Babies Gear and Products The 8 Best High Chairs of 2021 Give your baby a seat at the table By Maya Polton linkedin Maya is a mother of three and freelance writer specializing in family, food, and lifestyle content. She reviews products for Verywell Family. Learn about our editorial process Maya Polton Fact checked by Fact checked by Elaine Hinzey, RD on April 06, 2020 linkedin Elaine Hinzey is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and registered dietitian. Learn about our editorial process Elaine Hinzey, RD Updated on June 03, 2021 Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Graco Table2Table 7 in 1 Convertible High Chair at Amazon "This foldable chair has seven different settings and can literally grow with your baby from infancy through school age." Best for Big Babies: Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair at Amazon "With all the features of a high chair in half the space, this seat seems to provide more legroom for chunkier babies." Best for Twins: IKEA Antilop at Ikea "This easy-to-store high chair comes at a great price point for parents of multiples on a tight budget." Best Long-Lasting: Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair at nordstrom.com "This high-quality chair will grow with baby even into adulthood and can support an adult of up to 300 pounds." Best for Easy Clean Up: 4moms High Chair at Bed Bath & Beyond "Just one look and you’ll see that this high chair was designed with easy cleaning in mind, free of hard-to-clean fabric folds, nooks, and crannies." Best Space Saver: Inglesina Fast Table Chair at potterybarnkids.com "This portable, collapsible table chair weighs only 4 pounds and can go everywhere, keeping baby in on the action at restaurants and on vacation." Best Portable: Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable High Chair at Walmart "Consisting of fabric rigged with harnesses that drape over a regular chair, this portable high chair can be used just about anywhere." Best Convertible: Century Dine On 4-in-1 High Chair at Amazon "Transforming from a high chair to booster, stool, and then big kid chair, this high chair will be with your child for years." First feedings are messy, fun, frustrating, and did we say messy? By ages four to six months, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies are ready to begin eating solid foods as a complement to breastmilk or formula. While you can certainly start with your baby in your lap, it’s important to have a safe place for the baby to sit while they begin to eat. A proper high chair will help position them safely during mealtime. As the baby grows, you’ll want your high chair to grow too, and accommodate your lifestyle, kitchen, and eating needs. Finally, you’ll definitely want a high chair that keeps the food where it’s supposed to and is easy to clean. To choose a high chair, take a look at your lifestyle, eating space, and preferences. For smaller spaces, a booster or clip-on chair might be better than traditional full-size options. If you have a few spots to dine in, a standalone high chair can be moved from room to room. No matter what you choose, safety should always be the focus. Select a seat that has a three- or five-point harness, can be locked or secured in place, a crotch post so baby can’t slide through, and no pinchable or foldable parts that can snag a baby’s finger or chubby rolls. Check out the best high chairs for your little one. Best Overall: Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7 in 1 Convertible High Chair Buy on Amazon Buy on Buybuy BABY What We Like Foldable Grows with Child What We Don't Like No Wheels On Rear Legs Expensive It’s hard to find something this high chair can't do. The foldable chair has seven different settings and can literally grow with your baby from infancy through school age. For young babies, the seat reclines for safe eating while the five-point baby harness is easy to clip and unclip. If baby prefers to sit at the table, the seat turns into a reclining infant booster that can be attached to any kitchen chair and can sustain toddlers. As baby grows, the seat can be used as a traditional high chair — with five height adjustments to fit any table, a booster seat, and a toddler chair. If that isn’t enough, the seat also becomes a toddler table and chair, hoisting young kids up to six years and 60 pounds. If your family is growing, use it with two kids at once with the infant booster and the toddler chair. Parents will love the wipeable plastic tray, parts, and machine washable cushion for those mega messes. It also folds to be relatively flat and weighs 17.4 pounds, so it is possible to store. Product Weight: 17.44 pounds | Weight Limit: 60 pounds | Age Recommendation: 6 months to 6 years old Best for Big Babies: Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair Courtesy of Target. Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart What We Like Accommodates Bigger Babies Space-Saving What We Don't Like Requires Use of Kitchen Chair While this seat is great for bigger babies up to 50 pounds, it’s also an excellent space-saving choice for any family. With all the features of a high chair in half the space, this seat seems to provide more legroom for chunkier babies and can be used with or without the tray. The reclining seat and five-point harness keep baby safe and secure. It grows with baby, so eventually, it can be used as a toddler booster. As the name implies, this is a space-saver but does require the use of a kitchen chair. While some families would prefer a stand-alone seat, for those with limited space and a bigger babe, this high chair provides major benefits. Product Weight: 4.47 pounds | Weight Limit: 50 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed The 7 Best Sippy Cups of 2021 Best for Twins: IKEA Antilop Courtesy of IKEA. Buy on Ikea What We Like Easy to Clean Budget-Friendly