You won't need a high chair immediately. Most babies don't start solids until around 6 months, and you can feed them in a bouncer or your lap before that. But when you're ready to transition to a high chair, you're choosing between a budget option that lasts a year or two and a convertible chair that grows with your child through age 3 or beyond.
This guide compares five proven high chairs across budget, space, and longevity so you can decide whether to register for a high chair now or wait until closer to the 6-month mark.
Quick picks: Budget: IKEA Antilop at $25 is unbeatable for cleaning ease and price. Best value: Graco Blossom 6-in-1 (~$210) converts through toddler years and folds for storage. Premium grow-with-me: Stokke Tripp Trapp (~$265–$349) lasts into adulthood but costs more. Best hybrid: Peg Perego Siesta (~$264) offers height adjustment and recline with mid-range pricing.
Graco Blossom 6-in-1 for Best Overall Value
The Graco Blossom hits the sweet spot: it costs less than premium options, converts into six different configurations (high chair, booster, toddler seat, and more), folds for storage, and works from 6 months through toddlerhood. You get years of use without the premium price tag of Stokke or the regret of buying an IKEA chair you'll outgrow in two years. It's the Goldilocks of high chairs—not too cheap, not too expensive, genuinely useful.
Check today's price →Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA Antilop | Budget-conscious parents and small apartments; short-term use (6 months–2 years) | Lightweight, folds flat, dishwasher-safe tray, easy to clean, ABS plastic | about $25 |
| Graco Blossom 6-in-1 | Parents who want convertibility without breaking the bank; medium-term value | 6 configurations, adjustable height, reclines, folds for storage, ~50 lb weight capacity | about $210–$240 |
| Stokke Tripp Trapp | Parents who prioritize long-term value and furniture aesthetics; intended to last into adulthood | Wooden, grows with child, 300 lb capacity, lasts 15+ years, designer look | about $265–$349 (base chair; accessories sold separately) |
| Peg Perego Siesta | Parents seeking mid-range price with premium features (height, recline, wheels); toddler use | 5 recline positions, 9 height adjustments, removable tray, compact fold, made in Italy | about $264 |
| Joie Snacker 2 High Chair | Budget-conscious parents who want a compact, lightweight high chair for travel or small spaces | Lightweight, folds flat, dishwasher-safe tray, 3-point harness, compact footprint | about $80–$120 |
Our picks, one by one
IKEA Antilop High ChairBest budget option
The IKEA Antilop is a masterclass in good-enough design. At $25, it's the cheapest option by far. The tray is dishwasher-safe (huge win). It weighs only 5 lbs, so you can move it easily or store it in a closet. The plastic is easy to wipe down. Most important: it's been the entry-level high chair for families for over a decade and has a solid safety track record. Parents love that you can throw the tray in the dishwasher instead of scrubbing dried food from crevices. The downside is limited features—it doesn't adjust height, doesn't recline, and doesn't fold. It takes up floor space permanently. It's not designed for comfort or long-term use, but for quick, messy feeding sessions, it works great.
Check price & availability →Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Convertible High ChairBest overall value
The Graco Blossom's genius is versatility. It starts as a high chair (at table height), converts to a booster seat, a junior seat, and more. You can remove the tray so your older toddler sits at the table with the family. Height is adjustable over several inches, so it works as your child grows. The chair folds for storage, critical if you live in a small space or want to store it between children. At $210–$240, it's cheaper than Stokke or Peg Perego. Over four years of use (from 6 months to age 4), the cost per month is about $5. Most parents who buy the Blossom report genuine satisfaction because it earns its space by doing multiple jobs well.
Check price & availability →Stokke Tripp TrappPremium grow-with-me
The Stokke Tripp Trapp is a design icon. It's made of wood, designed by Stokke in Norway, and sold in the most upscale baby stores. The chair "grows" by adjusting the footrest and seat positions as your child gets taller. Many families use the same Tripp Trapp from 6 months through childhood and into adulthood (yes, some Tripp Trapps are used by adults at kitchen tables). The 300 lb weight capacity is impressive. If you plan to have multiple children and keep the same chair, the per-child cost becomes reasonable. The newborn set ($109) lets you use the chair from birth, though most parents wait until 6 months. The aesthetic appeal is real—it looks like furniture, not a plastic contraption. This is a luxury choice, justified if longevity and design matter to you.
Check price & availability →Peg Perego Siesta High ChairBest features for the price
The Peg Perego Siesta offers surprising functionality at $264. It has 9 height positions and 5 recline positions—more than most competitors at this price. The removable tray is helpful for getting in and out of the chair. It folds compactly, making storage easier than the Stokke or full-size Graco. Some parents love the mid-century design aesthetic. At roughly $264 street price, it's competitive with Stokke pricing but offers different trade-offs: less longevity (you won't use it into adulthood), but more adjustability while you do use it. It's the hybrid choice—premium features without the premium long-term value.
