The best high chairs of 2021
How to choose a high chair
If you are in the market for a high chair, there are lots of options. But not all chairs are equal and are designed for different requirements. Some parents look for a convenient chair that they can use for many years to come. Some also find it important that the chair blends in with the dining room furniture. Other parents prefer a basic chair that is sleek to save space or even need one that folds up. There is a huge variety in terms of price – extremely cheap low-cost and shockingly expensive luxury models.
In my opinion, the best chair is the Stokke Tripp Trapp. It simplifies daily life and can be used for years to come. The Tripp Trapp blends in with your every day furniture and takes up less space. However, if you are looking for a short-term solution, I also added some inexpensive high chair recommendations for you.
As always: this article is not sponsored by the manufacturer and represents my own opinion. Some text and photos my include partner links.
Content
Family time with your high chair
High chairs are really important when it comes to positioning your child in the proper upright position for eating, providing a safe, comfortable spot for them to start their journey with food. Most high chairs can be used from about 5-6 months onward when little ones start to sit, but some high chairs can be used from birth by attaching a sort of bouncer seat. This offers parents the option to bring their babies to the table at mealtime. High chairs help your child actively participate during meal times with the entire family.
A chair that grows with your child or not?
When purchasing a high chair you will need to decide if you want a chair that grows with your child or one that simply provides a safe but inexpensive place for your child to sit for a limited amount of time. Simple high chairs are much more affordable but you can also only use them for a short time. Chairs that grow with your child can be used for many years and can often even adults can/could sit on them. Climbing onto the own chair and pushing their chair to the table gives children independence.
High chairs often look pretty similar, but small details matter.
Recommendations
Winner - Stokke Tripp Trapp
The Stokke Tripp Trapp is an absolute classic and has convinced many testers and kids alike. The Tripp Trapp is very easy to handle and made of high quality wood. It grows with your child and is therefore useable for a long time. It has a 242 lbs weight limit, so that even adults can sit on it. The Tripp Trapp has a wide foot rest that allows kids to easily climb onto it.
You can choose from several colors like natural, grey, pink, brown and white. If used with the Tripp Trapp newborn set, it can be used from birth. The matching baby set makes it suitable from 5-6 months on and can be customized with cushions.
Gone are days when one parents needs to hold baby during dinner time and barely gets to eat. Keep your new baby with you at the table during meals.
Runner-up - Evomove Nomi
The Evomove Nomi is a more modern and sleeker version of the Tripp Trapp. It has been invented by Stokke Tripp Trapp designer Peter Opsvik. It can be adjusted faster with no tools required and the foot rest is very large so that climbing up is easy. It is a statement piece for any modern home but also comes with a larger price tag. The Nomi has an even higher weight limit of 264 lbs and due to the sleek design, it has minimal places for food to get trapped and simply wipes clean.
Budget Choice - Ikea Antilop
If you only need a simple solution for a shorter period of time, the Ikea Antilop baby highchair is it. I can be used from the moment baby can sit until approximately until the 3rd birthday. Babies are secured with a three-point seat belt as well as a crotch post. This opening mostly determines how long you can use it as older children cannot get their legs through it. Children cannot climb into the Antilop independently but little babies won’t care about that.
It’s not the most stylish chair but only costs about $20 – this is about the cheapest high chair with a tray that I could find. It is made of all plastic but there are currently a some small businesses that offer cute accessories such as place mats, cushions and leg wraps to customize the Antilop. If you’re looking for a short-term solution, or a second chair for grandma’s house the Antilop is a great option.
Other Recommendations
OXO Tot Sprout - Hybrid between Classic and Contemporary
The OXO Tot Sprout is a bit of a hybrid between a contemporary plastic seat and a traditional wooden chair. The Sprout uses a tray or can pull right up to the table. The tray is easy to maneuver with one hand and adjusts to just the right spot, ensuring food lands on the tray and not everywhere else. The Sprout can be converted into a child-sized chair for kids up to 60 lbs.
Stokke Clikk - Comfy and Mobile
The Stokke Clikk is also a hybrid chair with a plastic seat and a wooden legs. It is super easy to put together. Simply snap the wooden legs into the plastic base. This is why it can also be used on-the-go. The footrest is can be adjusted for a baby and older child. The Clikk can be used with tray, which is dishwasher safe or can pull right up to the table. It has a weight limit of 40 lbs.
Abiie Beyond - Afordable Wood Option
Do you love the look of a modern wooden seat but don’t want to spend as much money? The Abiie Beyond is a more affordable version of the Stokke Tripp Trapp. It comes with the tray and cushion, which is available in many colors. It has a weight limit of 250 lbs, which is comparable to the Tripp Trapp but it is a bit more wobbly on uneven floors. Overall a solid wooden option.
Comparison Table
Stokke Tripp Trapp
- Height adjustable
- Sleek design
- Simple to use
- 242 lbs weight limit
- From birth
- Pretty expensive
Evomove Nomi
- Height adjustable
- Individual design possible
- Easy to keep eye contact
- 264 lbs weight limit
- From birth
- Tray isn't very stable
- Expensive
Stokke Clikk
- Looks stylish
- Easy to take on the go
- Super easy to assemble
- Parents can trip over legs
- 40 lbs weight limit
Ikea Antilop
- Extremely cheap
- Very easy to assemble
- Cushion & mats available from small businesses
- Can only be used for a short time
- All plastic
- Not adjustable
- Easy to trip over legs
- Approx. 33 lbs weight limit
OXO Tot Sprout
- Height adjustable to 3 levels
- Sleek design
- Tray included
- Not from birth
- 60 lbs weight limit
Joovy Foodoo
- Height adjustable
- From birth
- Foldable
- Has wheels
- Cushion & Tray included
- Can only be used for a limited time
- 50 lbs weight limit
- Rather bulky
Cybex LEMO
- Height adjustable
- Sleek design
- Easy to adjust
- 209 lbs weight limit
- From birth
- Baby seat a bit narrow
- Better as a junior chair for older children
- Parents can trip over legs
Stokke Steps
- Sleek design
- From birth
- 187 lbs weight limit
- Only footrest is height adjustable
- Parents can trip over legs
Abiie Beyond
- Height adjustable
- Tray & cushion included
- 250 lbs weight limit
- Wobbly on uneven floors
- Tray is small
- Bit tougher to clean
- Not from birth
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Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. There are no costs associate with this for you. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
