The 7 Best High Chairs For Baby-Led Weaning & Factors To Consider Before Buying

Overview

Giving your baby their first solid foods can be a big challenge, especially if you’re a first-time parent. But the best baby products can help make the transition easier for you and your baby.

A good high chair can make mealtimes safe, comfortable, and easier to clean up.

It can be useful in BLW (baby-led weaning), by giving your child their own space in the dining room while enjoying meals with the family.

If you’re planning to do BLW, you might be asking yourself whether you need a high chair.

You might be asking questions like:

“How can I get my baby to like their high chair?

“What do you do if you don’t have a high chair?”

“Can a six-month-old sit in a high chair?”

You can find answers to these common questions and useful information about what factors to consider when choosing the best high chair for your baby.

Why Baby-Led Weaning?

Choosing BLW can help promote independence because your baby feeds themselves, gets to pick the food they want from what you prepared, and have their fill at their own pace.

You can’t overfeed in BLW because your child can eventually learn to self-regulate as they differentiate between being hungry and full.

This feeding approach can even help you raise a foodie instead of a picky eater.

Is A High Chair Necessary For BLW?

A high chair can be a useful tool in baby-led weaning.

Here are some benefits of getting a good one for your baby:

The feeding tray can help encourage self-feeding
Stability and safety while your baby is seated
Personal feeding space with easy-to-clean parts
Easier feeding because your little one isn’t running around
Easier clean-up because the mess is limited to one area

Factors To Consider In Choosing A High Chair For BLW

Baby-led weaning focuses on your child’s self-feeding experience. This feeding approach might work better if they’re comfortable and well-supported.

The following are some of the factors to consider in choosing your baby’s high chair in BLW:

Safety Features

Your baby’s safety remains the top priority in choosing their high chair.

A five-point safety harness can provide the safest way to keep your baby from standing up and climbing out of their high chair. It can also keep them from falling off because the straps restrain their legs and torso.

Always check whether the base is stable and if there’s no danger of the high chair toppling over if your child keeps squirming around.

Can the high chair carry your child’s weight? Some can support up to 250 lbs, while others can only carry 30 lbs.

However, you might not need a high chair with a high capacity unless you’re choosing one that grows with your baby up to their teens and adulthood (because it converts into a regular chair).

This is the average weight for babies and children: (1)

Males

One year old: 17-21 lbs
Two years old: 24-34 lbs
Three years old: 26-38 lbs
Four years old: 30-44 lbs
Six years old: 36-60 lbs

Females

One year old: 15-20 lbs
Two years old: 22-32 lbs
Three years old: 26-38 lbs
Four years old: 28-44 lbs
Six years old: 36-60 lbs

Check if the legs are flimsy, and the connections might become loose with regular movement.

It’s important to check this to ensure that the high chair can properly support your active and ever-growing baby.

Safe Materials

Be sure to check that the plastic materials used to make your baby’s high chair are free from toxic chemicals like BPA (bisphenol-A), phthalate, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

These chemicals can cause health issues such as increased blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and damage to major organs such as kidneys, liver, and reproductive system. (2)(3)(4)

For products with wood parts, you can choose the ones that only use non-toxic, certified-safe plant-based lacquer for finishing.

Printed fabrics should be free from AZO dyes, which can potentially cause cancers. (5)

Ergonomics

The right high chair can promote a proper sitting position for your baby’s safety. Check if your baby’s hips and knees are at a 90-degree angle when they’re on the high chair.

A high chair that offers recline positions isn’t necessary.

Some parents believe that this might be alright for a baby following traditional weaning with purees. However, a reclining chair can pose a choking risk with any feeding approach because food can get pushed towards your baby’s airway.

Always put your baby in an upright, 90-degree position while they’re eating.

Footrest For Stability

BLW pioneer Dr. Gill Rapley recommends a high chair with a footrest for stability. It can help your baby stay balanced on their high chair so they can get the most out of BLW. (6)

If possible, find a high chair with a wider range of adjustability. One with an adjustable footrest can provide stability for a small baby and grow with them.

