Some links on this page are monetized by affiliate programs - see disclosure for details.
Switching a baby from milk to solid foods is an exciting milestone for any parent and child. This means that the child is growing and developing, and it is a time for a baby to begin experiencing new and exciting foods.
Since a young child starting solid foods can’t possibly sit in a regular chair like older children and adults, a special high chair is needed to not only keep the child safe but to make feeding easier on a parent. For parents of a growing baby or toddler, a high chair is an absolute necessity.
What is a Baby High Chair?
Contents
A high chair is a special type of chair designed for a baby to use during mealtimes or snacking. These chairs have straps that hold a young child in place, helping to prevent dangerous falls. They also feature a tray that allows a young child to have room to learn to use utensils or eat with his or her hands. This tray is removable, making cleanup a breeze for parents.
These chairs are designed to be comfortable and safe for baby, while providing the perfect height for parents who are giving a child solid foods for the first time without straining their backs.
What are the Advantages?
There are multiple advantages to owning one of these chairs for children. The first is safety. Because these come with straps and harnesses, a child is safer than when sitting in a regular chair. With proper supervision, even a very young child can sit safely and comfortably in one of these chairs. Another advantage is the large tray, which can be used for eating or even coloring or finger painting. This tray is removable and easy to clean, putting less stress on busy parents.
Standalone chairs are also the perfect height for a parent to sit in a regular chair while feeding the child baby food.
What are the Different Types of High Chairs?
In this modern world, advances have been made in baby equipment to make them lighter, more portable, and more convenient for parents. Instead of just one type of chair, there are now multiple types to accommodate children at home, in smaller spaces, and while traveling.
• Standalone chairs – These chairs stand by themselves, and they are the largest and take up the most space. These are best for use at home, although many easily fold up for travel or storage. These are the tallest types of chairs, making it easier for mom, dad, or the caregiver to sit at a regular kitchen chair while feeding the child.
• Booster chairs – These are best for traveling or for use in homes that don’t have enough space for a full-sized chair. These connect to a regular chair using attached straps. These have many of the functions of a full-sized chair, including a large tray for eating or play, in a smaller package.
• Clip-on chairs – These chairs attach right to a table. They are very portable, or they can be used at home. One of the biggest drawbacks is that they have to be attached correctly to prevent injuries, and they do not have built-in trays.
Which High Chairs are the Best on the Market in 2015?
Cosco Simple Fold High Chair – Struggling with a bulky high chair that’s hard to close is the last thing an overwhelmed parent needs after feeding a baby. This model is great because it easily folds up, stands on its own so it can be stored just about anywhere, is easy to clean, and has a simple yet durable design that makes it a great choice for any parent. Best of all, it has a very low price tag, making it affordable for parents who don’t want to spend a fortune on top of diapers, wipes, clothing, and other necessities.
Fisher Price Spacesaver High Chair – Short on space? This great chair has all of the features of a full-sized standalone model and takes up a fraction of the space since it can be used with a traditional dining chair. This model is solidly built, safe for baby, and has a very affordable price tag that makes it even more appealing.
Graco Blossom 4-In-1 Seating System – Baby gear can be expensive, and while this is the most expensive chair on the list, it grows with your child, making it a great investment. This chair can be used in four different ways, is comfortable for a wide range of ages, is easy to fold and store, and has different positions and settings that make mealtime easier and more comfortable than ever.
Features to Think About
Purchasing baby gear can be a real hassle. Parents that already have their hands full aren’t going to have hours to mull over every single purchase, which is why it is important to identify the most important features before shopping for gear like high chairs. There are multiple things to consider before investing in a high chair, and these are four very important features that really stand out and should be considered.
Price
Baby gear can be very expensive, as any parent knows. Adding additional costs onto the daily expenses needed to care for a baby can be stressful, which is why the price of a new high chair is important to most parents. Budget should always be a factor. However, important safety features and convenience features should never be overlooked simply because of the price. A good purchase involves balancing a personal budget alongside other important features.
Safety features
High chairs are designed for safety, but not all chairs are made alike. A chair for a baby should be well-made, durable, sturdy, and have harnesses and straps that are designed to keep a child safely in place. Of course, parents should always supervise young children in these types of chairs but having additional safety features helps give mom or dad peace of mind.
Weight limit
A good chair is one that accommodates babies being introduced to solids up to toddlers who are still learning how to eat with utensils. Make sure to pick a chair with a higher weight limit that won’t be quickly outgrown in just a few months.
Size
A full-sized chair may seem like the best idea, but it won’t be if you’re crammed into a small apartment. You need to consider the size of the chair when it’s unfolded to make sure it fits in your kitchen or dining room, as well as its size when folded up to ensure you have enough storage space. If you plan to travel often, look for a smaller, more compact chair that easily fits into the truck of your vehicle.
