We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

Breastfeeding, pumping, late-night bottle feeds — to say that mealtime brings you closer to your baby is an understatement.

Transitioning from feeding in your arms to exploring solid foods and purées in a high chair makes for a new, fun, and inevitably messy bonding experience.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect high chair for your cramped apartment or need a quick-clean option for your twins, we’ve got a recommendation to suit below.

If your baby is able to sit up by themselves and has started eating solid foods, it may be time to add a high chair to your kitchen set-up.

For many babies, solids are introduced between 4 and 6 months.

For reference, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends not introducing foods before 4 months of age, while the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solids around 6 months of age.

Around this time, your little one should begin to show signs of readiness. These can include:

  • sitting up without support
  • opening their mouth for food
  • bringing objects to their mouth

At that point, it’s best to talk with their doctor about starting solid foods and to make sure you have a high chair ready for mealtimes.

High chairs can take on a lot of different forms. The most important thing is that they keep your little one upright and safe while they eat.

Here are some of the common styles you’ll come across in your search for the perfect option:

  • Standing. This is the version that many people visualize when you say “high chair.” It has four legs, stands alone, offers back and side support, and usually has an attached tray.
  • Booster. These attach to a regular chair and don’t take up additional floor space. Traditional versions have no back or front support and simply elevate a smaller body to table height. Other options act as a space-saving high chair and include a tray, back, and harness support.
  • Convertible. Some high chairs can convert into booster seats, toddler chairs, or step stools. Parents who choose this type appreciate that the dual purposes make the chair a little more eco-friendly. Plus, it saves them the time and money of purchasing another item.
  • Foldable. For those who travel a lot or want to hide their high chair away between meals, these options can be folded up. Some foldable chairs fit into diaper bags or have their own carrying case.
  • Clip/hook-on. Some high chairs don’t have legs and instead clip or hook directly onto counters and tables. These high chairs don’t typically have their own tray as the table or countertop serves this purpose.

When choosing a high chair, your priority is keeping your child safe. Here are some factors to consider:

Safety certifications and recalls

If you’re buying a new high chair, you can rest assured that it’s been safety tested and certified.

Meanwhile, if you’re accepting a hand-me-down or purchasing a secondhand chair, make sure that everything is still in working order. For instance, check that there are no sharp or broken parts, wobbly legs, or missing screws.

You’ll also want to check with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure that the chair is up to current safety standards and hasn’t been recalled.

Leg sturdiness and overall balance

Make sure that the high chair won’t tip over when your little one becomes bigger and starts wiggling with all of their might!

If the chair has rolling wheels attached to the legs, make sure that they’re locked in place before placing your baby in it.

You’ll also want to make sure that wherever the high chair is positioned, adults and other children won’t trip over it.

If you choose a high chair that attaches to a counter, table, or chair, be sure the surface is heavy enough and properly balanced to support the high chair.

Never leave your child unattended

Don’t leave your child unattended in a high chair. They can easily choke on food or even risk toppling the chair.

You’ll also want to make sure that your little one is always buckled up when in their chair to keep them from standing up or sliding out.

Keep your child at a safe distance from any hazards

Children can easily twist and reach out of their chairs.

Therefore, never place high chairs near hot surfaces, sharp utensils, lit candles, and anything similar.

Adhere to weight limits

Weight limits exist for a reason and aren’t worth testing.

If your child has become too heavy for a certain high chair, it’s time for an upgrade.

When assessing the best high chairs on the market, we considered space, budget, special features, and what other parents had to say.

Bonus points were given for high chairs with extra comfort and those that are easy on the eyes.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$100
  • $$$ = $101–$200
  • $$$$ = over $200

Best convertible high chairs

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight limit: Up to 40 pounds (18.1 kg)
  • Pros: Includes wheels for easy transit, can be converted to seat two children, and the tray can be removed with one hand
  • Cons: Features lots of areas where food can get stuck and isn’t the most budget-friendly option

If you’re looking for a high chair that will grow with your family, this option from Graco is an excellent pick. It can be converted in six different ways, including an infant high chair, traditional high chair, and toddler booster seat.

