High chairs seem like just another piece of baby gear — until you’re actually in the trenches of mealtime with toddlers. The right chair makes life smoother: less mess, less stress, more actual eating. The wrong one? It’s a constant fight — hard to clean, awkward to use and an eyesore parked in the middle of your kitchen.
I’ve got a 3½-year-old, a one-year-old and baby #3 arriving soon. After years of daily chaos, I can tell you a high chair isn’t just a temporary buy — it needs to survive spills, tantrums and endless snacks. And if it’s going to live in your space for years, it shouldn’t be ugly.
So I tested 17 high chairs to figure out which ones are actually worth your money (and which ones deserve a Craigslist listing).
How I Chose Them
I didn’t just scroll Amazon and call it a day. I dug through reviews, bestseller lists and search trends. I asked my mom group chats, text threads and fellow parents who have strong opinions (trust me, they do). I leaned on brands I already trusted and grabbed a few wild cards that seemed promising. The goal: a mix of popular favorites, budget heroes and underrated workhorses.
How I Tested Them
Each chair got at least three full days of real-world use (three meals and a snack daily) with both kids. That means spilled pasta, smashed blueberries and a toddler who thinks sitting still is a punishment. My husband joined in, mostly to grumble about assembly and point out design flaws I missed.
I scored each chair on:
- Assembly: Did I need an engineering degree?
- Adjustability: Could it actually grow with my kids?
- Cleaning: One-wipe wonder or crumb trap nightmare?
- Comfort: Good posture, real support, adjustable footrests.
- Footprint: Did it hog the kitchen?
- Durability: Could it last through multiple kids?
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The best high chairs for babies and toddlers of 2025
Each chair below got at least three full days of real-world use (three meals and a snack daily) with both of my kids. Scroll to find my picks.
Best Long-Term Investment:
The Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair is one of the few that feels like real furniture instead of clunky baby gear. The solid wood frame is sturdy enough to last through multiple kids, and the adjustable footrest actually keeps little ones sitting properly at the table.
My one-year-old sat at eye level with us, which made mealtime feel calmer and safer, and my toddler was happy staying put longer. Cleaning the straps is a hassle, and the add-ons get expensive, but if you want a high chair that grows with your child and doesn’t ruin your kitchen aesthetic, this is the one.
Best All-Ages Chair:
The Bugaboo Giraffe high chair is sleek, lightweight and far more versatile than it looks. It goes from a newborn recliner all the way to a full-size adult chair that holds 220 pounds. Switching between modes is tool-free and takes seconds, which made swapping between my toddler and baby chaos-proof. The triangle legs save space in tight dining areas, and the beechwood frame looks modern and polished.
It was recalled abroad in 2025, but in the U.S., it’s still a smart, stylish option that truly grows with your child.
A note from the brand: In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bugaboo did issue a voluntary recall of its Bugaboo Giraffe high chairs in the U.S.
Best Reclining High Chair:
The Peg Perego Siesta is a high chair that actually earns its spot in your kitchen. It offers nine height positions, five recline settings and locking wheels so it doesn’t slide around when your toddler inevitably climbs on it.
I bought the black eco-leather version and it wipes clean easily, though crumbs sneak into seams that are harder to reach. The fold is compact and it stands upright on its own, which saved me floor space. It’s bulkier than others, but the thoughtful design makes up for it.
Best Multi-Use High Chair:
The MomCozy Diner Pal grows with your child in ways most high chairs don’t — from baby seat to toddler chair, even into a learning tower or adult chair. My kids both sat comfortably thanks to the adjustable seat and footrest, and the tray is generously sized and dishwasher-safe.
The five-point harness kept my one-year-old safe, though the buckle was a fight with a squirmy toddler. It’s heavy and food can get stuck in seams, but if you want one chair that adapts to almost every stage, this one delivers.
Best Stylish High Chair:
The Nuna Bryn is one of the most stylish high chairs I’ve tested — it looks more like mid-century furniture than baby gear. Thanks to the adjustable footrest, both my one-year-old and my toddler sat comfortably, and the magnetic buckle made strapping them in quick and painless.
The washable seat pad and easy-clean tray make cleanup less stressful, though the tray sits a little far from the child, so food often ends up on the floor. It doesn’t fold and it isn’t cheap, but if you care about style as much as function, this is a strong contender.
Best Transitional High Chair:
The Lalo transitions from high chair to booster to regular chair, making it a long-term player in your home. The dishwasher-safe tray is easy to clean, and the sleek design fits nicely in smaller spaces. I tested it with both my baby and my toddler, and while the seat was comfortable, I wished the footrest adjusted more for bigger kids.
The harness straps are tough to remove and clean, though tossing them in a bra bag helped. The angled legs take up extra space, but helped the high chair feel more stable, says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz, who also tested this high chair. The 30-pound limit means older toddlers age out quickly, but it’s still a stylish and practical option.
Best for Small Spaces:
The Munchkin Float is the surprise standout. It snaps together without tools, wipes clean with one swipe and folds flat in seconds. The tray hooks neatly onto the back when folded, which is a small but genius detail. It’s slim enough to tuck behind a door or next to the fridge, which makes it perfect for small kitchens.
The only drawback is the 33-pound weight limit, so it won’t work for bigger toddlers. But for babies and younger kids, it’s a no-fuss, space-saving win.
Best Modern Design:
The Munchkin 360° Cloud stands out immediately with its clear seat and swivel design. The transparent shell isn’t just for looks; you can see every crumb and wipe it down in seconds. My one-year-old was secure in the harness, and my toddler loved the spinning seat.
