Our top picks
Best overall: Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair
"This convertible chair has seating covered through early childhood without sacrificing quality."
Best high-end high chair: Peg Perego Siesta
"The reclining seat of this Peg Perego is ideal for younger babies, while the height adjustment offers ergonomics for parents."
Best for budget: Cosco Simple Fold High Chair
"Foldable, cute, and easy to clean, this simple high chair is so budget friendly that twin families could buy it twice."
Best modern high chair: Nomi Scandinavian-Style High Chair
"The modern design of this Scandinavian style high chair isn't just cool, it's also ergonomic, convertible, and easy to clean. "
Best portable high chair: ciao! Baby Portable High Chair
"Camping trips, picnics, and other travel with baby are made easier with this lightweight portable high chair."
Easiest to clean: Ingenuity SmartClean 3-in-1 Elite
"Sticky trays and crusty seats are a thing of the past with this cleanliness-forward model that eschews cushions and crevices."
Best for space saving: Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair
"At home or away, this handy highchair is quick to set up, simple to wash, and small in storage."
Best hook on highchair: Inglesina Fast Table Chair
"There won't be any telltale scuffs left behind by this travel highchair, which grips nearly any table type."
Best wooden high chair: Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair
"Stokke fans will love this unique offering from the Norwegian brand, which converts to a kids' dining chair."
Best high chair for toddlers: Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair
"The pop-off plastic tray of this adjustable wooden highchair simplifies cleanup with one-hand removal."
In this article:
As an essential piece of baby gear that can often be pricey, you’ll want a high chair that’s easy to install, stays put, and isn’t a struggle to clean — one that can convert and adapt to your baby’s changing needs is even better.
The ability to move, disassemble, and clean your high chair without much time or struggle will save you a great deal of grief, as it’s an item that naturally gets messy and which may sometimes need to travel with you and your child.
Our list of the best high chairs focuses on durable, stable construction, simple setup, and designs that avoid the kinds of nooks, crannies, and crevices that can hide stubborn dirt and bacteria.
Ready to strap in?
Our picks of the best high chairs
Best overall
Frame: Plastic
Item Weight: 32 lbs
Harness: 5-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 60 lbs
Cushion Material: Leatherette, Polyester
If you’re in the market for a convertible high chair that will go the distance without sacrificing quality, the Graco Blossom 4-in-1 (check price on Amazon) is our best rated high chair.
Even four different conversions would be impressive, but the Blossom does more than its name implies — it can function as a reclining infant seat, a traditional high chair, an infant booster, a toddler booster, a regular chair, or be separated and used by an older and younger child at once. The smartly-designed chair has front and rear caster wheels for easy movement, and a rear wheel lock for safety and stability.
A five-point harness keeps kids safely restrained until they’re old enough to switch to a lap belt, and a machine-washable leatherette and polyester seat pad offers a little cushioning for a comfortable sit. The tray insert can also go right into the dishwasher, so cleaning their chair is easy at every stage.
What we love
- A dishwasher-safe tray insert and machine washable seat pad make cleaning this high chair a breeze
- It can convert into six different seat types, quite possibly the best convertible high chair in terms of versatility
Watch for
- It can't be folded up, and switching between configurations can be a bit cumbersome
Best high-end high chair
Frame: Metal
Item Weight: 27.5 lbs
Harness: 5-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 45 lbs
Seat Cushion Material: 70% polyester / 30% cotton
A versatile product, the Peg Perego Siesta (check price on Amazon) is safe, easy to clean, comfortable, and super adjustable. Admittedly, it’s an expensive high chair, but the robust caliber of its build and respectable weight limit means your child will be able to use this high chair for years.
The Peg Perego features a cushioned seat that can recline to five different angles, including a fully reclined infant seat, making it one of the best highchairs for babies who are still developing neck and back strength. The footrest can be adjusted to three different positions, and the chair’s nine possible height options help make feedings more ergonomic for parents and caregivers as well.
The wheels are designed to keep your floors safe from scratches and the brakes, while a bit tricky to operate the first few times, will keep the high chair in one place. Meanwhile, an easy to clean five point harness and passive safety bar will keep your baby safe in their leather-upholstered seat, which can easily be removed and wiped clean with a damp cloth. The tray insert can also be put into the dishwasher to speed cleanup along.
When you want this chair out of the way, it folds up neatly and won’t take up a boatload of storage space. It is also light enough to be maneuvered around the house with relative ease.
