Tried and tested; the best high chairs for easy and comfortable mealtimes

As a parent, you know how much time your little one will spend in their high chair—whether it's for messy mealtimes, snack breaks, or even a safe spot for playtime. Finding the perfect high chair or toddler feeding chair, can sometimes feel overwhelming. You want something comfy, safe, and easy to store, but also something that’ll last through those toddler years.

Registered nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed shares how important it is to choose the right high chair when starting your baby’s weaning journey.

"Babies should be comfortable in their chair as well as well positioned to allow them to sit upright, with back support and with their feet well supported (hips and knees should ideally be at right angles), so that they are in the most comfortable position to be sturdy and able to focus on the coordination required for eating, rather than on holding themselves upright," she says.

With so many different models to choose from, including adjustable and cheap highchairs and even some which double up as baby bouncers or recliners, we've created this handy guide to help you choose the best highchair for you, your baby, and your kitchen.

How we chose and tested the best high chairs

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

To choose the best highchairs, testers were asked to score the product they were reviewing in several areas, including usability, design, quality and value for money. Each product is scored out of 5 with each of these areas in mind. From all of this testing and reviews, we've been able to narrow down the high chairs that ticked the right boxes for mums, making mealtimes easier.

The best baby high chairs 2024

What to look for in a high chair

Age suitability: Always check what age the highchair is suitable for. Many can be used from birth, while others are only suitable from six months when they start weaning. We've included age suitability in our round-up.

Space: If you only have a small kitchen or dining area, you'll want to choose a highchair that can be stored away and folded compactly. We've included the dimensions in our top picks.

Cleaning: As mums, we know how messy our tots can be. So, for many parents, it's important to find a high chair that's easy to clean. We've included the materials in our list so you can see how easy it will be to keep clean.

Weight: If you struggle to lift heavy things or want to move your highchair from room to room, it might be a good idea to get a lightweight chair or one with wheels.

Multi-function: Many highchairs can now be converted into many styles of seats, from rockers to booster seats, catering for children as old as twelve! Looking for one that will grow with your child? Check how many functions it has.

Travelling - If you're wanting to be able to take yours away with you when you travel, you might want to opt for a portable highchair that can be folded down for travelling purposes.

Portability- If your little one is using their high chair for both mealtimes and also perhaps for crafting, then consider how easy it is to move from room to room. Is it awkward to carry, or heavy? A high chair being used for multiple uses might need to be more portable.

Safety - Consider how safe the high chair is. Can it tip over if your little one pushes against the table, and does it have a safety harness or straps?

Height - You might want to consider if the height of the high chair is suitable for your table, or for multiple tables. You can also consider if it is adjustable, which could make it easier to use in different areas.

Support - Depending on the age of your little one, think about how much support the high chair provides. Can they rest their head? Has it got a high back? Perhaps it has a padded insert, or somewhere to rest their arms.

Price - High chairs vary a lot in price depending on the material they are made from, how adjustable they are, if they are multifunctional, and style too. Also, consider how long you can use them for, when deciding on a budget and if they grow with your little one.

Types of high chairs

There are so many different types of high chairs to choose from and they all have different benefits depending on what you need. We have listed the different types below:

• Foldable high chairs - These are great for small spaces because they can be folded up between each use. Plus, they can be folded if you need to take them somewhere, either on holiday or to stay with family.

• Portable high chair - This is a lightweight and compact option which often straps straight to the chair, so you can carry it easily when travelling or on the go.

• Reclining high chair - These are great if you use the highchair as a place for entertainment, or to put baby when you are preparing meals because you can have it more relaxed before meals, then upright when little one eats. The choice of angles makes the highchair more comfortable for a developing baby.

• Booster seat - Ideal for babies over 12 months, these are great to introduce the idea of sitting on a dining chair, but they boost your little one to bring them level with the table so they can eat comfortably and safely.

• Travel high chair - Compact to fold in your luggage, or carry easily, these can be tied or clipped to a chair in a restaurant to make mealtimes when travelling simple.

• Single stem high chair - These look very stylish and take up less space, plus often they feature a height adjustment option too.

• Convertible high chair - These grow with your little one, often being suitable from birth. They normally include a baby seat so your newborn can join you at the table, and can then be converted into a highchair suitable for older babies, and even toddlers.

• Space saver high chair - As the name suggests, these are great for small spaces and can be either folded away, or take up very little space.

• Adjustable height high chair - Brilliant for multiple uses, these chairs can be adjusted for different surfaces. So if your little one wants to craft on the breakfast bar, eating at the dining table is easy with an adjustable height.

• Budget high chairs - Babies need lots of equipment and it can be expensive, but there are some great budget options for highchairs to keep costs low.

How to safely use a high chair

Another factor that will be at the top of your checklist will be the safety functions. Some highchairs will have harnesses to ensure your little one is secure, but if they don't, it's worth checking the safety features to prevent accidents or looking at the suggested guidelines from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. When choosing a highchair, many designs will have additional benefits, from adjustable seats to the ability to convert the highchair into a chair for when your baby outgrows it.

There are a few things parents should look out for when purchasing a highchair:

• Look out for the British Standard EN 14988:2006 safety standard mark.

• We all know how much babies and toddlers can wriggle. That's why it's important to choose a highchair with a 5-point safety harness, to keep them safe and secure.

