My son is growing up so fast! Next year, Brandon will go to preschool full time. He now asks questions about everything, can be trusted to climb up and down playground equipment on his own, and rides his scooter like a pro. But despite how much more grown up he is getting, when he eats meals at home in his high chair, I feel like I am still witnessing a part of his babyhood–the one which included making a mess and throwing food during mealtime (fortunately he does this less than he did back then). I remember researching high chairs for him and recently did so again for my daughter, Julia, who is a slightly pickier eater, but just as messy as her brother. These are the ones I’ve found are best for feeding, comfort, safety and cleanup.
Boon Flair. Looking like something from MOMA, this stylish high chair has a pneumatic cylinder that allows it to be easily adjusted to any height. The one-piece seat with a removable pad is remarkably easy to clean, and it comes with two tray liners so you have a second one to use while the first is in the dishwasher. You wouldn’t guess from looking at it, but there are six casters hidden under the base, making the Flair easy to move. A five-point restraint holds your child safely in place and is useful for preventing reluctant eaters from twisting too far away from the spoon. $199.
Peg Perego Prima Pappa Best. One of the most popular high chairs, this has many useful features. The seat can tilt back to accommodate newborns, and the footrest can be adjusted as your baby grows. The height is also adjustable to match your table or comfort. Rubber wheels ensure that you won’t scratch your floor when you move it to another room. It also folds for storage, but locks securely open. If your child finishes eating before you, toys are right at hand in the storage net at the back. And when dinner is over, the tray stores conveniently on the back as well, so there is no need to make room for it on the table or find somewhere else to balance it while you remove your child from the chair. $229.
Graco Contempo. This practical high chair is made from fabrics that are easy to clean with a simple wipe, and has several convenient features for apartment dwellers. It sits on rollers (with brakes, of course), so it’s easy to slide into and away from the table and the tray removes easily for cleaning or to put your child in and take them out. The tray position, seat height, and back angle are all adjustable to accommodate any child: from a newborn, keeping the rest of the family company, to a three-year-old, eating at the table. The high chair can also fold flat to slide into a corner or closet, so it won’t permanently use up limited space. $95.
Stokke Trip Trap. With a modern, European look, this chair is attractive and versatile, although it doesn’t include a tray (if you are interested in one, it can be purchased separately). The height is adjustable so a child of any age can sit comfortably at the table with everyone else. The included footrest adjusts to your child’s height. The chair can also be configured to seat older kids (it can even hold an adult), so it will continue to serve you well even as your child outgrows the need for a high chair. $232.
Fisher-Price Space Saver. Why squeeze an extra piece of furniture in your already crowded apartment? This seat attaches to one of the chairs you already have, but still provides many useful features. It has five point restraints and an adjustable recline to accommodate even newborns. Use it with the included tray, or adjust the height and seat your child directly at the table. It can even serve as a booster until your child is big enough to sit directly in the chair. $52.
Ikea Antilop. Like everything from Ikea, this basic high chair offers a mix of style and affordability, but needs to be assembled once you get it home. All that involves is slotting the four legs into the seat and clipping on the optional tray, then inserting and adjusting the lap belt. The simplicity of the design means that some features are missing, such as the shoulder straps and recline that you would need for a young infant. $19.
