As any parent knows, babies learning to eat are, well, pretty messy! They’re also wiggly and generally unable to sit safely, comfortably, and neatly on a dining room chair. The solution to this is, of course, a high chair. High chairs come in several different styles. Some stand alone, some clip onto the table, and others strap onto a regular chair. Some are even convertible and offer various options. Many come with an easy-to-wash tray, while others use the kitchen or dining room table as the baby’s eating surface.
Choosing the best high chair for your baby or toddler can be quite a project, so we’ve examined dozens of options in order to bring you the best ones to consider in a variety of styles. We have separated them by category so you can determine whether you need a large high chair, a booster seat for your toddler, or a portable chair that you can take with you to Grandma’s house and to restaurants. We considered things like ease of use, comfort, and how well parents liked using them.
Our top pick among all of the high chairs is the Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair. This powerhouse will not only fit your child for years but it also allows you to seat both a toddler and a baby at the same time, making it perfect for families with two children a couple of years apart in age. It’s highly adjustable and will become a part of your daily routine for years to come.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated High Chairs
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best High Chair Overall | Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair | 4.7 |
| Best Portable High Chair | Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Highchair | 4.3 |
| Best Budget High Chair | Cosco Simple Fold Deluxe High Chair | 4.5 |
| Best Wooden High Chair | Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray | 4.7 |
| Best Toddler High Chair | OXO Tot Perch Booster Seat with Straps | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon and might change over time.
Best High Chair Overall: Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair
The Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair made our top pick. With six different functions, you will be able to use it for your baby, toddler, or preschooler. In fact, as mentioned above, you’ll be able to use the same high chair for two children at the same time. Place your baby in the high chair while your older child uses the booster seat or the youth chair. It can even be used for small babies who don’t sit up on their own yet, thanks to the recline function and the five-point safety harness.
The wheels on this chair allow it to be moved easily from room to room, and they also lock in place to prevent your little one from moving the chair by swinging his or her feet or wiggling around. The tray is easy to remove and wash, and the removable seat back insert will help position your baby or toddler properly for eating. There are six height adjustments, three recline positions, and a three-position removable footrest, so you’ll be able to customize this chair for your child’s comfort.
Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair Key Features:
- For babies and children up to 60 lbs
- Can be used 6 different ways
- Can be used with two children at the same time
- Safety harness
- Lockable wheels
- Removable tray
- Very adjustable
Best Portable High Chair: Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Highchair
The Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Highchair is our favorite portable high chair for babies and toddlers. This can be used indoors or out, and it folds down to a small package thanks to its space-saving design. One nice feature is that the entire thing is easy to clean, from the plastic tray to the machine-washable fabric that baby sits on. This chair is for babies who can sit up and will accommodate toddlers and preschoolers up to 45 lbs.
The chair has a three-point harness, so your little one won’t be able to slide forward out of it. The tray is roomy enough to accommodate toys or a meal, and the chair is sturdy and will be able to stand up to the typical child’s wiggling around. It has a rear storage pocket for essentials, and it comes with its own travel bag to make it easier to pop it in the car for a last-minute adventure.
Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Highchair Key Features:
- Indoor/outdoor high chair
- For 6 months to 45 lbs
- Folds down
- Completely washable
- Three-point safety harness
- Rear storage pocket
- Includes travel bag
Best Budget High Chair: Cosco Simple Fold Deluxe High Chair
If you are looking for a high chair on a budget, we recommend the Cosco Simple Fold Deluxe High Chair. Adorned with a fun design, your little one will be happy to hop in to enjoy meals and snacks. It’s compact and folds down quickly, so it’s a great choice if you don’t have a lot of space available or if you need to stow it away in a closet in between uses.
The chair will keep your baby safe with a three-point harness. You can use it for toddlers up to 50 lbs, so it will last you a long time. Keeping this high chair clean is easy: The tray and seat pad are both simple to wipe down, and you can also put the tray insert in the dishwasher if you prefer. You can hand-wash the restraint straps, but don’t put them in the dryer; just let them air-dry.
Cosco Simple Fold Deluxe High Chair Key Features:
- For babies and toddlers up to 50 lbs
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher-safe tray insert
- Fun design
- Compact, folds down
- Three-point harness
Best Wooden High Chair: Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray
The Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray made our top spot among wooden high chairs. This chair can accommodate 250 lbs, so when your little one outgrows the need for a high chair, you can transition it into a regular chair to be used by a child or adult of any age. You can adjust the chair to any height; once you remove the tray, your little one can easily join the rest of the family at the dining table.