What we love
- Reclines to five different angles, including a full recline, making it an ideal infant high chair; foot rest can be placed in three different positions
- The seat can be removed and wiped clean, and the tray insert can go into the dishwasher
- Folds to store and moves on locking caster wheels
Watch for
- The brake lock can be a little tricky
Best for budget
Frame: Metal
Item Weight: 13.65 lbs
Harness: 3-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 50 lbs
Cushion Material: Cloth
Functionality doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank, a fact which the Cosco Simple Fold High Chair (check price on Amazon) illustrates well. Though it’s one of the most budget-friendly high chairs, it’s also safe, durable, cute, easy to clean, and easy to store.
If you’re the parent of multiples, you’ve no doubt contended with just how expensive buying doubles (or, sometimes worse, specialized twin+ gear) of everything is — opting for two of the best affordable high chairs you can manage is likely to set you back less than a fancier singleton chair, and the Cosco is an ideal model for this. Though it doesn’t have wheels, the chair stands on its own on a wide, stable base, and folds flat to fit neatly in a closet or corner when it’s not being used.
The removable fabric cushion of this chair is easy to remove and clean, and though there’s no tray insert, the entire tray pops out and is dishwasher safe. The only concern we recommend parents keep in mind is the harness — it’s a three point rather than a five point harness, so it’s not quite as secure.
What we love
- It's budget friendly, so it's a great pick for parents of multiples and those who need to stretch their pennies
- Cleanup is easy thanks to fabric that wipes down and a removable, dishwasher-safe tray
- Folds to store when not in use
Watch for
- The cushion can't be detached, which can make achieving a complete wipedown a bit of a chore
- It's a three point harness instead of five, making it less secure
Best modern high chair
Frame: Oak
Item Weight: 13.15 lbs
Harness: 5-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 330 lbs
Cushion Material: N/A
No, that’s not a typo — the Nomi Scandinavian-Style High Chair (check price on Amazon) really has a maximum weight limit of 330 lbs. We don’t anticipate you sharing it with your tot, but it speaks to the durability of this beautiful oak high chair’s construction.
The Nomi embraces the European virtue of keeping children close to the dining table during mealtime, even babies, to keep them engaged in important social development and bonding. As such, it doesn’t come with a tray, and is intended to pull right up to the side of the table, where an eating mat can be used if needed.
The sleek modern appearance of the high chair means it’s as easy to clean as it looks, as there’s no cushion to wash, and the ergonomic plastic seat and footrest wipe clean easily with a damp cloth — no easy-to-miss cracks and crevices for pesky bacteria here. It’s also very adjustable, as both the seat and the footrest can be moved, and it can eventually be converted into a youth chair that your child can use for years (the foot rest really helps to boost their reach at the table, too).
One of our favorite things about this high chair? Though it’s incredibly sturdy, it’s also lightweight enough that the average parent can pick it up in one hand to move it, which makes its lack of wheels way less of a hassle.
What we love
- The design allows babies and toddlers to participate in mealtime by bringing them close to the table
- The sleek, ergonomic plastic design is easy to wipe clean
- It's highly adjustable,, can hold 330 lbs, and eventually converts to a dining chair for kids
Watch for
- There's no wheels (but it's really lightweight)
- It can't be folded for storage
Best portable high chair
Frame: Metal
Item Weight: 8.5 lbs
Harness: 5-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 50 lbs
Seat Cushion Material: Polyester canvas + vinyl tray cover
The family on the go needs a high chair ready to go, and the ciao! baby Portable High Chair (check price on Amazon) is an adept pick. This super lightweight product can be ready to travel within seconds, is a cinch to clean, and touts several safety certifications.
The actual act of getting this chair ready for travel is quite easy; it folds and unfolds easily, and comes with its own carrying case. Keep in mind that this is a travel high chair, so the tray is not as stable as its stay-at-home counterparts, but it takes little effort to clean.
Despite its fold-and-go nature, you can rest assured your little one will be secure in this high chair. It meets ASTM and European safety standards and satisfies every CPSIA guideline as well. This high chair has also been the recipient of several awards, including a Family Choice award in 2017 and a Winter Green Scene Mom Award in 2016.
What we love
- No assembly is required, and setting up and packing up are both quick and easy
- It's an award-winning pick that handily meets safety standards
Watch for
- Because the tray is made of fabric, it's less stable than a traditional high chair, so messes may happen
Easiest to clean
Frame: Steel
Item Weight: 20.4 lbs
Harness: 5-point and 3-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 50 lbs
Cushion Material: Foam
Parents at your wits’ end with sticky high chairs, the Ingenuity SmartClean Trio Elite (check price on Amazon) is a reasonably priced solution. This steel-framed convertible high chair has a seat pad that’s easy to wipe in seconds, no scrubbing needed. The tray is also dishwasher safe, so it can wash up with the rest of the night’s dishes to be ready for the next morning.
