Every parent wants their children to learn how to eat on their own and as these children starts to become toddlers, chairs are very great help in teaching them independency. In fact, the diet of a toddler is affected by his or her home environment including the chairs they use. [1] Also, a toddler may become hot tempered and chairs are great tools to minimize their temperament.[2]
What to Look for When Buying the Best Toddler Chairs
When you are buying a chair for your toddler, you may want to consider looking for these features. Sometimes, high chairs will do especially when these high chairs have the following characteristics:
Safety
Safety must always be on your list. When I first bought a product for my baby (that is his crib), what I looked for is the sturdiness of the product. So, when you are buying a chair for your toddler, ask yourself these questions: Does it come with straps or harness? Are these seat straps easy to buckle and unbuckle?
Functionality
Seek for the functions you want. Does it have a removable tray when your toddler is not eating on the table? Do you like it better when the chair has wheels so it will be easier for you to move it around? Does it take up a lot of space when you store it?
Durability
Of course, when you buy a product, you always choose the durable one. Personally, I recommend buying expensive products as long as they are durable because I think that it can save much of my money.
Easy to clean
You cannot avoid the food from falling down into the surfaces of your toddler’s chair so you better choose the one that is easy to clean. Go for those chairs that you can wipe off when cleaning. If you are still using a high chair for your toddlers, choose those products with removable trays.
Tips When Buying and Using the Best Toddler Chairs
Here are some tips you might want to think of when you want to buy a chair for your toddler:
Chair Footprint
Choose those chairs with well-balanced footprint. Chairs with bigger footprints prevent slipping and they provide sturdiness.
Follow Height
Always follow the height of your toddler. Choosing the chair based on your child’s height will make you buy a safer product.
Straps and Belts
Go for chairs with straps and belts. This is an additional safety measure for your toddlers. Personally, I do not think that there is wrong in buying chairs that come with belts.
Supervise
Always supervise your toddlers and do not leave them unattended. There are times when toddlers will unbuckle themselves and stand up. So, watch them always so that they will not fall down.
Best Convertible Toddler Chair for Eating
1. Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Convertible High Chair
For parents who would like to choose a high chair when their toddlers are eating, this convertible high chair is a great option for you. It can be used as a seat, high chair, booster seat, and a big kid’s dining chair. So, you can actually buy this as soon as your baby turns 6 months old because he or she can still use it up until his or her toddler days! If you have twins, this is perfect as well as it can accommodate two kids! This is not just a high chair but it is a toddler’s chair. Go on and get it now!
Pros
Can be used as a high chair or kid’s dining chair
Can be used as a booster seat and infant seat
It can be reclined and it doesn’t collapse
The tray is removable
Can accommodate 2 kids
Cons
The seat must be hold when sitting up the baby
2. Graco Simple Switch Highchair
This product can be converted as a toddler seat and if you are worrying about how to clean it, set that aside because you can actually simply put this one in a washing machine!
Pros
Easy to clean
Can be washed in a washing machine
Can be used as a high chair or a toddler chair
Comes with a harness
Very affordable
Has a reclining feature
Cons
Wash it with caution
3. Skip Hop Sit to Step High Chair
This product is perfect for babies 3 months old up until toddler years. It is very sturdy and easy to clean. Its footprint is big so you get an assurance that your baby will never tip over.
Pros
Converts into a toddler chair
Has a reclining feature
Large footprint
Sturdy and adjustable
Comes with a head support
Cons
It takes a lot of space even when it is folded
4. Graco DuoDiner DLX 6-in-1
This toddler chair is also perfect if you have tiny babies. It can be used as an infant reclining chair, a booster seat, and a toddler chair because the tray is removable. It also has a plush for the head and body which makes it more comfy to use.
Pros
Comes with a plush
Can be used as a booster seat or toddler chair
The pad is machine washable
Comes with a harness
Cons
Kind of pricey
Best Toddler Chair for Eating which Requires Small Spaces
5. Peg Perego Siesta
This high chair can be bought by you as long as your baby turns 6 months and it can be used by your babies up until their toddler years. It has five reclining features and it is foldable! With these, you do not have to worry anymore when it comes to storing the chair.
Pros
Foldable
Have 5 reclining features
Easy to clean
Has a footrest
Cons
Pricey
6. Stokke Tripp Trapp
This wooden chair for toddlers can actually be used by you as well. It is easy to clean and it is ergonomic to use. In fact, even after the toddler years, your baby can still use this one! Additionally, you do not have to worry about where you should store it because you can just treat it as a normal adult chair which you can put under your dining table!