It doesn’t fold, and the wide legs create tripping hazards, but it’s light enough to move when needed. If you want a high chair that feels more like modern furniture than kid clutter, this is a stylish choice.
Best Eco-Friendly High Chair:
The Evrloop 3-in-1 high chair is made from 100% recycled plastic, giving it an eco-friendly appeal alongside its compact design. It grows from baby seat to toddler booster without tools, and the smaller footprint makes it a great fit for tight kitchens. My one-year-old fit comfortably, though my older toddler found it snug. The wipeable surfaces and dishwasher-safe tray kept cleanup easy.
I did trip over the wide legs more than once, and it doesn’t fold, but the booster mode and buy-back program make it a sustainable option worth considering.
Best Versatile High Chair:
The Jeep Milestone feels like an entire toddler setup disguised as a high chair. It has six modes, from infant recline to toddler table, and switching between them doesn’t require tools or extra pieces. My baby was snug and secure in high chair mode, while my toddler loved using it as a snack table. The large tray is easy to clean, and the seat wipes down without fuss.
It’s bulky and awkward to move, but the versatility makes it worth the footprint.
Best Budget-Friendly Pick:
The Chicco Zest LE is one of the best budget-friendly high chairs I tested. At around $100, it transitions from high chair to low feeding seat to toddler chair and even a youth stool up to 60 pounds. Both my baby and toddler fit comfortably in different modes, and cleanup was simple with the smooth seat pad and dishwasher-safe tray. It folds compactly, with the tray clipping onto the back legs for easy storage.
Lightweight, versatile, and affordable, it’s a smart buy for parents who don’t want to overspend.
Best Rotating High Chair:
The Maxi-Cosi Kiskadee 360° combines sleek design with real functionality. The seat rotates smoothly, making it easier to feed a squirmy toddler, and the chair transitions into a booster for long-term use. With a 50-pound weight limit, it lasts longer than many others. Cleanup is refreshingly simple, and the sturdy frame gives peace of mind during messy meals.
It’s expensive, but if you want a chair that’s both stylish and built to last, this one’s worth it.
Best Lightweight High Chair:
The Maxi-Cosi Moa 8-in-1 is one of the most versatile options I tried. It doesn’t require tools to switch between configurations, and it’s small and light enough to travel with. My son immediately claimed the stool mode, while my daughter used the booster at the park and pool.
The removable liner makes cleaning easy, and the rubber grips on the legs keep it stable during mealtime chaos. It’s sleek, practical and adaptable for almost any stage.
Best Travel High Chair:
The Lalo Hook-On Chair is a space-saver that works at home and on the go. It’s the only hook-on high chair with an adjustable footrest, and the silicone tray is excellent at containing messes. It folds up compactly, making it easy to bring to restaurants or vacations.
Strapping in takes practice, and the seat can feel large enough for smaller babies to slide down. The black version also shows stains over time. But for small spaces and travel, it’s one of the smartest choices out there.
Best Compact High Chair:
The Maxi-Cosi Minla 6-in-1 was the first high chair we used, and it held up for more than two years. It adjusts easily as kids grow, and the silicone tray, which hooks onto the back when not in use, makes cleanup simple. The covers are washable and reusable, though re-snapping them after laundry is frustrating.
The wheels don’t lock as well as sturdier models like the Peg Perego, but overall, it’s a compact, versatile option that works well in small kitchens.
Best Affordable Classic:
The IKEA Antilop is the no-frills high chair that shows up in every mom group chat and for good reason. It’s lightweight, budget-friendly and ridiculously easy to clean. The tray pops off quickly, and the chair disassembles for storage or travel.
The wide legs take up more floor space, and stains can set in with long-term use, but at under $30, it’s practically a parenting essential.
Best Modern High Chair:
The UPPAbaby Ciro high chair is modern and minimalist, designed to bring your baby right to the table. Thanks to the seamless seat, removable harness and dishwasher-safe tray, it's lightweight, easy to move and simple to clean. The adjustable tray and rotating footrest help the chair grow with your child.
The straps stain easily, but otherwise it’s a practical, stylish choice for families who want a high chair that blends with their home.
Best Booster for Toddlers:
The Chicco Cinch Clamping Booster is ideal if you don’t want a bulky high chair taking over your kitchen. Instead of straps, it clamps securely to a chair, creating a stable, wobble-free seat for toddlers. The one-pull tightener makes it easy to lock in place, and the padded seat wipes down without hassle.
It doesn’t fold or convert into other setups, but this booster is a smart solution for families who want something sleek, portable and sturdy.
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Final Thoughts
After testing 17 different high chairs with two kids (and another on the way), one thing became clear: there’s no single “best” chair for every family. What works in a big kitchen with space to spare might be a nightmare in a small apartment. Some parents want a chair that looks like furniture, while others just need something cheap, easy to clean and safe.
The good news? There’s a high chair here for every type of parent—whether you’re looking for long-term durability, a budget-friendly quick fix or a space-saving design that won’t drive you insane at mealtime. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the right high chair won’t just contain the mess, it’ll save your sanity.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am the senior commerce photo editor and producer at NBCUniversal. I’m also the mom to a two-year-old and a 10-month-old and am pregnant with my third baby. I’ve tested nearly a dozen baby strollers to find the best one for my growing family. I’ve also written reviews for Shop Today, including my review of Amazon workout shirts and gifts for Mother’s Day.
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