Check price & availability →Joie Snacker 2 High ChairBest for travel & small spaces
The Joie Snacker 2 is the compact option for parents without space for a full-size high chair. It weighs only 5.5 lbs, folds flat, and stores easily in a closet or fits in a car trunk for travel. The dishwasher-safe tray is a huge convenience. It's genuinely portable—you can take it to grandparents' houses or set it up at a restaurant. At $80–$120, it's affordable for a secondary or temporary chair. Many parents use this as a backup high chair or transition to it when traveling with a toddler. The trade-off is minimal adjustability and durability compared to heavier models. It's the right choice if space is your constraint.
Check price & availability →Do You Even Need to Register for a High Chair?
Here's the honest question: your baby won't use a high chair until around 6 months. You don't need to register for one now. Here are your options:
- Register now: Grandparents and family often ask what they can buy. A high chair is a tangible gift they feel good about. If you register, do it at 28–32 weeks and add a note: "For use starting at 6 months when baby begins solids."
- Wait and buy later: Many parents wait until 5–6 months to buy a high chair after they understand their actual space, budget, and whether the baby is developmentally ready. This approach lets you choose based on real needs, not hypothetical ones.
- Borrow one temporarily: If a friend or family member has one you can borrow for the first month or two, that buys you time to decide what you actually want long-term.
Practical answer: Registering is helpful if high chairs are a gift you'd genuinely want. If you'd rather choose one yourself based on budget and space, skip it and communicate that to gift-givers. You can always add it later.
High Chair Must-Haves for Safety and Cleanliness
Every high chair in this guide meets CPSC safety standards. But these features matter for daily usability:
Dishwasher-safe tray
- The IKEA Antilop and Graco Blossom both have dishwasher-safe trays—huge convenience factor. The Stokke and Peg Perego trays are hand-wash. This single feature can influence your choice if you hate scrubbing baby food.
Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Plastic high chairs (IKEA, Graco) wipe down instantly. Wooden chairs (Stokke) stain and absorb food particles. If you're messy-feeder averse, plastic wins.
Removable or adjustable tray
- Graco Blossom and Peg Perego allow tray removal so your older toddler can sit at the table with the family. IKEA doesn't. If that matters to you, it's a tie-breaker.
5-point harness
- All chairs include a harness. Use it every time. Babies can slip or tip if unsupervised or unrestrained.
Footrest
- Makes sure small feet have something to rest on (not dangling). All options have this, but height adjustment (Peg Perego, Graco, Stokke) means the footrest grows with your child.
The Cleanliness Factor: Trays and Surfaces
Food will go everywhere. This is guaranteed. Here's what's easy to clean:
- IKEA Antilop tray: Dishwasher-safe, clips off easily. Best for chaos. After feeding, pop the tray in the dishwasher, wipe the seat, done.
- Graco Blossom tray: Dishwasher-safe, removes for easy cleaning. Also excellent.
- Peg Perego Siesta tray: Removable but hand-wash only. Takes more effort but still doable.
- Stokke Tripp Trapp: Wooden tray is hand-wash only. Wood absorbs food particles and stains. If your child is a messy eater, this is frustrating. Stokke sells plastic alternatives (~$30–$50), but they're extra purchases.
The reality: If cleaning frustration is a big factor (it is for many parents), prioritize a dishwasher-safe tray. The IKEA and Graco both deliver this. The Stokke's wooden aesthetic comes with higher maintenance.
Space Considerations: Floor Footprint and Storage
High chairs take up floor space. If you live in a small apartment or have a small kitchen, this matters:
- IKEA Antilop: Small footprint, but doesn't fold. It takes permanent space at your table or a corner of the kitchen. Light enough to move if needed.
- Graco Blossom: Medium footprint, folds for storage. Can be tucked away in a closet, garage, or corner between meals. This is a huge advantage if space is tight.
- Stokke Tripp Trapp: Wooden frame, elegant design, but doesn't fold or store. Meant to stay visible and be part of your dining furniture. If your aesthetic includes wood furniture, this integrates. If you want to hide it, Stokke is not for you.
- Peg Perego Siesta: Compact fold, easier storage than Stokke or full-size Graco. Good for small-space families who want adjustability without permanent fixture.
Space decision tree: Tiny apartment? IKEA or Peg Perego (folds). Medium apartment with dining area? Graco (folds, versatile). Open-concept modern home? Stokke (aesthetic object). Old house with separate dining room? Any of them fit.
