Now that I’ve had three kids, I’m a big believer in only spending money on baby gear that’s really worth it. That spendy bottle warmer you’ll use for oh, 3 months? Skip it. But a highchair that will literally last until your kids are in elementary school (or older) — that’s totally worth the investment to me.
So, we’ve taken a look back at some of the very best highchairs we’ve had a chance to review over the years to find our favorites that will grow with your kids. In other words, you know you’re getting your money’s worth even after you’ve quit buying baby food.
1. Oribel Cocoon Highchair
You can start using the Cocoon highchair from Oribel at 6 months old — right when you reach the point where your baby is ready for solid foods, and trying their best to make a mess of whatever is in front of them. Which is why we think their side tray that’s out of your child’s reach is so brilliant.
Later on, when you’ve got a toddler who’s eating finger foods but who’s also super antsy and always trying to climb out of the chair, you can remove the regular tray entirely (and stash it underneath the seat, thanks to a magnetic attachment — love!) and pull them right up to the table. And thanks to the 5-point harness, you can still keep them buckled in and in that seat for mealtime.
The six different height positions and three recline positions ensure that your kid up to 3 years old will be comfortable eating from this chair, and you’ll be comfortable feeding them in it too. Whoo.
2. 4Moms Magnetic Highchair
We weren’t surprised to see so many smart, innovative features in the new magnetic highchair from 4moms, because they’ve been pioneers in inventive baby gear for years. But we still really appreciate the magnetic tray — and magnetic bowls and plates that go with it. Because anything that helps keep food on the tray and off the floor is a huge plus.
Amazingly, this highchair can hold a child up to 60 lbs — around second grade, by our estimation. Of course, you won’t still be spoon-feeding them at this point. But you can lower this highchair to the height of a regular chair and remove the harness and the tray to make it just another seat at the table. Only better, because you can easily wipe it down clean after every meal.
3. Tripp Trapp Highchair by Stokke
Of course, one of the most coveted highchairs that grows with your kids is Stokke’s Tripp Trapp. It’s a classic. It’s been around since the ’70s and will (literally) last for generations. In its highest position, you can use the 5-point harness and baby accessories to make feeding your child at the table a breeze. (As much of a breeze as it can be to feed your baby strained peas.)
When they’re a little bit older, you can keep the harness on to hold them in place while they’re learning to eat at the table with the rest of the family. But the best part about this highchair is that it has the ability to keep on transitioning from one stage to the next, year after year. And it’s not just a mealtime chair — once our own kids were able to sit in one of our dining chairs, we transitioned the highchair to a desk chair for homework.
And since it will hold an adult’s weight, too, even the grandparents can sit in it to feed the kids. That’s a win-win-win, in our opinion.