The safety straps are adjustable and can be used as either a three-point or five-point harness, depending on your child’s needs. The waterproof, stain-resistant cushions can be wiped off with a damp cloth, and the tray cover is dishwasher-safe, so cleanup will be fast and easy. You can also use the wooden tray on its own, but the cover will keep it clean and free from scratches.
Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair With Tray Key Features:
- For babies to adults up to 250 lbs
- Converts from a high chair to a regular dining chair
- Adjustable height
- Three- or five-point harness
- Waterproof cushions
- Dishwasher-safe tray cover
Best Toddler High Chair: OXO Tot Perch Booster Seat with Straps
The OXO Tot Perch Booster Seat with Straps earned our top spot for toddler high chairs. This seat is designed for toddlers who are at least 15 months old until they are big enough to sit in the chair without a booster, up to 75 lbs. A three-point harness keeps your little one safely in place, and the non-skid bottom along with safety straps keep the booster in place on your dining chair.
This toddler high chair provides back support, which is important to keep your child comfortable. The back will collapse down if you need to take the chair with you on a trip. The cushion is stain-resistant and can be removed for cleaning. The safety straps and the straps attaching the booster to the chair are all adjustable so they will fit your child as he or she grows.
OXO Tot Perch Booster Seat With Straps Key Features:
- For toddlers 15 months old to 75 lbs
- Three-point harness
- Straps to attach to dining chair
- Non-skid bottom
- Provides back support
- Collapsible
- Stain-resistant cushion
Who Should Buy a High Chair
A high chair is something that is often purchased for a baby shower, but parents don’t really need it until the baby can sit up unassisted and is eating solid foods, which is generally around six months of age. If you don’t have a high chair and your baby is approaching those milestones, then it’s time to start looking for a high chair to buy.
If your current high chair is not convertible, then you might choose to buy a toddler high chair when your baby is older and approaching the weight limit on the one you have now.
Grandparents, relatives, and caregivers might also find that it’s convenient to have a portable high chair on hand for when their little charges come to visit. These can be stowed away easily in a closet or garage the rest of the time, so they won’t take up space in your kitchen or dining room.
Important Features to Consider
Before you purchase a high chair for your baby or toddler, it’s a good idea to think about which features you want. Some are necessary for safety, while others are a matter of preference. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind.
- Safety straps. Always choose a high chair or booster seat with safety straps to prevent baby from falling out of the chair. Look for a high chair or booster with a strap or bar between the baby’s legs to prevent them from sliding down.
- Tray vs. no tray. If you will be using your high chair against the dining room table, you won’t need a tray, but if you want it to stand apart from the table, a tray is necessary. You need an eating surface that is easy to wash and disinfect in between uses.
- Portability. Will you be traveling with your high chair? Even a trip to a friend’s or auntie’s house might involve a meal, and if your friend or relative doesn’t have a high chair, it could become a messy ordeal. Choosing to buy a small booster-type high chair that you can keep in the car might be a great addition to the bigger convertible high chair that you already have in the house.
- Appearance. Finally, your baby’s high chair should appeal to your sense of decor. If it will be placed in a formal dining room, you might prefer a wooden high chair, for example. Think about what looks good to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a high chair really necessary?
Most parents find a high chair to be necessary. While you could technically feed your older baby or toddler on your lap or sitting in a dining chair, this tends to be messy and cumbersome. Keep in mind that a high chair also gives your baby a place to play with toys when you need him or her safely off the floor. Another option for keeping a little one occupied and safe is a baby jumper; see our list of the best ones here. There are some very budget-friendly high chairs out there, so for most families, purchasing some type of high chair makes life easier and more convenient.
What age is a high chair for?
You can begin using a high chair once your baby is sitting up unassisted. This is usually right around six months of age, which is when most babies are ready to start on solids. If you’re wondering whether your little one is ready to start eating real food, you’ll want to read our article on how to start a baby on solids.
What age should a child be out of a high chair?
This will depend on the weight limit of the high chair. Many toddlers use the type that straps to a kitchen or dining room chair until they are three or four years old, but some will use them longer to help boost them up to the height of the table. As long as your toddler is under the weight limit of the chair, you can use it as long as they are comfortable.
Do high chairs expire?
High chairs don’t expire, but if you see that the chair is cracked, brittle, warped, or rusted, then you should not use it.
Other High Chairs We Reviewed
We reviewed 20 other high chairs in addition to the ones that made our top 5 list above. These didn’t make the top of our list, but they’re still great options to consider for your little one. They’re separated by category, and you will find the information you need to compare them in the “Key Features” section of each listing.
