Your baby will spend hundreds of hours in their high chair. You will spend hundreds of hours cleaning it. You need a chair that keeps your little one safe without making mealtime cleanup a nightmare.
We tested top-rated models to find the ones that actually survive the toddler years. We looked for sturdy builds, wipeable fabrics, and ergonomic designs. Here are the best high chairs ranked by safety, ease of use, and style.
- 6-in-1 high chair
- Seats 2 children simultaneously
- Machine washable
- Safe for newborns
- One-handed tray removal
- Easy to clean leatherette seat
- Simple and sleek design
- Keeps your child sitting upright
- Highly convertible
Types of High Chairs
High chairs come in various shapes and sizes. Finding the right style depends on your available space, your budget, and your design preferences.
Traditional Metal or Plastic
These are the standard, no-frills chairs you see in many homes. They are lightweight, affordable, and usually foldable.
The budget-friendly price tag is a major plus. You can easily fold them up and shove them in a closet when guests come over.
However, cheap plastic can trap crumbs in seams. The padding is often thin and tricky to remove, which makes deep cleaning a hassle after a spaghetti disaster.
Multi-Functional High Chairs
Think of these as the deluxe SUVs of the high chair world. They offer adjustable heights, recline options, and heavily padded seats.
You pay for these features, so expect a higher price tag. They are also bulkier and take up more kitchen real estate.
The trade-off is longevity. Many of these models convert into boosters or toddler chairs, so you get years of use out of a single purchase. If you plan to have multiple kids, the durability makes the investment worth it.
Wooden High Chairs
Wooden chairs offer a classic look that blends well with adult furniture. They are sturdy and free from the chemical concerns some parents have about plastics.
The downside is weight. These chairs are heavy and hard to move around the kitchen. They also tend to lack plush padding, so they might not be as cozy for younger infants.
On the flip side, wood is incredibly easy to wipe down. There are fewer crevices for food to hide in compared to complex plastic frames.
These seats clamp directly onto your dining table. They are perfect for small apartments or travel since they have no legs to trip over.
They are highly portable and usually cheaper than full-sized chairs. You can toss one in the trunk for restaurant visits or vacations.
However, they do not fit every table type (especially glass or pedestal tables). Some models might scratch wood finishes if you aren’t careful during installation.
Things to Consider
You will use this gear multiple times a day for years. Be picky. Here are the critical factors to consider before you buy.
Durability
Babies are destructive. They bang spoons, spill liquids, and kick supports. Your chair needs to withstand daily abuse.
Cheap plastic might save money now, but it often cracks or wobbles after a year. Investing in a sturdy frame means the chair can survive toddlerhood or even be passed down to a second child.
Removable Tray
Fixed trays are a pain. You have to wiggle a squirmy baby through a small gap to get them seated.
Look for a tray that pops off completely with one hand. Even better, check if it has a dishwasher-safe insert. Being able to sanitize the eating surface in the dishwasher is a massive time-saver.
Ease of Cleaning
Food will get everywhere. Avoid chairs with excessive seams, textured fabrics, or unsealed wood.
Smooth surfaces that wipe clean in seconds are essential. If the seat has a fabric cover, ensure it is machine washable and easy to remove. If you need a screwdriver to take the cover off for washing, you will regret it.
Versatility
Convertible chairs offer better value. A unit that transforms from an infant seat to a toddler booster and eventually a youth chair grows with your family. This saves you from buying separate seating as your child gets older.
Ergonomics
Comfort isn’t just about soft padding; it is about posture. Look for a chair with an adjustable footrest.
Dangling legs can cut off circulation and make babies restless. A solid footrest provides stability, which actually helps babies swallow safely and focus on eating.
Safety Harness
Falls are the most common high chair injury. A secure harness is non-negotiable (1).
A five-point harness (shoulders, hips, and crotch) is the safest option, preventing climbers from standing up. A three-point harness (hips and crotch) is acceptable for older toddlers but less secure for adventurous infants.