Notice how uncomfortable it can be if you’re sitting with dangling feet for long periods. Your baby will also feel the same way.

However, if the high chair you currently own doesn’t have an adjustable footrest, you can make adjustments by putting a pillow or box to make it higher.

The IKEA Antilop High Chair with tray only costs $24.99, but it doesn’t have a footrest. It can still be a good buy if you’re up to some DIY to put a footrest for your baby.

Can Fit Your Table & Dining Room

A high chair is an extra piece of furniture that should also fit your dining room. Some are large and can’t be easily folded for storage, but others are foldable so you can keep them when not in use.

It’s good to choose a high chair that puts your baby higher than the table or at least chest height.

Check for high chairs with height adjustments so you can find a better fit for your baby at your table.

Some high chairs have a removable tray to let you slide it close under the table so your baby can truly eat their meals with the rest of the family.

Easy Clean-Ups

BLW can be messy, mama. Your baby’s bib can’t catch all the extra food and mess your baby makes.

So, an easy-to-clean high chair is an ideal choice.

Look for a high chair with a removable dishwasher-safe tray that doesn’t have a lot of crevices. There are some that you can remove with one hand.

It’s also a good idea to clean the seat cover and pads after each meal. You can pick a high chair with removable or wipeable seat pads, covers, and straps for easier clean-ups. Some can also be cleaned in a washing machine.

The 7 Best Baby-Led Weaning High Chairs

Abiie Beyond Junior Y High Chair

This is also known as the Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair.

Capacity: Up to 250 lbs
Adjustable 3-point or 5-point harness (a 3-point harness restrains your child’s lower body, while a 5-point harness includes straps over their shoulders and torso)
Wood frame with plastic tray cover
Adjustable seat height and footrest
Converts to a toddler booster seat or a regular dining chair for adults

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair with Tray

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
Capacity: Up to 242 lbs
5-point harness (with the baby set)
Wood frame with plastic tray cover
Adjustable seat height and footrest
Convertible to a booster seat or a regular dining chair
It’s also available without a tray

Primo Cozy Tot High Chair

Capacity: Up to 30 lbs
Removable 3-point harness
Polypropylene plastic with steel legs
Adjustable feeding tray that bends forward
Converts into a toddler chair without a tray

Joovy Nook High Chair

Capacity: Up to 50 lbs
Adjustable 5-point harness
Plastic and steel high chair with plastic tray
Easily foldable chair (folds flat and small)

OXO Tot Sprout High Chair

Capacity: Up to 60 lbs
5-point harness
Wood frame with reinforced plastic seat and tray
Converts to a chair for kids up to five years old (or 60 lbs max weight)

Keekaroo Height Right High Chairs

Capacity: Up to 250 lbs
3-point safety harness
Wooden high chair and tray with plastic cover
Converts to a booster chair and adult-sized chair

Graco Blossom 6-In-1 Convertible High Chair

Graco Blossom 6-In-1 Convertible High Chair
Capacity: Up to 40 lbs (high chair) and 60 lbs (separate toddler booster seat)
Convertible 3-point and 5-point harness
Steel frame with plastic tray and leatherette seat pads
Six configurations possible

Learn more about the best high chairs for baby-led weaning below.

Abiie Beyond Junior Y (Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair)

Key Features

Material: High-quality European cultivated beechwood; recyclable and biodegradable

Safety Features: Free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC

Harness: Adjustable 5-point or 3-point harness

Portability: It isn’t easy to fold, but its small footprint can let it fit through doorways easily

Colors: Olive, raspberry, pearl, blueberry, and cream

Styles: Wood frame with cushion seats and plastic tray cover

Footrest: Yes, adjustable

Parts & Accessories:

Backrest and seat cushions
One-hand removable plastic tray cover

Other Specifications

Capacity: Up to 250 lbs; suitable for big kids

Warranty: Standard three years, plus up to three years extended warranty

This high chair passes the following quality specifications:

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (2008) or the H.R.4040
ASTM F404-10 (American Society for Testing and Materials) standard for high chairs
CARB (California Air Resources Board) Phases 1 & 2 for low emissions of formaldehyde

What Makes It Special?