As far as the high chair function goes, it’s easy to move around as it features lockable wheels. It also offers three different height adjustments and three recline settings.

Most reviews of this chair are positive. Yet, a few folks complain that while the tray is easy to remove, the chair itself is difficult to keep clean.

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight limit: Up to 50 pounds (22.7 kg)
  • Pros: Converts to a booster and toddler seat, includes wheels, and the tray is dishwasher safe
  • Cons: Takes up a decent amount of floor space and won’t fold up for travel or hiding away

This chair from Ingenuity converts from a full-size high chair to a booster seat to a toddler chair.

With features like locking wheels, a dishwasher-safe tray, a five-point harness, and a wipeable foam seat pad, the SmartClean Trio covers a lot of bases for a decent price.

Fans of this chair say that it’s easy to maneuver and lives up to its SmartClean name. On the negative side, it has a rather large footprint and doesn’t fold up to store when not in use — so if you’re short on kitchen real estate, this might not be the chair for you.

High chair with the most versatile design

  • Price: $$$$
  • Weight limit: Up to 300 pounds (136 kg)
  • Pros: Easy to clean, holds adult weights, and the neutral color scheme blends into many kitchen and dining room decors
  • Cons: One of the most expensive chairs on our list. Has no padding for extra comfort

An oldie but a goodie, the Tripp Trapp has been around since 1972. Parents love it for its adjustability, sturdiness, secure five-point harness, and footrest.

It can be pulled right up to the table, so you don’t need to worry about a tray. It comes in a variety of neutral colors to match your kitchen.

Assuming that you don’t invest in the add-on cushions, this is one of the easiest high chairs to clean — its simple design doesn’t leave many crevices where food can get trapped. As a bonus, it’s strong enough to hold your child long past the toddler years.

The downfall of this chair is the price, as it’s among the most expensive chairs in this guide.

Best budget-friendly high chair

  • Price: $
  • Weight limit: Up to 33 pounds (15 kg)
  • Pros: Easy to clean, doesn’t take up much floor space, and a budget-friendly price
  • Cons: Chair doesn’t recline or change shape as your child grows. It also doesn’t offer cushioning for comfort

If you’re looking for a chair that’s easy to clean, doesn’t take up much floor space, and has an unbeatable price, the Antilop chair from IKEA is the way to go. Upon this article’s publishing, the price was just under $25.

That being said, the chair isn’t designed to recline or grow with your baby — truly, there are no bells and whistles involved.

Regardless, many parents say it does the job just as well as more expensive competitors, although a few folks warn that the tray is difficult to remove and that the legs come out rather far and could pose a tripping hazard.

Best foldable high chairs

  • Price: $$
  • Weight limit: Up to 37 pounds (16.8 kg)
  • Pros: Lightweight, machine washable, and folds flat
  • Cons: Gap between the table and chair leaves room for a mess. The chair cannot clamp onto thicker surfaces

If you’re headed to a restaurant or on vacation, this ultra-light Inglesina chair folds flat for easy packing.

It clamps onto most restaurant tables or counters — up to 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) thick — without leaving scratches. In other words, it’s perfect for leaving the floor space free.

The seat itself is machine-washable, which most reviewing parents love.

On the downside, a few parents note that there’s a considerable gap between the table and the chair where their baby can drop crumbs. One reviewer suggests sliding a thin plastic cutting board underneath to supplement the tray and catch dropping food.

  • Price: $
  • Weight limit: Up to 45 pounds (20.4 kg)
  • Pros: Budget-friendly, includes a rear storage pocket, and has a three-point harness
  • Cons: Keeping it clean can be a challenge, and the leg holes may quickly be outgrown

This chair is another great portable option. Unlike other portable chairs, it features legs.

Perfect for taking to the grandparents’ house or a picnic in the park, this high chair folds up easily and slides into an over-the-shoulder bag.

Other features include machine-washable fabric, a rear storage pocket, and a three-point harness.

