8 Best High Chairs That Make Mealtime Safer, Easier, and Way Less Messy

Graco was voted as the Best High Chair Brand in the 2025 What to Expect Feeding Awards, and after reviewing the Graco Table2Table 7-in-1 Convertible High Chair, it's easy to see why. The foldable high chair design has seven (!) different stages, going from an infant high chair to a dining booster seat to a big-kid table and chair. You can even use it to seat two children, further stretching that $200 price tag.

It also boasts a slew of features that you normally find on more expensive high chairs. To start, there are five different heights, a three-position removable footrest, and a three-position recline to ensure your child is in the ideal seated position for their age. Parents also note the material is super durable, allowing the chair to last for many years and different kids (and through many messy meals.) 

Speaking of messy meals, parents say the Graco 7-in-1 high chair is almost too easy to clean. The minimal nooks and crannies make it nightly wipe downs a breeze. Bonus: When it's time for a deeper clean, you can toss the seat pad in the washing machine and the tray in the dishwasher. 

Sometimes basic is best. In fact, few high chairs have garnered as much praise in our What to Expect community as the Ikea Antilop chair. This simple high chair is made of lightweight polypropylene with steel legs and is shockingly durable, blissfully easy to clean and not an eyesore. All that, and it’s only $30. (Or $22, if you buy without the tray.)

A no-frills option, for sure, but one that many parents rave about. Why? This plastic and steel high chair doesn’t have any fabric or crevices to contend with, so cleaning is a breeze. It’s also plenty comfortable for baby; there’s ample room to enjoy a meal or even do an arts and crafts project once your child gets a bit older. Although it may not fold flat for daily storage, it’s easy enough to take apart, should you want to stash it out of the way occasionally.

Countless experienced parents — myself included — will tell you they originally purchased a pricier high chair only to have buyer’s regret and wish they’d simply gotten this Ikea chair. With my first child, I made the mistake of purchasing a high chair that was on sale without really researching it or reading reviews. Turns out, the footprint was far too wide for my small apartment and it was painfully annoying to clean. When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, one of the few things I purchased was this high chair.

I’ve often told people that it’s the best $30 I’ve ever spent: Cleaning a high chair is never fun, but the Antilop’s smooth surfaces are manageable to wipe down, even after a very messy meal. While not quite as stylish as a Stokke chair, for example, it has a minimalist design and blends into a room. It also has a relatively small footprint, something I appreciated while living in an apartment.

Tested by Olivia DeLong, mom of a 3-year-old and What to Expect's Senior Health Editor: 

"The Ikea high chair is by far the best deal price-wise. It’s super easy to clean because you just wipe it down with soap and water. It’s also not super large, so it doesn’t take up much room."

Tested by Ann-Marie Zafirovski, first-time mom and What to Expect contributor:

"We set it up before our baby was even born, and we’re still loving it months later. It’s so easy to clean, especially during messy puree meals, and feels surprisingly sturdy for something so affordable. I love that it tucks neatly under our breakfast bar in our condo — it doesn’t fold, but it doesn’t need to."

Grow-with-baby high chairs are a great investment — but they often come with a higher-than-average price tag. Enter the Mockingbird High Chair. Known for offering luxury gear at a more affordable cost, its thoughtfully designed high chair is no exception.

You can start using this convertible chair as soon as your baby is ready to begin solids, and continue well into toddlerhood. While it doesn’t offer as many modes as some other convertible high chairs on our list, its four footrest positions and three tray depths make it easy to adjust as your child grows. These features also help ensure your baby’s feet are supported and that they can comfortably reach their food — two important factors for safe and effective mealtimes.

“There are very few corners or crevices, and the curved seat is made from a non-toxic, BPA-free plastic that’s super easy to wipe down after meals,” writes Robin Hilmantel in her Mockingbird High Chair review. She also highlights the removable tray with a detachable surface that’s dishwasher-safe. “Even the straps — which have an easy-to-use magnetic closure — are coated in silicone, so they can be easily wiped clean.”