Longevity: Which Chairs Grow With Your Child
High chair use spans 2–4 years, but some chairs last longer if you plan multiple children or want your child to use them through early elementary.
- IKEA Antilop: 6 months–2 years (~18 months of use). You'll outgrow it. Not designed for older toddlers or extended use.
- Graco Blossom: 6 months–4 years (~3.5 years of use). Multiple configurations mean you're not done when they outgrow the high chair position. This is why it's the best value—years of use per dollar.
- Stokke Tripp Trapp: 6 months–adulthood (~15+ years of use). Designed to be a dining chair forever. If you use it for multiple children or want one chair for the entire childhood, Stokke's cost-per-year becomes reasonable.
- Peg Perego Siesta: 6 months–3 years (~2.5 years of use). Solid toddler chair but not designed for extended use into preschool.
- Joie Snacker 2: 6 months–3 years (~2.5 years of use). Lightweight option best used as a secondary or travel chair rather than primary seating.
The math: IKEA = $25 ÷ 1.5 years = $17/month. Joie Snacker 2 = $100 ÷ 2.5 years = $3.30/month. Graco = $225 ÷ 3.5 years = $6.40/month. Stokke = $309 ÷ 15 years = $2/month (if you amortize across multiple children). Peg Perego = $264 ÷ 2.5 years = $8.80/month. On a per-use basis, Stokke is cheapest if you use it for multiple kids. Graco is best if you use one chair for one child. IKEA and Joie are good budget options.
High Chair Features You Don't Need
- Mobile/toy attachment: Most high chairs come with a toy bar. Your baby doesn't need it. In fact, it gets in the way during feeding and becomes one more thing to clean.
- Cup holders: Nice idea, rarely used. Babies' cups tip over anyway.
- Seat padding and cushions: High chairs have minimal padding, and you'll wash it often anyway. Fancy cushions add cost and maintenance.
- Height-of-the-art recline: Beyond basic recline for younger babies, extensive recline isn't necessary. A high chair isn't a lounger—it's for eating.
- Battery-dependent features: Smart high chairs rely on apps or batteries for features like automated height adjustment. If technology fails, you're left with a non-functional mechanism. Most parents find these gimmicky after the first few weeks.
Feeding Position Matters: Upright vs. Recline
Young babies (6–7 months) might feed at a slight recline while they learn to sit up. Older toddlers (10+ months) feed better in an upright position. Here's how options compare:
- IKEA Antilop: Upright only, no recline. Fine for babies who can sit independently (usually 8+ months).
- Graco Blossom: Adjustable recline, great for younger babies learning to sit. You can transition to upright as they grow.
- Stokke Tripp Trapp: Upright design from the start. Designed for babies who are sitting independently. Not ideal for younger 6-month-olds who are still wobbly.
- Peg Perego Siesta: 5 recline positions, most adjustable in this list. Great if your baby is a younger eater or struggles with positioning.
Reality check: Most pediatricians recommend starting solids when baby can sit up with minimal support (usually 6–7 months). At that age, many babies are ready for upright seating. Recline is nice but not essential. Only prioritize it if you're starting solids early (before 6 months) or your baby has reflux (in which case talk to your pediatrician).
Frequently asked questions
When should I actually buy a high chair?
Most babies start solids around 6 months and aren't ready for a high chair until they can sit with minimal support (usually 6–8 months). You can register early and receive one as a shower gift, or wait until 5–6 months to buy one yourself. Waiting lets you choose based on real space and budget constraints rather than hypothetical needs.
Is the Stokke Tripp Trapp worth the cost if I'm only having one child?
Not necessarily. If you're a one-child family, the Graco Blossom offers similar features at 1/3 the cost. The Stokke's value comes from 15+ year lifespan and multiple-child use. If you're planning 2+ children and want one durable chair, Stokke becomes more economical. If one child, Graco is smarter financially.
Can you use a booster seat instead of a high chair?
Yes, many parents use booster seats that attach to regular dining chairs. They're cheaper and take less space. The downside is less stability for very young eaters and you lose the tray. Wait until baby is 12+ months and a confident eater to try a booster. For 6–12 months, a dedicated high chair is safer.
What if I'm in a really small apartment and can't fit a high chair?
Use a booster seat on a regular chair, or feed your baby in a travel high chair (portable, folds flat). IKEA Antilop at $25 is the smallest full high chair. You could also feed baby in your lap or a bouncer until they're ready for booster seating (12+ months).
Do I need to buy the high chair new, or is used okay?
Used can work if you inspect it carefully for cracks, missing pieces, or recalls. Check CPSC recall database before buying used. New is safer if you're unsure about the chair's history, especially the harness and structural integrity. For chairs like the Stokke, a used one can be a good value since it lasts so long.
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