Pros
Can carry up to 240 pounds
Comes with different colors
Easy to clean
Ergonomic
Durable and stylish
Cons
Kind of pricey but it is still worthy to try!
7. Keekaroo Height Right High Chair with Comfortable Cushion
This one is similar to the product above but it is more affordable compared to it. It also has the same function and design and can be treated as an alternative to the one above.
Pros
Comes with an insert and tray
Durable
It can also be used by adults
Comes with a comfy cushion
Cons
It can be scratched easily
Assembly takes a few minutes of your time
8. Fisher Price SpaceSaver
If you are always on the road, this portable toddler chair might be the best one for you. It is adjustable and its tray is removable. Additionally, it has a hanging feature where you can put towels and bibs.
Pros
Portable
Adjustable
Affordable
You can strap it in a chair
Comes with a hanging feature
Cons
Cleaning must be manual
9. Summer Deluxe Comfort Folding Booster Seat
This booster seat is a foldable one. It is small and compact so you do not need to worry about its storage and if you are always traveling, you can always bring this one. It is versatile and durable. Back when I was thinking of buying a high chair for my baby, I considered buying a booster seat and now that he is turning 3 years old, he still can use it.
Pros
Affordable
Easy to clean
Compact and foldable
Cons
Removing the tray is kind of hard
10. Fisher Price Healthy Care Booster Seat
The tray of this booster seat fits snuggly and they can be cleaned easily. It comes with three removable trays which make your money worth the buy! So, you do not have to be frustrated with any mess because you have lots of trays to use!
Pros
Comes with three trays
Easy to clean
Easy to store
Affordable
Comes with a built-in cup holder
Cons
The tray is small
11. Bumbo Multi Seat
This toddler chair has a detachable tray which is perfect if you are wondering about how you can store it in your home. It has a padded seat and it is adjustable as well. Aside from the detachable tray which acts as a seat belt, it has another set of straps for a more safety feeding time. So, even if you put it in a chair, your baby will never fall down.
Pros
Adjustable
Affordable
Cons
Although it is adjustable, it cannot fit babies with bigger thighs
12. Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable Booster
This product is perfect not just for eating but also for traveling. Personally, I recommend this for families who loves to eat outside because this chair is easy to clean and easy to install.
Pros
Comes with a storage pocket
Comes with a harness
Comes with a bag
Foldable
Affordable
Cons
Cleaning it must be manual
13. Baby Bjorn High Chair
This product is very compact and lightweight that you do not have to worry about storing it in your home. The tray is foldable and it offers no gap so feeding time is not that messy. However, it is not that high compared to other toddler seats so you have to look at your dining table and your height as well before buying it.
Pros
Lightweight
Compact
Easy to clean
Easy to fold
Cons
The footrest is fixed
It is slightly lower compared to other chairs
Kind of pricey
Best Cushioned Toddler Chair for Eating
14. OXO Tot Nest Booster Seat
This toddler chair will surely be loved by your babies as it is very comfortable to use! Additionally, it has a safety harness and its legs are very sturdy. Also, if your baby is still using a tray, you can just simply remove it and wash it.
Pros
Comfy to use
Adjustable
Has a removable tray
The cushion is removable
Cons
Kind of pricey
Foods can be stick under the cushion
15. Inglesina Fast Table Chair
This cushioned chair doesn’t look like it is one but it is actually comfy to use. It takes less space and you can use it without having to assemble it for long time. The seat is also padded which adds comfort to your babies.
Pros
Can be hooked easily in any table
Washable
Sturdy
You can choose from variety of colors
Cons
Can only be used by toddler who are 3 years old and below
16. Baby Jogger City Bistro High Chair
This toddler chair is perfect for parents who are looking for a comfy, foldable product. It is a sturdy product that can be adjusted as your toddler grows older. However, cleaning it is kind of hard.
Pros
Compact
Durable and sturdy
Foldable
Comes with a comfy pad
Cons
Food may stuck on the cushion
17. Chicco Polly Magic Relax
This toddler chair is the perfect cushioned chair you might be looking for as cleaning it is not that hard and the food does not stuck on the cushion. It is easy to clean and although the price is high, I personally think that it is reasonable.
Pros
Can be used by tiny babies
Comfy
Adjustable
Can be used when the toddler wants to take a nap
Have wheels
Cons
It takes a lot of space when used
18. Zicac Kids Dining Chair Seat Cushion
If your toddler needs a little height so they can enjoy dining with your more, this cushion chair is the best choice for you. It is easy to assemble, comfortable, and it is easy to clean. So, whatever the age of your toddler is, this product will work for them.