Hilmantel adds how easy it is to convert the Mockingbird from a high chair into a toddler seat, but says that’s just the beginning of what makes this chair a standout. 

Another parent-loved feature: a strap-holding clip on the back of the seat that keeps the harness out of the way. It might sound minor, but when you’re trying to settle a squirmy baby or give the chair a quick wipe-down, you’ll be grateful it’s there.

The chair does have a wide base, which some parents say they bump into frequently—so it might not be the best fit for smaller spaces. But beyond that, there are very few downsides.

Tested by Robin Hilmantel, mom of three and What to Expect's Editorial Director:

"Between all the high chairs I've owned and tried while traveling or visiting friends, I’ve used at least 10 different models in five years — and the Mockingbird really impressed me. It looks beautiful, has almost no crevices to clean, and even has clever touches like strap holders on the back so they don’t get in the way during cleanup or buckling. It’s not just a pretty face — it’s incredibly functional, too."

See our full Mockingbird High Chair review. 

When it comes to baby gear, it’s rare to find something that’s functional, comfortable and design-forward. That’s exactly what makes Lalo The Chair stand out. It’s thoughtfully made with nontoxic materials, easy to clean and — bonus — comes in colors that actually match your home.

The Chair includes everything you need to get started, including a cushion, tray, infant insert and five-point harness. When your baby outgrows the infant setup, it transforms into a toddler chair, so you’ll get lots of use over time. Another bonus: You can also purchase an add-on to turn it into a play chair for arts and crafts down the line.

Although it doesn’t fold for storage, parents love that The Chair has a smaller footprint than many other high chairs. It’s lightweight enough to move around easily, and reviewers rave about how simple it is to clean. The cushion is machine washable, the tray wipes clean with ease and the harness straps are made from cleanable plastic.

Psst: Lalo also just came out with a Hook-On Chair. Although we haven't had a chance yet to test it ourselves, it's already gaining buzz as a space-saving, travel-friendly solution. 

Tested by Madelyn Casey, mom of three and What to Expect contributor:

"We’ve been using The Chair with our 6-month-old and I love how sleek it looks and how easily it fits into our space. I was able to put it together myself in 15 minutes. The cushion snaps off easily for cleaning, and the seat helps my baby sit comfortably and safely upright. It’s not the most portable option, but it’s so beautiful I don’t mind keeping it out."

Wooden high chairs are a classic option, as the understated finishes and clean lines fit right into most homes. And no wooden high chair is as iconic as the Stokke Tripp Trapp.

“My daughter has been using this high chair for more than a year, and it’s been a worthwhile investment,” says Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s associate commerce editor. “It checks all the boxes: It’s safe, easy to clean, nice to look at, and can be used for years, which really stretches the dollar.” 

Though it’s undoubtedly pricey, as Leah notes, the Tripp Trapp can be used starting at 6 months old (even earlier if you buy the newborn set), and becomes an actual chair for your tot once she joins you at your dining table. Even adults can sit on it, as it has an impressive 300-pound weight limit. Many What to Expect parents say their children were able to sit in this seat through the toddler years and beyond, and because it’s so well-made, many families use it for subsequent children, too. 

It looks simple, but it’s also very easy to adjust: The footplate and seat can both be adjusted to ensure your little one has enough foot and back support. Leah felt this was particularly helpful in getting her daughter to willingly sit in the Tripp Trapp.

Robin Hilmantel, What to Expect's Editorial Director, also appreciates the ergonomic design. "All three of my kids have been able to sit in the 90-90-90 position that experts recommend while using it," she says. 

The Tripp Trapp doesn’t come with a tray (although you can buy a tray separately), but the sleek silhouette (which was designed by Peter Opsvik in 1972) will look great with your furniture. If aesthetic is top of mind for you, this is one of the most sophisticated high chairs on the market. Choose from several colors, like natural, aqua blue, black, and red.

