In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about high chairs, from finding the right one for your family to tips for safe use during meal time.
Getting Started with High Chairs
Babies start using high chairs by about six months old – typically around the time they’re able to sit upright. Most children will continue to use a high chair for another 12 to 18 months, up until they’re two or three years old.
For most families, high chairs are a necessity and an important step for your child to take as they transition to table feeding. High chairs aren’t exactly cheap, either, which can lead many parents to feel overwhelmed by the choices as they try to land the best high chair for their money.
Don’t worry! We can walk through buying a high chair together.
Buying the Right High Chair for Your Child
High chairs often see heavy use, so it’s important that you keep the following in mind as you choose one for your child. Here’s what experts and parents are typically looking for when evaluating the best high chairs:
- Ease of Use: How quickly and easily can you clean and adjust it?
- Durability: How long will it last?
- Storage Flexibility: Can it be folded or tucked away easily when not in use?
- Safety: What are the risks associated with this product?
Parents also want to consider which high chair features matter most to them.
- Reclining
- Footrest (Adjustable)
- Table Height
- Safety Straps
- Design
- Ease of Assembly
Shopping Tip: Choose a high chair that follows the 90-90-90 rule – your child’s hips, knees, and ankles should all form 90° angles while seated. This promotes better posture, supports safe swallowing, and helps reduce fussiness during meals.
Browse Nuby’s high chair collection to compare models designed for every stage and space.
What are the best high chairs?
The best high chairs combine safety, function, and value. At Nuby, we design high chairs with modern families in mind – offering smart and safe features like washable seat covers, removable footrest and tray, wipe-clean surfaces, and secure harnesses to keep your little one safe from baby to toddler.
Looking for a space-saving model? Check out our booster and feeding chair collection for smaller spaces or travel-friendly options.
Do high chairs need a footrest?
Yes! A footrest provides critical support for your child’s legs, helping them maintain stable posture and focus during meals. Dangling legs can cause squirming, frustration, and even increase choking risk. An adjustable footrest is a must-have feature.
Keep mealtime both safe and fun with our blog, Making Mealtime Fun: Creative Meal Ideas for Baby Food.
Why are high chairs so expensive, and are they worth it?
High chairs can seem pricey, but there’s a good reason. The best models are built with durable, non-toxic materials, undergo rigorous safety testing, and offer adjustable features that grow with your child. ;You're not just buying a seat, you're investing in daily convenience, mealtime safety, and long-term use!
In most cases, yes, expensive high chairs are worth it. A sturdy, easy-to-clean design with smart features pays off fast when you're using it multiple times a day, every day. If it lasts through toddlerhood, or even a second child, it more than earns its keep.
Want something that grows with your child? Choose a convertible chair that transitions from infant to toddler stages with ease.
Staying Safe While Using Your Child’s High Chair
Once you have a high chair, it’s time to use it. When it comes to high chair use, safety is going to be your biggest concern. Even the best high chair requires proper setup and parental oversight to ensure your child stays safe.
High chair related injuries can be common, with most of them resulting from falls. According to recent data, high chair equipment saw a 36.9% increase in injuries between 2014 and 2023 in the U.S.
Even the best high chair can pose risks if not used properly. Most high chair injuries are the result of falls, often from unstrapped kids, tipping chairs, or using the high chair unsupervised.
Once you’ve picked the perfect high chair, using it safely is just as important as buying the right one.
High Chair Safety Tips
We’ve put together a few safety tips to ensure you have not only fun but safe mealtime, every time!
- Always use the harness, even for quick meals.
- Keep high chairs a safe distance from walls and counters, because kids can push off and tip the chair.
- Never leave your child unattended.
- Make sure the chair is fully locked in place before use.
- Check for product recalls before using any high chair (especially secondhand ones).
- Register your product with the manufacturer to stay updated on any safety notices.
High chairs are not only an important part of your mealtime routine at home, but when you’re eating out at restaurants! Follow these safety tips no matter where you’re enjoying your meal.
When can babies sit in high chairs at restaurants?
Babies can safely sit in restaurant high chairs once they can sit up independently, usually around 6 to 9 months.
Are restaurants required to have high chairs?
No, restaurants aren’t legally required to provide high chairs, but most family-friendly spots do. It’s a good idea to call ahead or bring a portable booster just in case.
Explore portable booster seats that are easy to bring with you, wherever life takes you and your little one!
What do I do if my high chair is recalled?
Stop using it immediately and check the manufacturer’s website for recall instructions. Always register your product to receive recall alerts.
Check out Nuby’s high chair lineup to find options that balance quality and affordability.
United States
United Kingdom