• Check if the highchair has a crotch bar or strap to prevent baby sliding out.

• An adjustable or removable tray is a great safety feature because it means you can easily get baby out of the highchair if you need to.

When you are using a highchair don't put it too close to a table leg, or wall, where your little one might be able to push against it and tip the high chair backwards. Also, always ensure you have strapped your baby securely into their high chair and never leave them unattended.

How to choose a baby high chair

Ultimately, it is up to you when it comes to choosing a high chair, but it is good to consider what you might like. There are so many different styles and types and you need to narrow down what is important for you and your family. For instance, if you want a high chair that fits your decor, there are some great, stylish high chairs on the market. Alternatively, perhaps you are interested in a high chair that grows with your child because many can become seats as your little one matures. If you want your little one to join you at the table, the breakfast bar, and perhaps the worktop, then height adjustability is important.

If you just want to ensure your little one is safe, then look at the safety features, such as how sturdy it is and what type of harness it has too. If the high chair has wheels, that might make it easy to move from room to room, but check they can be locked.

What age is a baby ready to use a highchair?

The most common age that a baby will start needing a highchair is around the six-month-old mark because babies typically begin to sit up on their own and eat solid foods at this stage in their development.

How do I get my baby to stay in their highchair?

Does your bubba not like sitting in their highchair? Solid Starts has some top tips for keeping your little one seated:

Exercise right before the meal

Getting the wiggles out before mealtimes can burn off some of your baby's energy. This way, they're less likely to want to move around once it's mealtime. Let them have some tummy time, get them crawling or jumping around before you sit them in their chair.

Bring baby to the highchair hungry

Your little one is more likely to stay seated if they're hungry and motivated to eat.

Serve the food right away

Try not to put your little one in their high chair until their food is completely ready. That way, their stamina and attention span is saved for eating the meal itself.

Hide or cover toys during the meal

Babies and toddlers are easily distracted, and the sight of a tempting toy can throw the whole meal off.

Honour when baby signals that they are done

When babies are kept in their highchairs longer than they want to be, they can develop a negative association with the chair and eating.

How to clean a highchair

If you're wondering how to clean a highchair, you may want to follow these simple steps:
• Brush off any excess food and crumbs
• Wipe it down with a damp cloth
• Disinfect the tray
• Clean the chair, legs and exterior
• Wash the fabric components
• Clean the crevices where food and germs may be hiding

At what age can I stop using a highchair?

Charlotte mentions: "it will differ for all children, but generally between the ages of 18 months to 3 years, many toddlers may be ready to switch from a highchair to a booster seat for the table."

"Some highchairs can be adapted to be suitable beyond the toddler years such as by removing baby seats and straps, whilst still allowing your toddler to be close to the table, have enough back and foot support to be comfortable," she adds.

Charlotte also mentions that highchairs with the option to upgrade for bigger children can be helpful as they are often more comfortable and suitable for young children than booster seats or trying to navigate sitting on an adult chair.

Do babies need a footrest on a highchair?

No, it is not necessary, but it can be useful. When a child has a footrest it creates a more stable position for the safest possible eating environment. Your little one should be sitting in a 90-90-90 position, which means their ankles, knees, and hips are all at 90 degrees.

Is it okay to buy a used highchair?

Yes, it is. As the NCT advise, just make sure you check it over to ensure it is safe. Some things to check include looking at the material and seeing if it is clean and not torn, and that no padding or foam is coming out, which could cause a choking risk if baby pulled it out and put it in their mouth. Also ensure there is a five-point harness that works and that the high chair is sturdy and stands securely on the floor.

If you have put a high chair in the attic and are wondering if you can use it with a new baby, then it is fine to use an old high chair. Again, the same safety check applies. The safety standard, BS 14988-1, was introduced in 2006, so any high chair produced after this date should be safe as long as it has been well looked after. Buying baby equipment quickly adds up, so if you can use an old high chair or buy a second-hand high chair, it is a great way to save some money.

Why you can trust us

At Mother&Baby, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best products available. When selecting the best high chairs, we have a number of ways to make sure that what we’re recommending is the best available for you and your little one. By combining real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers, the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team, and insights from our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe, we’re able to discover the products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight those that meet what you really want.

Our testers are either pregnant, or real parents with a baby or toddler. This could be members of our editorial team, freelance parenting journalists or external reviewers from the Mother&Baby awards. Our Mother&Baby Awards are renowned in the industry and are among the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products. Every year, we arrange for thousands of independent parent reviewers to test the latest products on the market.

We don't accept payment from manufacturers for product reviews, and maintain our editorial independence. While we do work with commercial partners on advertorials, these will always be clearly labelled.

Our writers have full control over their content, ensuring that products are selected based solely on the needs of our readers. While we may earn commissions or other compensation from links on our website, this does not affect our product choices. These links allow us to continue offering valuable consumer advice, without compromising the integrity of our reviews. We are always honest in our reviews, and we won't recommend products that we wouldn't spend our own money on. Read more about how we test and why you should trust us.

About the expert

Charlotte Stirling-Reed is “The Baby & Child Nutritionist” and is a Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition. Charlotte is also an author and mum to little foodies Raffy and Adaline, and owner of consultancy, SR Nutrition. It’s her mission in her work to give parents confidence in feeding their children.

Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.