Adjustable seat height and footrest.
Ergonomic design can keep your child’s back upright and knees at a 90-degree angle.
It converts to a booster seat or a regular dining chair for adults.

Product Recall

None

Cons

It isn’t foldable, so you can’t easily bring this in your car for trips.
The wood can blister easily with regular spills of food or liquids.
Cushion colors can transfer to wet wipes or rags.
Food might get through the gap between the wood portion frame and the plastic cover.
Some parents complained about the supposedly dishwasher-safe cover warping after being put in a dishwasher.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“The tray cover makes for easy clean up — so simple, especially since he’s a messy little eater. The seat pads are easy to clean too.”- Reviewer on Abiie’s website.

Negative Reviews

“It seems like there are a ton of little notches and crevices where food and crumbs accumulate/get stuck.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

Optional accessories:

Baby cushion
Junior child cushion
Placemat for tray
Storage

Key Features

Material: Beech, oak, or ash wood

Safety Features: Water-based, non-toxic paint for the wood; plastic parts are free from bisphenol and phthalates

Harness: 5-point harness with the baby set

Portability: It’s not foldable but is still slim enough to fit through doors easily

Colors: Combinations of white, gray, cream, and brown

Styles: Wooden chair with tray and cushion, depending on the configuration you choose

Footrest: Stable but adjustable footrest

Other Specifications

Capacity: Can be suitable for big kids because it can carry up to 242 lb

Warranty: Up to seven years extended warranty

What Makes It Special?

It’s adjustable and can grow with your baby up to adulthood.
The cushions are removable and machine-washable.

Product Recall

None

Cons

It’s more expensive than other high chairs with a similar style.
The safety harness is difficult to use because it’s hard to adjust.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“This high chair is very easy to clean. You simply can wipe down all wood parts and even the cushion. If needed, you can remove it to machine wash, but spot cleaning works in between washes.” – Reviewer on Nordstrom.

Negative Reviews

“It’s not very sturdy and wabblws unless every screw is in precisely.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Primo Cozy Tot High Chair

Key Features

Material: Polypropylene plastic

Safety Features: Free from BPA, phthalates, lead, and fire retardants

Harness: Removable 3-point harness

Portability: It’s foldable and also has legs that can be removed and reassembled quickly

Colors: Teal or black and white

Styles: Plastic with steel legs

Footrest: Yes, adjustable

Parts & Accessories:

The double feeding tray has an easily removable, dishwasher safe (top rack) cover.
No fabric parts for easier clean-ups

Other Specifications

Capacity: Can carry up to 30 lbs

Warranty: Not specified on their website, but the company indicated that it’s included in the instruction guide that comes with your high chair.

What Makes It Special?

The tray portion is adjustable and can bend forward so you can easily put your baby in and out of the high chair.
This high chair converts into a toddler seat without a tray.

Product Recall

None

Cons

Some customers complained that the chair can be wobbly.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Small foot print: we’re limited on space and having to have 2 high chairs is annoying to anyone who hates clutter (me!), i love that these are foldable, after meals they fold up and go straight into the kitchen pantry.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“…After a month of use the straps came loose and failed and it allowed my toddler to stand up in the chair.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Joovy Nook High Chair

Key Features

Material: Polypropylene plastic tray with metal legs and leatherette seats

Safety Features: Free from BPA, BPS, phthalate, lead, and flame retardants

Harness: Adjustable 5-point harness

Portability: Folds down flat for storage

Colors: Black, charcoal gray, coral, red, and turquoise

Styles: Plastic and steel high chair with easy-wipe leatherette seats

Footrest: Yes, not adjustable

Parts & Accessories:

Four-stage adjustable tray with removable dishwasher-safe insert

Other Specifications

Capacity: Can carry up to 50 lbs

Warranty: Two-year warranty, and 30-day returns with no questions asked

What Makes It Special?

It has a swing-open tray you can operate with one hand.
This foldable high chair can easily turn compact and flat for easy storage.

Product Recall

None

Cons

The straps can be difficult to clean.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Set up is so easy and so is teardown. It folds up so fast and into such a small piece too, which is perfect for our tiny apartment.” – Reviewer on Joovy’s website.