Reviewers say the legs are sturdy and wide, and that it lives up to its claims of easy portability. On the negative side, a handful of folks say washing is a bit of a challenge and that the leg holes are quickly outgrown.

Best high chair for all ages

  • Price: $$$$
  • Weight limit: 330 pounds (149.7 kg)
  • Pros: Holds adult weights, the plastic is easy to clean, and the chair can be converted to a kid seat
  • Cons: One of the more expensive chairs on our list. You’ll need to purchase the cushion and tray separately

This chair is designed to be easily adjustable. It allows you to bring your little one up to the table and still support their feet.

While definitely a splurge, parents love that this chair grows with their kiddos. Plus, it can be used as a kid-friendly seat beyond the high chair stage.

Reviewers say the smooth plastic is easy to clean and that the chair itself looks great and doesn’t take up an excessive amount of space. However, you need to purchase the cushion and tray separately, though a handful of parents say they’re not necessary.

Best high chair for small babies

  • Price: $$
  • Weight limit: Up to 33 pounds (15 kg)
  • Pros: Can be used on the floor or on an adult chair
  • Cons: The leg holes are on the smaller side and can quickly get too tight. Water can get trapped inside the tray when cleaning it

This Bumbo multi-seat can be used on the floor or securely strapped onto a regular chair to use as a high chair without taking up any additional floor space.

This option can be a tight fit for bigger babies and young toddlers, but its smaller frame and adjustable seat make it perfect for smaller babes.

The removable tray is easy to wipe clean — although many reviewers say its biggest flaw is that water gets trapped inside the tray when deep cleaning.

Best high chair for easy cleaning

  • Price: $$$$
  • Weight limit: Up to 60 pounds (27.2 kg)
  • Pros: Magnetic tray and accessories help ensure that dishes stay where they should. Offers adjustable positions, comfort as a child grows, and a dishwasher-safe tray liner that makes clean-up easy
  • Cons: Not the most affordable option on our list and takes up a decent amount of floor space

Many features set this high chair apart, but perhaps the best is the magnetic tray that makes one-handed maneuvering a breeze. Plus, there are magnetic feeding accessories available that help discourage your little one from throwing around their plates and bowls.

This chair’s removable foam insert seat, a dishwasher-safe tray liner, and smooth nylon straps make it easy to clean. It can also be adjusted to different heights and tray positions to grow with your child.

Best for travel

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight: 75 pounds (34 kg)
  • Pros: Can hold a substantial amount of weight, the fabric is machine-washable, and the straps are removable
  • Cons: Expensive for a booster-style seat and may not offer enough support for infants

Since it weighs only 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg), it’s easy to take the Bombol Pop-Up Booster with you wherever you go. The seat’s unique design folds up to about the size of a large book, which means it will fit in most diaper bags.

Despite its small size and transportability, this seat can hold up to 75 pounds (34 kg).

The fabric is stain- and odor-proof. Plus, it’s machine-washable for when the inevitable messes do occur.

Still, it should be noted that this option comes at a high cost and that it works best for older, more stable children.

Best swiveling high chair

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight: 33 pounds (15 kg)
  • Pros: Easy to wipe clean, dishwasher-safe tray, modern design, and a 360-degree swivel that makes it easy to move your little one around
  • Cons: Seat and footrest aren’t adjustable and take up a sizable amount of floor space

Swiveling high chairs make it easy to point your little one in whichever direction you need. This Munchkin high chair can swivel a full 360 degrees!

The chair is also easy to assemble and wipe clean after feeds. The modern design fits seamlessly with many kitchens and dining rooms, too.

It’s important to note that if you’re limited on space, this might not be right high chair for your little one. Also, the seat and footrest aren’t adjustable, which is especially regrettable since it’s not the most budget-friendly option.

Most dishwasher-friendly high chair

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight: 50 pounds (22.7 kg)
  • Pros: Dishwasher-safe, converts into a toddler chair, and has an adjustable seat and footrest
  • Cons: Takes up a lot of floor space and the tray requires two hands to remove

This is a convertible high chair that can be fully cleaned, as the removable seat and tray are dishwasher-safe. Additionally, the pad can be machine washed, and the chair is designed without a lot of crevices, making it easier to wipe down.