Pros
Easy to clean
Can be used by all ages
Cons
Smaller toddlers may not use it
Best Toddler Chair for Eating with Unique Design
19. Ingenuity Trio 3-in-1 High Chair
One feature of this product is that it can be rotated 360 degrees. It can be used as a high chair, a booster seat, and a toddler chair. With all these features, there is no reason for you not to buy it! Buy it now if you also have a 6 months old baby as he or she can grow with it!
Pros
Has a rotating feature
Can be used as a booster seat
Can be used as toddler’s chair
Comes with a harness
The tray is removable
Affordable
Comes with wheels
Cons
Cleaning it must be manual washing
20. 4Moms High Chair
This product has magnets within the tray which keeps the plates on place. By this, your toddler will surely learn how to eat on his or her own. It is easy to clean and the tray is attached securely so you might want to give it a try.
Pros
It comes with magnets that keep plates on place
Easy to clean
Cons
Pricey
21. Prince Lionheart Soft Booster Seat
If your toddler is no longer happy with high chairs and booster seats, this unique product can make them the happiest! It can be considered as a big boy’s or big girl’s seat as it does not resemble the image of a high chair. Although it does not have a strap or seat belt, it is sturdy and it does not slip.
Pros
Comfortable to use
Affordable
Keeps the toddler on the table
Cons
No seat belt or strap
22. OXO Tot Perch Booster Seat with Straps
This product is like the one above but this one has a seat belt or strap. So, if you want to make your toddlers safer while giving them the feeling that they belong in the dining table, this product may be one of your choices. Additionally, the buckle is easy to do so you can actually train your toddler to do it by themselves.
Pros
Easy to use
Safe to use
Affordable
The straps are removable
Cons
The strap is slippery
23. Munchkin Brica Go Boost Travel Booster Seat
This toddler chair is perfect for those who still use diapers as this one is not just a chair but it is a diaper bag. You can put set of clothes, wipes, snacks, and some towels without worrying where to make your baby sit as you go on an adventure.
Pros
Lightweight
Multifunctional
Easy to use
Compact
Cons
When the chair gets messy, you also need to clean the whole bag
24. Nomi High Chair
This durable product is super trendy and modern! Assembling it may take some time but once it is assembled, adjusting it will become easier. Additionally, this product is durable. However, you need to buy the other accessories for it to be complete.
Pros
Durable
Sturdy
Stylish
Cons
Kind of pricey
Assembly takes some time
You need to buy the accessories separately
25. ICandy MiChair Comfort Pack
One feature of this product is that it can be lifted up in your preferred height so that your toddler can join you on your dinner table. It is very attractive and perfect for modern houses. It does not come with a cushion for a more comfy experience but you can buy one separately if you like.
Pros
Sturdy
Stylish
Can be used by children up to 6 years old
Easy to assemble
Easy to clean
Cons
Kind if pricey
26. Bloom Fresco
Tis luxurious toddler chair might sound expensive but it has scratch-resistant and anti-slip features which are perfect for your toddlers. Its strap are padded which make your toddlers become more comfy as they use it.
Pros
Anti-slip
Scratch-resistant
Easy to clean
Cons
Expensive
27. Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair
This unique toddler chair is foldable and it can be cleaned easily. You can bring it anywhere and it even has a cup holder! It comes with a safety harness.
Pros
Portable and foldable
Easy to clean
Comes with a storage bag
Lightweight
Cons
Pricey but reasonable
Wrapping Up
Indeed, choosing the best toddler chair is kind of exciting and if you haven’t able to choose one, here are my top six picks for you: Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair, Tripp Trapp High Chair, Zicac High Chair Portable Booster Seat Cushion, 4moms high chair, Munchkin Brica GoBoost Travel Booster Seat, and ciao! baby Portable High Chair.
FAQs
When can a toddler sit in a chair?
At the age of 20 months old, a toddler can already sit in a chair. As soon as a child is able to sit on his own after waking up in the morning, he or she can already be trained to sit on a chair.
What age can a child use booster seat in a table?
Children 18 months above can start using booster seats when eating. However, it is important to consider your child’s weight when you want them to use booster seats.
How do I get my child to sit in one place?
If your toddler is starting to sit in a chair and he or she just seems to be unsteady, you may want to consider using snug fit chairs with harness or straps. By this, you will be able to minimize their activities while eating and you may encourage them to focus on their food.
[1] Campbell, Katherine L., et al. “Factors in the home environment associated with toddler diet: An ecological momentary assessment study.” Public health nutrition 21.10 (2018): 1855-1864.
[2] Chatoor, Irene, et al. “Maternal characteristics and toddler temperament in infantile anorexia.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 39.6 (2000): 743-751.