The Best High Chairs of 2024
Feeding time with a baby or toddler can get messy. From spilled drinks to flying pieces of food and thrown spoons, a certain amount of chaos is inevitable. The right high chair makes those mealtime catastrophes much more manageable.
At Aussie Bubs, we know how important it is for parents to have practical yet stylish baby gear. That's why we’ve collected advice and recommendations from our network of experts to uncover the best high chairs 2024 has to offer. Let's take a look at what makes these seats stand out.
What To Look For in a High Chair
Safety Features
A high chair with all the bells and whistles you could possibly want isn’t worth it if it’s not safe. Look for chairs that have a sturdy base and a secure harness (5-point harnesses are generally safer than 3). If the chair has wheels, make sure they have a reliable locking mechanism built in.
Comfort
It’s important to find a chair that’s made from non-irritating material and offers enough space in the seating area for your little one. If your baby hates sitting in their chair while they eat, consider opting for a high chair with a soft, padded seat.
Adjustability
Some high chairs have multiple height settings. This allows you to use the chair with different table heights (dining tables, kitchen islands, etc.). Some chairs also offer a recline setting and an adjustable foot rest. Adjustable chairs are better equipped to grow with your child. Some even convert to toddler seats.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
It’s nearly impossible to avoid spills and dropped pieces of food from ending up on your high chair. It’s essential that your chair is easy and simple to clean when inevitable messes happen. Look for removable trays, wipeable surfaces, and removable fabric covers.
Size and Portability
You want to ensure your high chair fits comfortably in your space and accommodates your child’s age, size, and weight. If you anticipate needing to take the chair to friends’ houses or to the park, it’s also worth looking for a lightweight, portable high chair.
Affordability
High chairs that have extra features tend to come with a bigger price tag. However, there are plenty of simple, affordable options to choose from as well. You want to make sure you don’t end up paying for extra features you don’t actually need.
Design
Some high chairs have cute patterns, wooden details, or unique tray designs. Style isn't important to every parent, but if you’re planning to use your high chair in your main living area, it’s worth looking for one that looks great in your space.
Best High Chairs in Every Category:
Every parent is looking for something a little different when searching for a high chair. Need something affordable? Hoping to find a high chair that will last until your baby is ready for a big kid’s chair?
Here are the best high chairs 2024 has to offer in every category:
- Best Splurge-Worthy Choice: Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
- Best All-in-One Value: Graco's Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair
- Best for Growing Families: Sweety Fox Baby High Chair
- Best Ultra-Affordable Pick: Antilop IKEA High Chair
- Best Ergonomic Seat: Maxi-Cosi Moa 8-in-1 High Chair
Best Splurge-Worthy Choice: Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair is timeless and iconic. This best-selling beechwood beauty seamlessly adjusts to your growing child's needs from infancy through early childhood. The seat and footrest can be adjusted to the perfect ergonomic position at every stage, promoting proper posture and healthy spinal alignment.
Its sleek, minimalist style complements any modern home decor. Unlike most high chairs that inevitably end up collecting dust in storage, the sturdy Tripp Trapp easily converts to a regular dining chair once your little one’s high chair phase is over. While this premium, eco-friendly seat is a big investment up front, you'll never need to buy another high chair again.
Features we love:
- Grows with your child
- Adistable, ergonomic back and footrest
- Eco-friendly materials
- Compact and stylish
Best All-in-One Value: Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair
For busy parents who want maximum versatility without having to splurge, Graco's Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 High Chair offers excellent value for your money. With seven different configurations, this space-saving high chair supports kids at every growth stage. It starts as a reclining infant-hugging high chair, then transitions to a toddler chair with a footrest, and finally converts to a regular seat for older kids.
Its wipe-clean surfaces and dishwasher-friendly tray allow you to stay on top of crumb catastrophes with ease. The chair also folds compactly for storage and travel. While this high chair is quite large for cramped kitchens, its versatile features and affordable price offer ultimate value.
Features we love:
- Adjustable for every stage of childhood
- Removable, dishwasher-safe tray
- Front wheels for portability
- Foldable for easy storage
Best for Growing Families: Sweety Fox Baby High Chair
For families with multiple kiddos, adjustability is an absolute must for longevity. The ergonomic Sweety Fox Adjustable High Chair has this in spades. The chair can smoothly adjust between five reclining angles, seven heights, and three footrest levels to keep babies and toddlers properly positioned as they grow.
The removable tray cover and sleek seat can be wiped down in seconds for quick cleaning. With a contemporary appearance and portable fold-flat frame, this premium chair checks all the boxes for modern families. It maxes out at 30 pounds, so you'll eventually need to replace it once your bub hits the heavier toddler stage. However, the adjustability and easy maintenance make it well worth it for the first couple years.
Features we love:
- Removable clip-on tray
- Secure 5-point harness
- Foldable for convenient storage
- Easy to clean
Best Ultra-Affordable Pick: Antilop IKEA High Chair
You can always count on high chairs from IKEA to get affordable style and function. The minimalist Antilop IKEA High Chair delivers all the essentials without breaking the bank. The simple snap-on tray and no-fuss legs make assembly an absolute breeze. Its refreshingly compact footprint is also perfect for cramped kitchens and small spaces.
Because it lacks extra features like padding and foot rests, The Antilop is best suited for older babies and toddlers. That said, the sub-$25 price tag is a major bonus. Plus, the tray and sleek wooden lines look decidedly more modern than most basic high chairs in this price range. For budget-savvy minimalists, this high chair is a chic yet affordable winner.
Features we love:
- Chic, modern look
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable price
Best Ergonomic Seat: Maxi-Cosi Moa 8-in-1 High Chair
Babies and toddlers need proper positioning to support their growing bodies. This is where the Maxi-Cosi Moa 8-in-1 High Chair really shines. This chair's adjustable ergonomic seating earns top marks from parents and experts alike. The multi-stage design grows with your little one thanks to seven customizable settings, ranging from a reclining cradle for newborns to a contoured seat and footrest for toddlers.
Safety features like the five-point harness and tray insert give parents extra peace of mind. The price tag is on the more expensive side, but the wooden construction and upholstered cushions feel decidedly high-end. Considering its longevity and versatility, the Moa is well worth the splurge.
Features we love:
- 8 modes of use
- Anti-slip footrests
- Easy assembly
- Lightweight and portable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 90-90-90 rule for high chairs?
The 90-90-90 high chair rule says that children should be able to sit in a high chair with their hips, knees, and ankles all bent at a 90-degree angle. Their arms should also be supported when they rest them on the table or tray.
How much weight can a high chair hold?
Every high chair has its own specific weight limits. Most standalone high chairs can hold between 30 and 200 pounds, while hook-on high chairs have more limited weight requirements.
When should a child stop using a high chair?
There’s no specific age at which children should stop using high chairs, but toddlers are usually steady enough to move away from high chairs between 18 months and 3 years old.
How much should I spend on a high chair?
The amount you should spend depends on your family’s needs and budget. Inexpensive, plastic high chairs can cost as little as $50, while high-end chairs can cost upwards of $300. Most mid-range high chairs range from $75 to $200.
Final Thoughts
From basic budget booster seats to luxe convertible transformers, today's high chairs run the full gamut of style and function. The right chair can make mealtimes much easier by keeping bubs safely contained and properly positioned. With sturdy construction, adjustable ergonomics, and easy cleaning, these 2024 standouts allow you to worry less about messes and more about making priceless family memories.
If you’re still looking for the perfect baby formula, Aussie Bubs has you covered. We offer the highest quality Australian goat milk formula, infant formula, and much more.