This product has three configurations, a high chair, booster seat, and toddler chair. It can also be separated into two pieces for an older and younger sibling set, with big sister or brother in the toddler chair and baby in the booster, so it’s a versatile pick for growing families.
The four-wheeled chair moves between kitchen and dining room easily, but it doesn’t fold up for storage, so it doesn’t travel well and can be a bit of a space hog. Parents should note that unlike some convertible high chairs, the footrest doesn’t adjust, nor does the height of the high chair.
What we love
- It has a total of four options for use: high chair, booster seat, toddler chair, or shared
- It wipes clean quickly and the tray is dishwasher safe
- It has wheels, so moving from kitchen to dining room is easy
Watch for
- The height of the chair and the footrest cannot be adjusted
- It does not fold to store
Best for space saving
Frame: Plastic
Item Weight: 7.5 lbs
Harness: 5-point & 3-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 40 lbs
Seat Cushion Material: Polyester
A small but mighty product, you will be pleasantly surprised at the number of features the Fisher-Price SpaceSaver (check price on Amazon) has, including its ability to grow with your child.
This JPMC-certified lightweight chair weighs about seven pounds, easily the smallest high chair on our list, and can convert from a high chair to a booster seat quite easily when your toddler is ready. The seat, tray, and tray insert can all be washed in the dishwasher, and the deeper tray style of this chair helps to prevent tots from making messes on themselves, the chair, and the floor.
The space saver high chair earns its name because it doesn’t come equipped with a base — instead, it fits onto most dining chairs, including those in restaurants (score one for avoiding those germy communal high chairs AND saving the busboy a trip). This means when it’s not being used, it tucks away very easily, and it’s also ideal for traveling.
This compact marvel has two adjustable height options and three reclining positions, but there’s no footrest, which is an important part of keeping baby comfortable and maintaining proper posture while eating.
What we love
- It's lightweight and compact, so it stores and travels well
- The seat, tray, and insert can all go in the dishwasher, and the cushion can go in the washing machine
- It fits onto most dining and restaurant chairs, and features two height settings and a three position reclining seat
Watch for
- It has no footrest, which is important to posture development
Best hook on highchair
Frame: Metal
Item Weight: 4.2 lbs
Harness: 3-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 37 lbs
Cushion Material: Canvas
Compatible with most tables, the Inglesina Fast Table (check price at Buy Buy Baby) hook-on high chair is designed to leave surfaces undamaged while still providing a secure dining experience for your little one. With a simple twist of the couplings, this high chair will grip onto almost any table type without leaving scuffs or marks.
The Inglesina collapses flat for travel as quickly as its name suggests, and comes with its own carrying bag to make toting to grandma’s house more convenient. When it’s time to clean up, the cover removes from the frame and is machine washable, making life easy for parents on the go.
An ASTM certified product, this high chair also offers some nice creature comforts, such as a lifted backrest, a comfortable seat, and even a handy back pocket. It’s an ideal option for parents in search of a travel highchair that works well indoors, as opposed to one with a fabric tray which can be messy during mealtime.
What we love
- It collapses quickly and stores flat to save space and make traveling easier
- It has non-scuff clamps and a carrying bag, so it won't damage tables and can be stored discreetly when not in use
- It clamps to the table for a firm surface, unlike travel high chairs with fabric trays
Watch for
- It doesn't fit every single table
- Setting up can be time-consuming
Best wooden high chair
Frame: Wood
Item Weight: 15.4 lbs
Harness: 5-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 300 lbs
Cushion Material: None
This handsome high chair adds a simple charm to your decor while providing a lifelong seat at the table for your kiddo.
The design of the Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair (check price on Amazon) is simple, ergonomic, and centers around high quality materials and craftsmanship. The structure is sturdy enough to support a remarkable 242 lb weight limit, so your toddler will be able to enjoy his first piece of real furniture from age six months on. This longevity can help mitigate the sting of the steep price tag; this high chair is one of the more expensive items on this list.
The seat and footrest are adjustable, and a five point harness keeps your kiddo safely in place. The absence of seat pads make cleaning an absolute breeze, while the high chair’s ergonomic design is comfortable and promotes good posture, but parents should note that it can’t be folded for storage.
This high chair does not come with a tray, so it’s best suited for older toddlers who can be slid up to the dinner table for meals. You can, however, purchase a tray and attachable safety-seat for younger babies.