Convertible High Chairs
With three recline options, your little one will be comfortable at various phases of life. This chair goes from baby high chair to booster to big kid stool.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months to 60 lbs
- Two-position footrest
- One-hand adjustable tray
Cost: $100
Evenflo 4-in-1 Eat & Grow Convertible High Chair
This four-in-one chair takes your child from infancy, through toddlerhood, and beyond. It has a five-point harness for safety.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months through 50 lbs
- Four stages of use
- Machine washable pad
Cost: $60
Graco Simple Switch Portable High Chair
This is a simple, cost-effective high chair that turns into a booster seat for your toddler. Easy to clean with a machine-washable pad.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months to 60 lbs
- Three recline positions
- Machine-washable pad
Cost: $65
This is an extremely versatile piece of furniture, serving as a high chair for your baby and then growing into a toddler seat and, later, a desk or table.
Key Features:
- Can be used well into childhood
- Turns into a rocking chair, desk, table, and more
- Detachable double trays
Cost: $85
Infantino Grow-with-Me 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair
This space-saving high chair turns into a booster seat and then a toddler chair as your little one grows. Has an adorable fox motif.
Key Features:
- Four-in-one design
- Front wheels for easy moving
- Easy to clean
Toddler High Chairs
This solid and sturdy toddler high chair keeps your child at the right height to join the family at the dining table. It also encourages good posture.
Key Features:
- For toddlers 24 months up to 200 lbs
- Sturdy, solid design
- Easy to wipe clean
Cost: $150
This is a unique high chair because it is not a seat for your toddler to sit on, but a boost for your regular dining chair to make it the right height for your little one to sit at the table.
Key Features:
- For toddlers who can sit safely on a chair unrestrained
- Can support up to 300 lbs
- Works with four-legged chairs
Cost: $40
This soft, comfortable booster seat will attach to your regular dining chair with a strap across the back and another running under the seat.
Key Features:
- For toddlers who can sit safely without a restraint
- Unzip cover to wash
- Won’t slip around
Cost: $18
This is another booster that is appropriate for children who won’t fall out of a regular dining chair. It has a safety strap to prevent slipping.
Key Features:
- For toddlers who can sit on a chair without a restraint
- Easy to wipe clean
- Comes in several colors
Cost: $25
Zicac Kids’ Anti-Slip Chair Booster Seat
This toddler booster seat is non-slip and comes with its own handle, making it easy to take along to restaurants or to visit family and friends.
Key Features:
- For toddlers who can sit safely on a chair
- Non-slip design
- Cool dinosaur pattern
Wooden High Chairs
This natural bamboo high chair will stay cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather, making it a comfortable place for your baby to sit.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months to 77 lbs
- Adjustable height
- Foldable, rotatable tray
Cost: $110
This is a beautiful mahogany high chair with a nylon safety strap. It is high-quality and very durable, as it is commercial-grade.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months to 35 lbs
- Nylon safety harness
- Mahogany finish
Cost: $50
FUNNY SUPPLY 3-in-1 Wooden High Chair
This wooden high chair is convertible and will suit your baby, toddler, or preschool for years to come thanks to an adjustable height.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months and up
- Wipable cushion
- Adjustable height
Cost: $130
Keekaroo Height Right High Chair
You can adjust the seat height as well as the footrest on this wooden high chair, so your little one will be comfortable as he or she grows.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months old to 250 lbs
- Foot plate turns into a seat
- Ergonomic design
Cost: $190
This wooden chair can adjust throughout your baby’s toddlerhood and childhood and will be able to serve as a chair for an adult, too.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months old to 240 lbs
- Fits against dining table
- Comes in a variety of colors
Portable High Chairs
This is an indoor/outdoor high chair with a sun canopy that is perfect for camping, picnics, and other outdoor adventures with your little one.
Key Features:
- For babies 3 months old to 75 lbs
- Five-point harness
- Carry bag included
Cost: $65
This high chair is perfect for taking along to a restaurant or a family member’s house. Bolt it to the table to keep baby in place.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months old to 37 lbs
- Twists to tighten
- Cushioned high back
Cost: $50
Ciao! baby Portable High Chair
Durable nylon and wipe-clean vinyl make this high chair great for all outdoor activities. It also has a cupholder and a five-point safety harness.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months old to 35 lbs
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a travel bag
Cost: $60
This clip-on chair has a removable waterproof cover, so all of the messes that your little ones makes can be taken care of with ease.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months old to 37 lbs
- Clip-on design
- Easy to clean
Cost: $50
Set this up in any dining chair to keep your little one in place and comfortable while eating. It pushes right up to the dining table.
Key Features:
- For babies 6 months old up to 50 lbs
- Three-point safety harness
- Nylon surface wipes clean
Cost: $20