Product Reviews
We analyzed the market to find chairs that balance safety, cleanability, and value. Here are our top picks.
Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair
Best Wooden High Chair
The Abiie Beyond is designed to last a lifetime. You can use it for your six-month-old, your teenager, or even yourself.
The patented EZ-Seat system allows you to adjust the seat and footrest height in under 20 seconds. No tools are required, which is a huge win for busy parents. This ensures your child always has ergonomic support as they hit growth spurts.
Safety is covered with a harness that converts from a 5-point to a 3-point system. The waterproof foam cushion wipes clean instantly, so you don’t have to worry about laundering stained fabric covers.
The tray includes a dishwasher-safe cover for deep cleaning. When your toddler is ready for the big table, simply remove the tray to use it as a standard dining chair.
Pros
- Converts from high chair to adult chair.
- No tools needed for adjustments.
- Waterproof cushions are easy to wipe.
- Sturdy wood construction holds up to 250 lbs.
Cons
- The tray is smaller than average.
- Wood finish can chip if banged against tables.
Our Ratings
Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Convertible High Chair
Best Convertible High Chair
The Graco Blossom is a powerhouse for growing families. It offers six different modes, including a traditional high chair, an infant booster, a toddler booster, and a youth chair.
Its standout feature is the ability to seat two kids at once. You can use the booster seat for your toddler on a dining chair while your baby uses the youth base. This saves you from buying a second high chair when a new sibling arrives.
It features three recline positions and six height adjustments, allowing you to pull baby right up to the table. The tray insert is dishwasher safe, and the seat pad is machine washable.
While it has a larger footprint, the versatility justifies the space. It is a solid investment for parents who want one piece of gear to handle multiple stages of childhood.
Pros
- Seats two children simultaneously.
- Six modes cover infancy through early childhood.
- Includes a removable seat back insert for smaller babies.
- Height adjustments fit various table sizes.
Cons
- Bulky base takes up floor space.
- Wheels can be stiff to maneuver.
Our Ratings
Joovy Foodoo High Chair
Best High Chair for Toddlers
If you need maximum adjustability, the Joovy Foodoo delivers. It features eight height positions and five recline angles, making it suitable for newborns who can’t sit up yet all the way to 50-pound toddlers.
The leatherette seat is soft and comfortable without being a pain to clean. It wipes down easily, though you do have to watch out for crumbs in the stitching. The tray is massive, providing plenty of room for messy finger painting or spaghetti dinners.
We love the one-handed tray operation. You can adjust or remove the tray while holding your baby in the other arm.
It folds up reasonably well for a full-size chair, and the rubber wheels protect your floors from scratches. It is a great choice if you want a comfortable throne for a larger child.
Pros
- Accommodates children up to 50 lbs.
- Reclines fully for bottle feeding or naps.
- Large tray captures most spills.
Cons
- Stitching on the seat can trap food.
- Footprint is quite long.
Our Ratings
Ingenuity Smartclean Trio 3-in-1 High Chair
Best High Chair for Baby-Led Weaning
The Ingenuity SmartClean Trio is designed for parents who hate scrubbing stains. The seat pad is made of foam that wipes clean instantly and is dishwasher safe for deep cleaning.
This is a 3-in-1 unit that converts from a full high chair to a booster seat and finally a toddler chair. Like the Graco Blossom, it can seat two children at once using the booster and the toddler chair modes.
The 5-point harness keeps wobbly babies secure, and the tray features four locking positions to adjust as your baby grows.
It doesn’t fold, so you will need a dedicated spot for it in your dining room. However, for the ease of cleaning alone, it is a top contender for messy eaters.
Pros
- Foam seat is incredibly easy to clean.
- Can be used by two kids at once.
- Dishwasher-safe tray and seat pad.
Cons
- Legs have a wide stance that can be a tripping hazard.
- Does not fold for storage.
Our Ratings
Peg Perego Siesta High Chair
Best Luxury High Chair
The Peg Perego Siesta is as functional as it is beautiful. Its standout feature is the “Stop & Go” brake system. You can easily roll the chair from the kitchen to the living room, but the auto-lock brakes ensure it never rolls away once you stop.