While this convenience comes with a higher price, this chair can be set at counter or table height and converted into a toddler chair. It also has an adjustable seat and footrest for longer use, and many parents love the storage hook on the back where bibs can hang.

Best modern design high chair

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight: Up to 200 pounds (90.7 kg)
  • Pros: Modern design, converts to a toddler chair, and is easy to clean
  • Cons: An expensive option and not the most supportive for infants

If you’re looking for something that’s sleek, easy to clean, and can even be used once your little one is a toddler, this Lalo high chair may be just what you’re after.

This high chair can be bought on its own. However, the 2-in-1 kit, which includes toddler chair legs and a seat cushion, offers more long-term seating options.

Keep in mind that this chair doesn’t offer the most support for infants, and it has one of the highest price tags on our list. Also, some parents complain that if they used the cushion for support, food got stuck under it.

Best high chair/step-stool combo

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight: 33 pounds (15 kg)
  • Pros: Reclines, can be converted to a step stool, and folds up
  • Cons: Takes up a decent amount of floor space around the counter or table. It’s only recommended up to 33 pounds, which is lower than many of the other options on our list

This chair can transform into a step stool. So, when your child no longer needs a high chair, the stool can instead help them wash their hands or cook dinner with you.

The height-adjustable seat on this chair reclines to three positions — a feature that many parents love to use with their infants at mealtime. It also offers a hook on the back for storage, and the tray’s insert is dishwasher-safe.

While the chair takes up some serious floor space, it can be folded up between uses. It should also be noted that the maximum weight is only 33 pounds (15 kg), so your little one may outgrow this chair faster than you’d like.

When considering which high chair is right for your little one, consider the following:

  • How much space you have. Depending on where you live, this might be the most important consideration. If you’re short on space, consider a chair option that clips onto an adult chair or the table instead of the more traditional standalone option.
  • Your budget. Prices for high chairs can vary greatly, ranging from around $50 to over $500. With such a difference in price, it’s important to think about how much you want to spend.
  • How long it can be used. Some chairs are specifically designed for infants or toddlers. Others are convertible models designed to grow with your little one.
  • Cleaning ease. Some high chairs come with easily removable trays or trays that feature compartments to better hold cups or plates. While this may not be a make-or-break feature, it can be a nice touch — especially considering how often you’ll be washing it.
  • Portability. If you’re traveling with your child, or need a high chair that you can take on the go, you’ll want to put some thought into the chair’s weight, whether it has wheels, and its ability to fold.
  • Comfort. If your little one is always on the move, the last place they’ll want to be is in an uncomfortable chair. The right amount of cushion, legroom, and even proper back support can make a big difference in keeping them happy while they eat.
  • Your personal style. You may get annoyed if the high chair sticks out like a sore thumb in your beautifully designed kitchen. While aesthetics may not be at the top of the list of must-haves, it can definitely sway you toward one option.

How long do babies need high chairs?

There’s no specific age when children should stop using a high chair.

A child is ready for a different type of seat when they can comfortably reach the table to feed themselves and sit reasonably still without support.

Before placing your child in a high chair, check to make sure that they’re within the product’s size and weight restrictions.

Is a 3-year-old too old for a high chair?

It’s fine for a 3-year-old to sit in a high chair as long as they’re within the product’s size and weight restrictions.

If your child no longer fits in a high chair or no longer wants to be placed there, you might consider other options like a booster seat.

What is the point of a high chair?

High chairs help hold little ones upright comfortably.

They position a young child safely at adult level, which makes it easier for adults to help with the feeding process.

Plus, using a high chair can help reduce the mess of feeding a wiggly little one.

There’s a wide range of factors and almost endless product options to consider when it comes to your child’s high chair.

With so many chairs to choose from, you’ll want to give serious thought to any restrictions and special needs you have — like budget, size, transportability, and supported weight.

As long as the chair you choose is safe and used properly, you should be able to take a deep sigh of relief as you deposit your wiggly little one into it for mealtime.