What we love
- It's a durable, ergonomic build made with quality materials
- A high weight limit means they'll enjoy it as kids' furniture as long as possible
- Cleanup is easy, as there are no seat pads
Watch for
- It can't be folded for storage
- There's no tray, so children will need to eat close to the table
Best high chair for toddlers
Frame: Wood
Item Weight: 17.5 lbs
Harness: 5-point & 3-point
Maximum Occupant Weight: 250 lbs lbs
Cushion Material: Canvas
The Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair (check price on Amazon) is designed to be your little one’s favorite place to sit from toddlerhood well into their youth, making it worth the expense.
Smashing age limits, you won’t get endless use out of this product; it easily transforms from a high chair that your little one can start using when they are six months old, to a regular chair with a 250-pound weight limit. Better yet, there are no tools needed to make adjustments.
An award-winning product, this high chair is also ASTM certified and comes with a five point harness for your toddler and three point safety harness to use later on.
While this chair can be a bit difficult to assemble, adjusting the height is simple, and the tray, which is dishwasher safe, can be removed with just one hand.
The chair itself is easy to clean, with the exception of the straps. Unfortunately, these are hard to remove, which means giving them a good scrub can be a somewhat time-consuming process.
What we love
- It's a safety-certified pick with multiple configurations
- It converts to a children's chair without the use of tools
- The high weight limit means they can safely enjoy it for years to come
Watch for
- Assembly can be tricky
- It can be tough to remove the straps for cleaning
Final verdict
With confidence, we recommend the Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair (check price on Amazon) as the best high chair you can buy. Its build quality, safety features, and durability mean it ought to outlast several children.
If, however, you’d prefer to stick to a lower price point, then the Cosco Simple Fold High Chair (check price on Amazon) is one of the best high chairs for getting the job done at a fraction of the cost.
Our trusted parent reviewers
As real parents with real children, we always begin our extensive research and review process from a place of empathy for the needs and wants of fellow families. We get that our readers will have a variety of budgets at their disposal, but universally we parents need baby gear that works well and survives real life.
Beyond common sense, we are very proud of our in-house research methodology. First, we interview parents who have owned the products for over a year. They are great at dishing the dirt. Then we use our carefully honed techniques for unearthing real customer feedback from real families. (Let’s just say we know how to bypass fake reviews – we’ll mention no names.)
At the end of the day, we are simply doing research that anyone can do, but we’ve simply spent a very long time getting really good at it. We’re confident that our picks are the best they can be.
Types of high chair
- The Classic Model: Just as the name implies, these are “old school” high chairs that don’t have wheels or reclining seats like some modern models. They’re easy to set up and use, and a bit cheaper than some fancier models, but they can be on the larger side, and they don’t fold to store.
- The Modern Model: Newer high chairs have more convenience features on offer, like wheels, reclining seats, height adjustment, and space-saving storage, as well as a more modern design aesthetic. The downside to this is the price tag, which tends to be higher on these models.
- The Convertible Model: The rare product that can be converted to accommodate growing children can be a budget win for parents, including convertible high chairs, which can be switched from a regular high chair to a booster seat when baby is old enough. There are two concerns to keep in mind here — they may not be as high-quality as a product dedicated to a specific age range, and they can be a space-hog.
- The Travel Model: Bringing your classic high chair on the go is a no-go, and even “space-saving” folding models don’t save much space in the back of a car. A travel high chair is perfect for outdoors, using a broad leg design to create stability on most surfaces, but most portable high chairs are made of canvas and designed to get messy, so keep use outside only.
- Hook-On Models: In theory, a hook-on high chair should be great, and many are — they’re an indoor version of a travel high chair, which hooks onto the edge of a table to support your baby’s weight. The problem is that not every table is the same size, so a clip on chair won’t work everywhere you go, but finding one that works for trips to grandma’s house can be a lifesaver.
- Models for Multiples: When it comes to price, the the best high chair for twins is two singleton high chairs. However, if you’re up for a bit of a splurge, there are dual (and triple, and quadruple!) high chairs, which are really more like a toddler table with built-in bucket seats.
FAQs
What is a high chair?
A high chair is a piece of baby gear designed to make mealtime easier for parents by safely securing baby in an area where they can comfortably sit and be fed, and which can easily be cleaned up afterward.
Because babies and toddlers need to be fed or to self-feed with safe finger foods, and are not big enough to sit at the table unassisted, creating a dedicated eating area helps to keep messes in one place while also building a routine around mealtime and positioning baby in a way that allows social contact with others during meals.