It offers nine height positions and a full recline, allowing you to use it as an infant lounger from day one. The eco-leather upholstery is buttery soft, stain-resistant, and durable.
Storage is a breeze. The Siesta folds extremely compact, standing upright on its own. This makes it perfect for families who want a full-feature chair that disappears into a pantry when dinner is done.
The net storage pouch on the back is a nice touch for keeping bibs and wipes handy.
Pros
- Wheels make it easy to move around the house.
- Folds very compactly for a full-size chair.
- Premium upholstery is durable and wipeable.
Cons
- High price point.
- Tray sits a bit high for smaller infants.
Our Ratings
Joovy Nook High Chair
Best High Chair for Small Spaces
The Joovy Nook solves the two biggest high chair complaints: difficult trays and lack of space.
The “swing-open” tray is a game changer. You don’t have to remove it completely to get the baby in or out; simply swing it to the side with one hand. It is convenient and prevents you from searching for a clean spot to set a dirty tray down.
For storage, the Nook folds flat like a beach chair. You can hang it on a wall hook or slide it under a bed.
It comes fully assembled, so you can use it right out of the box. The leatherette seat is comfortable and easy to wipe down, and the tray includes a dishwasher-safe insert.
Pros
- Swing-open tray allows for easy one-handed access.
- Folds completely flat for storage.
- No assembly required.
Cons
- Seat height and recline are not adjustable.
- Food can collect in the folding mechanism gaps.
Our Ratings
Graco DuoDiner LX Baby High Chair
Best High Chair for Down Syndrome
The Graco DuoDiner LX provides excellent support for babies who need a little extra help sitting up. The high seat back and adjustable footrest offer the stability required for low muscle tone.
It features a 3-position recline and infant body support to keep smaller babies comfortable. As your child grows, you can remove the legs and use the seat as a booster on a standard dining chair.
The tray can be removed with one hand, and the insert is dishwasher safe. While it is a bit heavier than some plastic models, the steel frame feels incredibly secure.
It folds for storage, though it remains somewhat bulky. It is a reliable, supportive choice for parents prioritizing stability over portability.
Pros
- Excellent head and body support for infants.
- Converts to a booster seat.
- Sturdy steel frame prevents tipping.
Cons
- Wheels do not lock on all models.
- Folding mechanism can be sticky.
Our Ratings
Evenflo Symmetry Spearmint Spree High Chair
Best High Chair for Twins
The Evenflo Symmetry is efficient and affordable. Its slim fold reduces the footprint to just eight inches wide, making it easy to stash away two of them if you have twins.
The design is intuitive. You can set it up in minutes, and the controls are easy to find. A handy storage pocket on the back keeps extra bibs within reach.
Cleaning is straightforward with a machine-washable seat pad and a dishwasher-safe tray liner.
It lacks some of the advanced height adjustments of premium models, but for the price and convenience, it is a fantastic value.
Pros
- Folds down to a slim 8-inch profile.
- Budget-friendly price point.
- Integrated 5-point harness for safety.
Cons
- Tray removal can be stiff.
- Limited height adjustments.
Our Ratings
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
Best Long-Term High Chair
The Stokke Tripp Trapp is an icon of Scandinavian design. It brings the baby right to the table to eat with the family, fostering social connection.
The chair is fully adjustable. You can move the seat plate and footrest up or down to ensure perfect ergonomics for any age. This foot support allows your child to shift their weight naturally, making them more comfortable for longer periods.
It is made of solid European beech wood, so it is built like a tank. It holds up to 300 pounds, meaning adults can use it too.
Be aware that you often have to buy accessories separately, such as the tray and baby cushion. However, the resale value remains high, making it a sound financial investment.
Pros
- Promotes excellent posture and ergonomics.
- High resale value and extreme durability.
- Allows baby to eat directly at the table.
Cons
- Accessories like trays and cushions are sold separately.