Lightweight What We Don't Like Footrest Sold Separately Doesn't Fold Doesn't Recline A favorite high chair of seasoned parents everywhere, this budget-friendly option is perfect for parents of multiples. The small footprint, lightweight, easy-to-clean high chair is an example of simple functionality at its best. While it doesn’t recline, grow with your baby, or turn into a million and one pieces of other gear, it’s a comfortable, durable, easy-to-clean (yes, this is worth mentioning again) high chair at an amazing price point. For parents of twins, the seats can stack for easy storage and the legs quickly pop off if you want to travel or put the high chairs away. Pull this IKEA wonder right up to the table or add a simple, inexpensive tray for baby. For younger babies, IKEA sells inflatable support pillows to add some cushioning to the seat. Parents of twins are inundated with expensive gear that takes up lots of space and room in your budget. Make your life easier and purchase two of these high chairs to keep your sanity and budget balanced. It'll support babies up to 33 pounds. Product Weight: 8 pounds | Weight Limit: 33 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed The 7 Best Baby Bibs of 2021 Best Long-Lasting: Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair Nordstrom Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Bed Bath & Beyond What We Like Converts to Adult Chair Sleek Design What We Don't Like Expensive Cushion Sold Separately This chair will last for years and can support an adult of up to 242 pounds, a claim that most high chairs can't make. The minimalist design high chair is well made and a high-quality seat. To use it as an infant seat, you’ll need to buy an add-on plastic seat and optional tray, but it does come with a harness strap. The simple wooden seat itself is easy to clean but can be hard on the baby’s bottom, so many parents purchase a cushion to go along with it. The straps, infant seat, and tray are a bit harder to clean since there are lots of nooks and crannies that are ripe for spills and crumbs. The chair has a small footprint, but at 17 pounds it's not exactly portable and does not fold. With its iconic design, this is a piece of furniture that is made to last, has numerous accessories to add on, but it comes at a higher price point. Consider your high chair priorities and if you’ll really use this one into childhood (or beyond) before buying. Product Weight: 19.5 pounds | Weight Limit: 242 pounds | Age Recommendation: 6 months to 3 years old Best for Easy Clean Up: 4moms High Chair Courtesy of BuyBuy Baby Buy on Buybuy BABY Buy on Bed Bath & Beyond What We Like One-Handed Tray Attachment Removable Foam Insert What We Don't Like Doesn't Recline Designed for Older Babies Just one look and you’ll see that this high chair was designed with easy cleaning in mind. There aren't any fabric folds to clean or nooks and crannies for food to get stuck in, but the foam seat insert doesn’t skimp on comfort. The sleek seat is powered by magnets, which guide the tray in place. Ease the tray down, even while one-handed, and it’ll click directly where it’s supposed to go. For babies who are self-feeding, magnetic plates, bowls, and utensils are sold separately so they stay on the tray while baby eats. With three height positions, this high chair can work with most kitchens and will support children up to 60 pounds. It’s recommended for babies six months and older and doesn’t recline, so it’s not an option for the youngest babies. Product Weight: 15 pounds | Weight Limit: 60 pounds | Age Recommendation: 6 months and up Best Space Saver: Inglesina Fast Table Chair Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids. Buy on Buybuy BABY Buy on Potterybarnkids.com What We Like Travel-Friendly Collapsible Lightweight What We Don't Like Can Only Fit Certain Tables Low Weight Limit Parents love how this seat can literally go anywhere. The portable, collapsible table chair weighs only four pounds and allows for easy mealtimes on-the-go or at home. Many parents may find they initially purchase one to use at restaurants or on vacation, as it easily fits in a suitcase, but then use it as the primary seat at home too. The only drawbacks to this seat are that it’s only recommended for babies six months or older, has a weight limit of 37 pounds, and can only fit tables up to 3.25 inches thick. If you dine out, travel a lot, or eat your meals at a high counter or kitchen island, this seat is the perfect way to let your little one join in on the fun. There’s something very inclusive about baby being able to sit at the table with everyone else and not isolated in a high chair away from the action. Product Weight: 4 pounds | Weight Limit: 37 pounds | Age Recommendation: 6 months and up The 6 Best Travel High Chairs of 2021 Best Portable: Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable High Chair Courtesy of Walmart. Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart What We Like Portable Machine Washable Fabric What We Don't Like No Cupholder There are many options for portable high chairs, many of which consist of fabric rigged with harnesses that drape over a regular chair. The nice thing about the Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable High Chair is that it can be used in any situation, whether you are visiting family, on vacation, or taking your baby to an outdoor picnic. Designed so that it can be folded up and stored in an over-the-shoulder bag, the Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable High Chair features a three-point harness, a BPA-free hard plastic tray, and machine washable fabric. It also accommodates children up to 40 pounds. Product Weight: 5 pounds | Weight Limit: 40 pounds | Age Recommendation: 6 months and up Best Convertible: Century Dine On 4-in-1 High Chair Buy on Amazon Buy on Buybuy BABY What We Like Made with Recycled