ready to sit at the table with the rest of the family. You usually make the switch by removing the tray and adjusting the chair height so you can scoot your toddler right up to the table. That's a good thing because a regular kitchen or dining room chair will probably put your child at chin level to the table. Since you'll need some kind of transitional chair, you might as well get the most mileage from a high chair.You’ve made it so far! Can you believe your little one is getting ready to start solids?
They grow up so fast [wipes tear from eye]. Wait, did we discuss ? Before you dive into this next chapter, you’ll probably want to get a high chair and some other feeding supplies. Essentially, there are two types of high chairs: one that stands on its own and one that sits on top of an existing dining chair… A stand-alone is great if you have the space for an extra high chair in your kitchen or dining room. You can easily move it around, even from room to room. Also, you don’t have to worry about damaging or staining your existing chairs, especially if your high chairs are upholstered. Anywho, here are the best standalone high chairs in each price category: *Looks like this chair is no longer available for online purchase. Hopefully you can still find in store… or they bring it back online soon! Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking: twenty dollars for a high chair? Must be pretty crappy. This chair is pretty awesome! Pop the legs off this chair and it comes apart very easily for storage or for taking along on a trip, and best of all, there is NO fabric anywhere on this high chair (why can’t anyone else figure that out?), which makes it so very easy to clean.
In fact, many moms have ditched their expensive, full-featured, pain-in-the-rear-to-clean chairs for this one. The Antilop high chair is also perfect for grandma’s house or some other place where you need a spare. See it in action here. At $20 (all in) for the chair and tray, this chair is a best buy. Don’t ask me how these people make money. Like “where does sausage come from?” I don’t think I want to know… The Phil & Teds Poppy is a cute, modern high chair that meets all of my stringent requirements: It doesn’t have any fabrics, it’s easy to assemble and store, easy to clean, it will last through several stages (not just babyhood), and it’s super cute! See my full review of the Poppy here. While perhaps not as much of a space saver as the Mamas and Papas Pixi (below), I love that you can take one row of legs off the Poppy and it becomes either a) a “low chair,” for people with small kids tables (ahem, me), and/or b) a cool looking big kid’s chair (below), which can be used for years to come (trust me
, extra kid’s chairs ALWAYS come in handy). * Doesn’t recline, so not suitable for babes under 6 months. A swing-open tray, you guys. Finally, someone did it! This neat, grow-with-baby system offers seating for two children of different ages, so it’s ideal if you’re planning on getting knocked up again anytime soon. The Blossom can be used as a regular high chair, an infant booster, a toddler booster, and a child seat (click here or see below to see what I mean). We have the Graco Blossom chair at home and have enjoyed using it in all configurations, especially when we have guests. I also like that I can easily wheel it from room to room as needed. This is a great, full-featured high chair that grows with your family. *This chair does not fold, but it does recline. Therefore, it can be used for younger infants who don’t yet have tummy control. *Runner Up in this category: Chicco Polly With the OXO Tot Sprout Chair, you get the aesthetic of a wood chair (base) with the practicality of a plastic seat.
It’s good from 6 months to 5 years, with 5 levels of adjustable height, depth, and footrest (and no tools needed to make adjustments!). The chair and cushion are contoured for better support and can easily be wiped down for cleaning (*see note). Once baby outgrows the Tot Sprout, remove the depth-adjustable tray and pull this classic style chair up to the table. Available in several fun colors, including green, orange, taupe, and pink. If you want something that’s a little more sleek, check out these modern design favorites: Check out our quick review of this high chair here. The award-winning Boon Flair high chair is a single piece of molded plastic that sits atop a pedestal (instead of legs). In addition to the unique design, the Flair has a couple of kooky features: a pneumatic lift to adjust the height (like a barber’s chair), a bunch of tiny, hidden casters that allow it to move around (George Jetson-like). And with no cracks or crevices anywhere, it’s super easy to clean.
Yes, this is a neat modern high chair. See it in action here. Never mind that the straps remind me of an electric chair (creepy), the Tripp Trapp by Stokke is a true classic and an all-time parent favorite. This tray-less high chair is designed to pull right up to the table, so your child can sit and eat with everybody else. The signature footrest is infinitely adjustable and designed to grow with your child (see below). Later, the footrest acts like a ladder, allowing your child to seat herself on her own. Once your child is finished using the high chair, the whole thing can be converted to a stool or an adult chair. This chair is pricier than most, but you’ll use it for MUCH longer. They also hold their resale value very well, as you will notice on Craigslist. The Tripp Trapp is made from beechwood and comes varnished in a rainbow of colors – or just classic wood. The high-tech baby gear company, 4moms, has finally entered the category of high chairs.
When designing this product, they took into consideration the two big complaints parents have with feeding: the trays are hard get on/off (while holding a baby, etc.) and hard to clean. They decided to use magnetization to fix both of these problems. The one-handed magnetized tray pops into place very easily (one-handed while holding a baby in your arms – yes!). Use it with the special 4moms bowls and plates, whose magnets help keep them on the tray where they belong [the chair comes with one large bowl and lid — you can purchase additional bowls and plates separately]. All of that + the sleek design and the 4moms highchair is an easy winner. Pricey, yes, but this high chair grows with your child – becoming a booster seat for the dining table or small desk. This chair is aesthetically beautiful; perfect for the minimalist. It sits atop four solid beech legs and features fabric or leatherette straps to keep baby safe. And for a little flair, the Micuna Ovo comes in 6 color choices.
The space saver or sit-on-top chair is better if you can sacrifice an existing chair or if you don’t want a big ‘ol honkin high chair taking up space in your kitchen. They also tend to be collapsible and portable, so you can easily take them from place to place. If you’re looking for a basic space saver high chair/booster, look no further. This seat easily attaches to almost any dining chair. And when babe gets older and is ready to sit at the table, simply remove the back and it converts to a regular booster seat. This last high chair is a major mommy-favorite: the hook-on style Inglesina Fast. The ultimate space-saver, you can attach it to pretty much any tabletop or counter top and it takes up far less room than a high chair. Perfect if you typically eat at a “breakfast bar” or high counter top. It fits tables up to 3.5″ thick (yes, you should measure just to be sure) and holds up to 37 lbs of baby meat. Stuff this chair in its self-contained bag and carry it along to a restaurant or to grandma’s house: it’s the cat’s ass.