Price
Cosco Simple Fold
This is one full-sized chair that is both functional and affordable for almost any budget.
Fisher Price Spacesaver
This model comes with a competitive retail price, making it extremely affordable for parents on a budget.
Graco Blossom 4-In-1 Seating System
This model’s cost places it at the higher end of the pricing scale when compared to other baby seats.
Safety Features
Cosco Simple Fold
This chair comes equipped with a 3-point harness that keeps a child safely in place while eating or playing.
Fisher Price Spacesaver
This has a 5-point restraint that keeps even smaller children perfectly safe and in place.
Graco Blossom 4-In-1 Seating System
This has a 3- and 5-point harness for safety for babies and toddlers of various sizes.
Weight Limit
Cosco Simple Fold
This chair is designed to safely hold up to 50 pounds, making it a great choice for babies and toddlers.
Fisher Price Spacesaver
This model is made for children up to 50 pounds.
Graco Blossom 4-In-1 Seating System
This chair is designed to grow with a child and safely and comfortably holds up to 60 pounds.
Size
Cosco Simple Fold
This is a full-size chair that does take up more space like most full-size models do. It does, however, fold up and stand on its own so it can easily be stored. At under 13 pounds, it is lightweight enough to easily move around the home or pack into a vehicle for travel.
Fisher Price Spacesaver
This chair weighs less than 10 pounds, so it’s very portable. It also sits right on a traditional dining chair, so it takes up far less space than standalone chairs.
Graco Blossom 4-In-1 Seating System
This full-size chair comes with inserts, making it one of the largest on the market.
Our Baby High Chair Reviews
Best Cheap: Cosco Simple Fold
After getting a messy child out of the chair from lunch, the last thing a parent wants to do is fight with cleaning and storing a high chair. With the Cosco Simple Fold, this isn’t an issue. This full-size chair is lightweight, easy to fold, and stands on its own so it won’t have to be propped and won’t fall over. The tray and seat pad wipe clean easily, allowing you to have more time with your baby instead of cleaning up.
The three-position tray is great for all stages, and the no-fuss design makes it a breeze to fold up, store, set up for the next meal, or pack for traveling. It also comes with a very low price tag that makes it an ideal choice for parents on a budget.
Pros:
It is affordable. It is lightweight. It is easy to fold and unfold. The tray can adjust to three different positions. It is easy to clean. It stands on its own without falling over. It is equipped with a safety harness.
Cons:
The backrest is not adjustable, so it may be uncomfortable for some children. It doesn’t come with shoulder straps for very young children. It doesn’t seem as durably made as more expensive models.
Best for the Money: Fisher Price Spacesaver
Parents that are squeezed into a tighter space and don’t have the room for even more baby equipment will love this chair. True to its name, this model really does save space. It is designed to fit right on top of a dining chair, so parents don’t have to squeeze it into tight spaces and don’t have to worry about storing it while not in use.
This model is also designed for safety, boasting a 5-point harness that converts to a 3-point harness for older toddlers. It has two height adjustments, as well as three recline positions for ultimate comfort. The tray is easy to remove and clean, and the seat pad is machine washable.
Pros:
It is very lightweight and portable. It does not take up a lot of space. It attaches securely to almost any chair. It has multiple positions for a child’s comfort. It is easy to clean. It is very affordable. It has a safe 5-point harness that converts to a 3-point harness.
Cons:
It requires two hands to remove the tray. The seat has very little padding when compared to high-end chairs. It doesn’t have a cup holder. The straps feel a bit flimsy.
Best Overall: Graco Blossom 4-In-1 Seating System
Why spend a fortune of a chair that your child will just outgrow in a few weeks or months? This model from Graco grows with a child, from a baby who is just taking his or her first few bites of baby food to toddlers who are experimenting with finger foods at the table. This model has four different setups, making it one of the most versatile chairs on the market. This functions as a full-size high chair, a feeding booster that can be used at a kitchen table or taken on the go, a toddler booster, and a youth chair.
Your child will always be comfortable during any meal with this chair, which has 6 height positions, 3 recline positions, and 3 position removable footrest. This model can be used with two different children at once, has a dishwasher safe removable tray insert, is easy to clean, and folds and stores easily.
Pros:
It grows with a child, saving money over time on booster seats. It is easy to clean. It is easy to fold and unfold. It has multiple adjustment features for comfort. It has a safety harness. It can be set up 4 different ways. It is portable.
Cons:
It is more expensive than other models. It is quite heavy. The inserts make it bulkier and larger than other models.
A high chair is an absolutely necessity for any home with a child. When purchasing one of these chairs, safety, comfort, ease of use and cleanup, and overall value should be considered, which is why the Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Seating System is a great choice. This system can be used with children through all stages, making it an investment that pays for itself over the years. It is safe, comfortable, and offers multiple features not found on other models, making this a great choice for any parent.