- Pricey initial investment.
Our Ratings
Han-MM Baby High Chair
Most Stylish High Chair
This Han-MM chair features a modern aesthetic that mimics more expensive designer brands. The combination of beech wood legs and a sleek grey seat looks great in contemporary kitchens.
It converts from a high chair to a booster and finally a small toddler chair. The legs are easy to shorten, giving you versatility as your child grows.
The seat is made of smooth molded plastic, which means there is absolutely nowhere for crumbs to hide. You can wipe the entire thing down in seconds.
The 3-point harness keeps your baby secure, though it may not be as restrictive as a 5-point system for active climbers. It is a solid choice for style-conscious parents on a budget.
Pros
- Modern, minimalist design.
- Wipe-clean plastic seat with no crevices.
- Converts to a low toddler chair.
Cons
- Tray is a bit small.
- Legs have a wide footprint.
Our Ratings
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
Best High Chair for Camping
The Inglesina Fast Table Chair is the ultimate travel companion. It clamps securely onto most tables, allowing your baby to dine out without using questionable restaurant high chairs.
It weighs just 4.2 pounds and folds flat into a built-in carry bag. You can keep it in your car trunk or toss it in a suitcase.
Despite its size, it is sturdy and holds children up to 37 pounds. The padding is thick enough to be comfortable, and there is a rear storage pocket for essentials.
You do need to be careful with table types; it won’t work on glass tops or tables with thick skirts. For camping, picnics, or visiting grandparents, it is unbeatable.
Pros
- Ultra-portable and lightweight.
- Fits securely on most dining tables.
- Includes a travel bag.
Cons
- Fabric is hand-wash only.
- Dining tray is sold separately.
Our Ratings
Cosco Simple Fold High Chair
Best Folding High Chair
The Cosco Simple Fold is the hero of grandma’s house. It is incredibly cheap, lightweight, and gets the job done without fuss.
As the name implies, it folds flat in one second. It stands on its own when folded, so you can slide it behind a door or into a closet easily.
The fabric seat is wipeable, though it is permanently attached to the frame, which makes deep cleaning difficult. The tray includes a cup holder and is adjustable.
It doesn’t have recline features or height adjustments, but for an occasional-use chair or a travel backup, the price is impossible to beat.
Pros
- Extremely affordable.
- Folds flat instantly for storage.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
Cons
- Seat cover is not removable for washing.
- Lack of footrest affects comfort.
Our Ratings
Graco Made2Grow High Chair
Best Modern High Chair
The Graco Made2Grow offers a 6-in-1 design similar to the Blossom but with a more modern, streamlined look. It works as a high chair, booster, and youth stool.
We love the machine-washable seat pad, which is easy to remove. For quick snacks, you can use the chair without the pad, wiping the plastic seat directly.
It folds for storage, which is a nice bonus for a multi-stage chair. The tray features a removable, dishwasher-safe insert.
The 5-point harness keeps your baby safe, and the adjustable legs allow you to find the right height for your table. It is a versatile, jack-of-all-trades option for modern homes.
Pros
- 6 modes of use for longevity.
- Machine-washable seat pad.
- Folds for storage.
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky.
- Padding is a bit thin compared to luxury models.
Our Ratings
FAQs
When Can My Baby Start Using A High Chair?
Most babies are ready for a high chair around six months old. They should be able to sit up with little to no support and hold their head up steady before you strap them in for a meal.
How Do I Clean High Chair Straps?
If the straps are removable, soak them in warm soapy water or toss them in a mesh bag in the washing machine. If they are attached, scrub them with a toothbrush and a mixture of baking soda and water, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Why Is A Footrest Important On A High Chair?
A footrest provides stability, which helps your baby maintain good posture. When a baby’s feet are supported, they have better core stability, which actually makes it safer and easier for them to swallow food.
How Long Do Babies Use High Chairs?
Most children use a high chair until they are between 2 and 3 years old. At that point, many transition to a booster seat at the table or a dedicated youth chair.