Negative Reviews

“…the chair broke at the joints that connects the backrest to the chair. My child is about 33lbs… Much less than the advertised limit.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

OXO Tot Sprout High Chair

Key Features

Material: Wood, foam cushion, and plastic

Safety Features: Free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC

Harness: 5-point harness

Portability: It’s not foldable

Colors: Gray, taupe, pink, green, or navy

Styles: Solid ply birch legs with reinforced plastic seat and back

Footrest: Yes, adjustable

Parts & Accessories:

Lightweight one-handed tray
Water-resistant, wipeable cushions

Other Specifications:

Capacity: Can carry up to 60 lbs

Warranty: Seven years for the wood, plastic, and metal parts; two years for the cushion and harness straps

What Makes It Special?

You can adjust this high chair to different heights and depths.
It converts to a chair for kids up to five years old or 60 lbs maximum.

Product Recall

None

Cons

The food tray isn’t dishwasher or microwave safe.
Wood parts can warp if they repeatedly get wet from your baby’s food or drinks.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“I am using it for a 6 month old. Not only does it aesthetically pleasing, but it is comfortable for the baby and extremely easy to clean.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

“Just be careful to wash and dry fully as ours started to grow mold in the Velcro.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Keekaroo Height Right High Chairs

Key Features

Material: Rubberwood frame with standard plant-based lacquer, plastic tray, and 100% polyester fiber cloth cushion

Safety Features: Free from phthalate, BPA, and latex, with anti-microbial protection

Harness: 3-point safety harness

Portability: It isn’t foldable but has a small frame that can be easy to carry

Colors: Natural and mahogany

Styles: Wooden high chair and tray with plastic bumpers

Footrest: Yes, adjustable

Parts & Accessories:

Removable plastic tray cover

The optional infant insert is made from non-toxic materials and is crack/puncture-resistant.

Other Specifications

Capacity: Can carry up to 250 lbs

Warranty: Five years

Certification: JPMA Board (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) Certified to the highest ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.

What Makes It Special?

The brand claims that physical therapists helped design this chair to help promote your baby’s good posture.
It’s ideal for big kids and can grow with your baby up to adulthood.

Product Recall

None

Cons

Some parents complained about the tray warping and getting broken after several clean-ups.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“This is the second Keekaroo Booster we have purchased. Each of our kids are using them now on the bar height chairs at our kitchen bar.” – Reviewer on Keekaroo’s website.

Negative Reviews

“There are so many nooks and crannies where food gets stuck. There is no way to clean this properly without a good set of dental tools.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Graco Blossom 6-In-1 Convertible High Chair

Key Features

Material: Plastic and steel high chair with premium leatherette seat pads

Safety Features: Free from lead, other restricted heavy metals, BPA, phthalates, and AZO dyes

Harness: Convertible 3-point and 5-point harness

Portability: Portable high chair with front wheels and locking rear casters

Colors: Different prints and colors are available

Styles: Steel frame with plastic tray and leatherette seat pads

Footrest: Yes, adjustable

Parts & Accessories:

One-hand removable, dishwasher-safe tray with pull-out insert
Machine-washable seat pads
Removable tray and seat back insert so you can position your baby closer to the table

Other Specifications

Capacity: Can carry up to 40 lbs (high chair) and 60 lbs (separate toddler booster seat)

Warranty: One year

What Makes It Special?

It’s a 6-in-1 convertible high chair: infant high chair with recline position, traditional baby high chair, infant booster seat, toddler booster, youth chair, and seat for two kids at once (with the separate toddler booster)
The reclining chair is ideal for feeding babies with a bottle, but shouldn’t be used for baby-led weaning. Be sure to put your child in an upright position while eating solid foods.

Product Recall

None

Cons

The straps are removable, but many parents complain that it’s difficult to remove them. Also, the rough woven material can easily become a food/morsel trap.
Some parents complained that the wheels don’t have a safety brake.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“It’s super versatile! Love the different and many (3) trays. My almost 3 month old easily sits in her high chair calmly while I cook. We are loving it so far and we are happy that it will grow with her!” – Reviewer on Graco Baby’s website.