When should my baby start using a high chair?
Your baby will be ready for their very own seat at the table when they are able to sit up unsupported and ready to begin transitioning to purees and soft solid foods. This should include the ability to hold their neck up unassisted, a necessary milestone to avoid choking.
Typically, this is between 4 and 6 months, though development may vary by child. If you feel your child may not be ready to make the transition yet, the best bet is always to wait.
When should my baby transition to a booster seat?
Once your baby is confidently sitting up on their own, it’s safe to transition them to a booster seat. You will usually begin to see this skill developing at around nine to twelve months.
Transitioning to a toddler booster seat helps a child to be closer to the family during mealtime, which offers chances to develop their social skills. It can also be easier to clean up after them, as you’re simply taking away an eating mat or wiping a surface clean when they’re finished.
Some of the best high chairs out there can be converted from high chair mode to booster seats when the time is right, including several of those on our list. However, if you have multiple children of different ages, you night consider purchasing two convertible high chairs or a high chair and a youth chair.
How do you clean a high chair?
Keep your high chair in tip-top shape by:
- Cleaning off crumbs after every use;
- Sanitizing the high chair tray and footrest daily;
- Sanitizing the seating area and/or cushions regularly;
- Checking corners and crevices of the entire chair for crumbs;
- Where possible, disassembling once a month to ensure all crumbs are eliminated and all surfaces disinfected;
- Regularly cleaning the safety straps;
- Always use kid-friendly cleaners
What to look for in an infant or toddler high chair
Shopping Certified
ASTM International and JPMA are organizations that put products to the test for legally mandated health and safety standards. They only certify products that meet their stringent guidelines. Although it is completely voluntary for companies to submit their products for approval, an item that comes with one or both of these badges certainly earns brownie points.
Note that as these certifications are voluntary, parents should never assume that a high chair has been certified as safe without verifying such. It’s also important to keep in mind that a hand me down, while budget friendly, may not meet current safety standards — do your research.
Stability
Once your baby is in place, if they’re in a sturdy high chair that’s properly stabilized, they shouldn’t be able to topple their chair or wiggle it around excessively.
Of course, this isn’t something you’ll want to test with baby in the chair, so once it’s installed, grab it with both hands and give it a good shake. Press down on the tray, making sure the chair stays firmly in place.
If everything is staying put, you’re good to go — if not, it’s time to tweak the installation to avoid safety risk and ensure baby is in a safe high chair.
Safety Restraints
Make sure that the high chair comes complete with a harness that your child cannot unfasten on purpose or accidentally. While some high chairs have three-point harnesses, five-point harnesses offer many parents a bit more peace of mind for their younger babies.
A crotch strap, aka crotch post or safety post, is vital to prevent your baby from slipping down and out of the seat. Remember; the tray is not designed to keep your child safely in place.
Seating
Your baby deserves to be comfortable as they enjoy their meals, so be sure that the seat is one that they tolerate — the alternative will be a fussy mealtime filled with demands to leave the chair.
Cushions are certainly nice, but some are harder to clean than wood or plastic chairs, so opt for one that’s fully coated and wipes clean if you go that route. At the bare minimum, the seat should be ergonomically designed and provide plenty of support.
Height Adjustability
Feeding baby at the wrong height can give anyone a backache quickly, so a high chair that has adjustable height can come in great handy. It’s also useful if the chair will be used at different tables of varying heights throughout your home.
Brakes on the Wheels
If you buy a model that can roll, either for quick storage or a room change, the wheels must have brakes to ensure your baby’s safety.
Look for brakes that are easily engaged, and make it a priority in your mealtime routine — forgetting to put the brakes on can lead to a dangerous fall for your baby.
Cleanability
When it comes time for cleanup, the best high chairs are the ones that won’t make you struggle. Make sure that whatever model you purchase, it’s something that you can clean well and clean regularly. Removable trays can simplify sanitization, and cushions that you can wipe down easily or remove and throw in the washer can be a game-changer.
High chair safety
There are plenty of high chairs on the market that look great or fold away easily but, as parents, our number one concern is always safety.
Make sure that you:
- Always lock wheel brakes;
- Never leave your baby unattended;
- Never allow your baby to climb on the high chair;
- Never allow your baby to stand in the high chair;
- Obey a high chair’s recommended weight limit;
- Keep the high chair away from walls or table edges that your baby could push off from;
- Routinely check the harness and crotch strap to ensure a proper fit;
- Maintain a proper cleaning regimen to ward off germs and bacteria