Materials 3-Position Tray Four Configurations What We Don't Like Does Not Fold If you’re looking for a chair that will grow with your child over the years, you’ve come to the right place. This chair starts out as a high chair with your baby and gradually grows with them, transforming into a booster, stool, and then big kid chair. The tray, which can be removed with one hand, features a cupholder and extra holder for any other snacks or mealtime necessities. There’s also a removable tray insert that doubles as a dishwasher-safe plate. As for recline, your child can enjoy three different recline positions while resting their feet on the sturdy footrest. And if you need to move the high chair, you’ll find two front wheels to help make your life all the more easier. Product Weight: 17.61 pounds | Weight Limit: 40 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed What to Look for When Buying a High Chair Safety When it comes to buying a high chair, keep safety at the forefront of your mind. While high chairs come equipped with safety straps, it’s vital a child is actually buckled in during mealtime. This ensures they will not be able to slip down and hurt themselves. To ensure your child's high chair doesn't tip over while they are sitting in it, never leave them unattended. If they’re close enough to a chair or table, they may be able to push off those objects, tipping over their high chair and possibly causing serious injury. For high chairs that fold, it’s important to ensure they are fully locked before putting your child inside. And, as fun as your child may think it is, never let them stand in the high chair. Booster Vs. Standing Vs. Clip As you start shopping for a high chair, you will more than likely notice how many options you have for style. First, you’ll notice there are booster-style high chairs, which strap onto a regular kitchen chair. These are perfect if you’re wanting to save space or easily transport it from one chair to another. They usually come with their own tray that can be removed as your child gets older. Standing high chairs typically have four legs or are simply free-standing. They don’t connect to a table or chair and are their own chair. These types of high chairs are great for everyday use and, depending on the type of chair, they can fold down and be put away after mealtime. However, they’re usually not very travel-friendly. For a high chair that is portable and travel-friendly, check out clip-style high chairs. These connect to tables and don’t feature legs like free-standing high chairs do. Clip-style is useful for outings at restaurants or a trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. However, because these small clip-style chairs have to support the full weight of your baby, the age and weight limit are typically pretty low. If you do plan to use a clip-style high chair, be sure it locks onto the table and check if your child can touch the table with their feet. If your child is able to kick the table, they may dislodge their seat from the table, which could cause an injury. Longevity Consider how long you will be using the high chair and how often before purchasing one. A helpful tip to getting the most out of your money in a high chair is to check the weight and age recommendations. Some high chairs have a low weight range, which means your child won’t be using it for long, and we all know how fast kids grow. Opt for a high chair with a higher weight limit and age recommendation. Then you’ll be able to keep the same high chair for years without breaking the bank for another one. Another factor to consider is where you’ll be taking the chair. If you plan on using it during many vacations, check out high chairs that are easy to clean and made with durable material. Traveling with littles can be hard enough, so there’s no need to make it harder on yourself. FAQs When can a baby sit in a high chair? Even though babies develop at their own rate, they can typically sit in a high chair starting at 6 months old. Before they begin sitting in a high chair, you want to make sure they can sit upright without assistance, which is a 6-month developmental milestone. It’s simply important to just wait until your baby is ready as rushing may be a safety issue. Keep an eye on how their stability is with their head and overall body, and wait until they don’t need support sitting up. When will a baby be able to sit without a high chair? While it may seem early, some children are ready to move on from the high chair starting at 18 months old, but it can happen after that, too, until about 3.5 years old. At 18 months, they may be more ready for a booster seat while a 3.5-year-old will probably do best in a regular seat. During these ages, they can usually keep themselves more steady for a longer period of time. Why Trust Verywell Family Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She's a mom of a 9-year-old son, 6-year-old son, and 2-year old daughter. As a mom of three (mostly) ravenous kids, she's been gifted and has borrowed, bought, and shared many high chairs. She has yet to find one that makes dinner and cleans up messes after eating. Additional reporting by Dwyer Frame. Dwyer Frame, Verywell Family's senior editorial director, has two boys and owns the Fisher-Price SpaceSaver at her primary residence (a cramped Brooklyn apartment), the Ikea Antilop at her beach house, and the Graco Table2Table lives at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kuo AA, Inkelas M, Slusser WM, Maidenberg M, Halfon N. Introduction of solid food to young infants. Matern Child Health J. 2011;15(8):1185–1194. doi:10.1007/s10995-010-0669-5 Consumer Reports. High chair buying guide. Updated September 14, 2016. 6 quick high chair safety tips. HealthyChildren.org. CDC. What developmental milestones is your 6-month-old reaching? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.