Negative Reviews

“When my son started walking/ wanting to climb things, he would stand on the horizontal bars of the base which seemed so dangerous. The lack of brakes did not help here either because it would slip and slide underneath him.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Summary & Recommendations

These high chairs can be suitable for baby-led weaning, but they certainly aren’t made equal.

Here are some of our recommendations to help you pick the best high chair for your baby:

Choose the Abiie Beyond Junior Y High Chair if:

You prefer a chair that grows with your child
You’re looking for one that can carry up to 250 lbs
You want one with options for both a 5-point and a 3-point harness
You prefer a wood frame with adjustable seat height and footrest

Choose Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair with Tray if:

You don’t mind the higher price tag
You’re looking for a high chair with good capacity (up to 242 lbs)
You prefer a wooden high chair with adjustable seat height and footrest
You want to have the option to buy a high chair without a tray

Choose Primo Cozy Tot High Chair if:

You want a budget-friendly option
You don’t mind the small capacity (only up to 30 lbs)
You prefer a high chair with an adjustable feeding tray that bends forward
You want one that converts into a toddler seat without a tray

Choose Joovy Nook High Chair if:

You’re searching for a mid-range option
You don’t mind that it only has a capacity of up to 50 lbs
You want one that’s portable and easily foldable (can fold flat and small)

Choose OXO Tot Sprout High Chair if:

You don’t mind the high price tag
You want a wood high chair with a reinforced plastic seat and tray
You prefer a high chair that converts to a chair for kids (up to 60 lbs max weight)

Choose Keekaroo Height Right High Chairs if:

You’re looking for a wooden high chair that has a tray with a removable plastic cover
You want one with a high capacity (250 lbs) and converts to an adult-sized chair but with a lower price than Abiie or Stokke high chairs

Choose Graco Blossom 6-In-1 Convertible High Chair if:

You don’t mind paying high for a high chair that can only carry up to 40 lbs
You want one with a convertible 3-point and 5-point harness
You prefer a steel frame with a plastic tray and leatherette seat pads
You’re looking for a high chair with many (up to six) configurations possible

FAQs For BLW High Chairs

Can A Six-Month-Old Sit In A High Chair?

Most babies who are six months old can sit independently, with or without support. Make sure they can support their heads and sit upright before putting them in a high chair.

It’s a good idea to pick a high chair with a 5-point harness to secure your baby.

If the high chair is still too big or the footrest too far, you can put pillows or other soft materials that can help make your baby feel more comfortable.

At What Age Should A Baby Sit In A High Chair?

Babies develop at varied rates, but they’re typically ready to sit upright in a high chair at around six months of age.

If your baby shows signs of readiness for solid foods at four months old, you can put them in a high chair.

However, get your pediatrician’s green light before feeding your baby if they’re younger than six months old.

How Can I Get My Baby To Like His High Chair?

Here are some tips to consider:

Create a meal routine
Ensure that the high chair is comfortable and their feet can reach the footrest
Offer praise and positive reinforcement

What To Do If There’s No High Chair?

You can hold your baby on your lap, but still let them self-feed.

Another option is to use boosters.

The following aren’t full high chairs, but you can use them to easily convert regular dining chairs to a high chair for your baby:

These can be portable high chairs, but be extra careful about using them with your baby.

Some safety tips if you choose these high chair alternatives:

Always check their capacity and your baby’s weight, especially for hook-on or clip-on types.
Always make sure to securely attach them to the table and double-check each time you put your baby inside.

However, we don’t recommend using these products regularly because they have potential safety issues and don’t have a footrest.

It’s best to ask for your pediatrician’s advice on these types of high chair alternatives.

REFERENCES

(1) https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=normal-growth-90-P01625

(2) https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331

(3) https://noharm-uscanada.org/issues/us-canada/phthalates-and-dehp

(4) https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/opmrdd/health/pvc.html

(5) https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/chemicals/azo-dyes

(6) http://www.rapleyweaning.com/assets/Sitting_upright.pdf