Tested by Leah Rocketto, mom of two and What to Expect's Associate Shopping Director:

“My daughter always had plenty of leg room and sat positioned in a way that’s comfortable, so she fussed much less than when we put her in other seats." 

Tested by Kristin Koch Kennedy, mom of three and What to Expect contributor: 

“When I was pregnant with my first son seven years ago, my husband and I hemmed and hawed over which stroller and car seat to get. But pretty quickly, we knew which high chair that we both wanted... In my opinion, the Stokke Tripp Trapp is definitely worth the money. It’s lasted us for more than seven years and three active children, and it still works perfectly. It’s gone through multiple moves, and it's never broken. Since it’s a prominent part of our kitchen, I also love that it sits compactly under the table or against the wall when not in use, and it isn’t an eyesore. It blends seamlessly into our kitchen and can easily be set up at meal times." 

See our full review of the Tripp Trapp. 

While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that a clip-on high chair shouldn’t replace a freestanding one for everyday use, this style can still be a safe and convenient choice for occasional meals, dining out, travel, or dinner at Grandma’s house. Just be sure to use a model that locks securely onto the table, and double-check that the table can safely support your child’s weight.

Portable, compact, and surprisingly sturdy, the Inglesina Fast Table Chair is the perfect pick for small spaces, families on the go, or anyone who wants their little one pulled right up to the table. Unlike traditional high chairs that take up precious floor space, this one clips directly onto most tables using twist-tight couplings — just check compatibility if you have a glass or unusually thick surface. The seat folds down compactly when not in use and includes a built-in carry bag for easy transport.

Parents also love the thoughtful extras: a high backrest and padded seat for comfort, a dishwasher-safe dining tray, and a rear pocket for storing small essentials. While the fabric seat is hand-wash only, cleanup is generally easy, and the chair’s minimalist footprint makes it ideal for travel or dining out.

Tested by Lakia Holmes, first-time mom and What to Expect contributor:

“This chair is a total game-changer — it’s portable, sturdy, and lets Isla feel like part of the table. I honestly wish I could use it full-time!”

If you’re dreading the idea of a bulky high chair permanently set up in your kitchen, a booster feeding chair may be the perfect solution. (Confusingly, this product is called a “booster seat” — a term often associated with toddler car or dining seats — but this version is appropriate as soon as your baby can hold their head up independently.) The Ingenuity Baby Booster offers all the key features of a standard high chair but takes up only a fraction of the space.

The three-point harness and thick seat straps help keep your child secure during meals. It’s also incredibly easy to clean: you can wipe it down or pop the BPA-free tray into the dishwasher. And if you’re especially tight on space, the tray conveniently stores underneath the seat!

You can use the tray when your little one is still learning to self-feed, and once she's ready, remove the tray and pull her right up to the family table. Outside of mealtime, the booster also works as a floor seat, offering a secure place that supports your baby’s posture and helps strengthen neck muscles.

Compact and easy to fold, the hiccapop OmniBoost Booster Seat is perfect whether you're traveling abroad or just heading out to dinner. Designed for kids ages 6 months to 3 years, the OmniBoost includes a variety of features that help keep your child safe — whether they’re seated on the lawn or in a dining room chair.

In addition to thick, sturdy seat straps, the OmniBoost features a wide base and removable “duck feet” that help distribute weight and increase stability, especially on soft or uneven surfaces. Plus, the three-point harness keeps your wiggly little one securely in place without being uncomfortably restrictive.

There are also several parent-friendly features that make dining away from home easier. For starters, there's a pocket on the back for storing bibs, utensils, or small toys to keep toddlers occupied. The chair also comes with a detachable, dishwasher-safe swivel tray — yes, swivel! A rare and helpful feature, even among full-sized high chairs.

Some parents note that the tray is a bit small, but this typically isn’t an issue if your child is sitting at the table.