Exciting times are almost upon you and your little one – it’s time for weaning! And if you’ve gone down the route of following your baby’s lead when it comes to solid foods, you might be wondering what is the best high chair for Baby Led Weaning (BLW)?
Choosing the best highchair can be daunting given all of the choices available. In choosing the right high chair, you should know there is no single best high chair. It’s all about finding the right safe high chair for your needs. And if you’re baby led weaning and handing the reins over to your baby, so to speak, it’s even more important to find a high chair that will support good posture to minimise the risk of choking.
So, in this post, you will find tips and suggestions to help you find the best high chair for you. I’ve given ideas for several great high chairs to support you and your baby in your baby-led weaning journey.
As a mum of four and avid baby led weaning follower, I hope you find my tips and suggestions helpful.
What is Baby Led Weaning?
Baby led weaning is a method to introduce your baby to solids, from 6 months of age.
In baby-led weaning, we trust our baby to feed themselves and encourage them to learn to eat at their own pace. Babies explore food using all their senses, and they take the lead.
This means that instead of spoon feeding, we facilitate self-feeding by offering appropriately sized and prepared pieces of food, such as these turkey meatballs.
In the beginning, you give your baby finger foods – strips or chunks of food that are large enough for them to handle using their palmar-grip i.e. using the palm of their hand to grasp the food in their fist. As your baby’s skill develops, and they mature, you can offer smaller pieces of food. At around 9 to 12 months, your baby will use their pincer grip to pick up food.
Some believe that the food offered should be soft enough so that it can be mashed by the baby’s gums inside their mouth. Some believe you can give hard foods from the start, with the baby sucking or gnawing on foods they can’t yet chew. It is up to you to decide what you are comfortable with and your baby’s ability. Personally, we were more cautious with our first but then more relaxed with subsequent children.
The Benefits of Baby Led Weaning
With baby-led weaning, it is said that babies pick up the gross and fine motor skills needed to eat sooner. Here are some more great benefits of baby led weaning:
- Because they can choose independently, babies exhibit a greater acceptance of food, and (in theory) less fussy eating.
- Babies experience a wider range of textures from the start and get to experience whole foods.
- Mealtimes are easier for parents, who can prepare the same meal for their baby but in a baby-friendly way.
- Although there’s no evidence to support this claim, supporters of baby led weaning believe your child has less chance of obesity later on if they follow BLW. This is because they learn to recognise their satiety cues independently and earlier on.
What weaning route to take is yet another personal choice you will make as a parent. It’s up to you and your family to make the right decision about what works for you as a family.
When is My Baby Ready for Baby Led Weaning?
As per NHS guidelines, your baby should be:
- 6 months old or more before they start on solid foods
- Sitting up confidently and unaided
- Coordinated enough to grasp items and bring to their mouth
- Trying to swallow rather than thrusting with their tongue
How Can the Right High Chair Help with Baby-Led Weaning?
We all like to be comfortable while we eat so that we can enjoy our meal and the company of our family. But if your baby isn’t comfortable – if they’re slouched, leaning to one side, or generally unsupported, then they’re understandably going to find learning to eat more difficult.
Conversely, a supportive high chair gives your baby the best possible start. It supports their body and feet so they feel comfortable and can focus on eating. It keeps their body in the best position to keep them safe so that the risk of choking is minimised.
A good high chair helps your baby join in at the family table and be part of the meal. It maximises their time at the dining table so that they’ll have plenty of time to master the new skill of eating. A good highchair is the one piece of baby gear you can’t live without!
What is the 90-90-90 Rule?
The 90-90-90 rule refers to the correct posture for children seated in a chair. Your child‘s hips should be flexed at 90 degrees. Their knees should be bent at 90 degrees. Finally, the feet should be on a flat surface, with the spine upright and straight.
It’s easy to overlook this rule, but it really is so important. When your child’s feet are firmly planted on a surface, they feel secure and this promotes stability throughout their entire body. The correct posture helps with safe swallowing and reduces the chances of choking.
This kind of proprioceptive input isn’t just a matter of safety. It also prevents your child from getting distracted. We’ve all experienced the wriggles with our kids at mealtimes, well, keeping their posture good can make all the difference. It works for kids and adults alike.
Any baby’s high chair that makes the 90-90-90 rule easy is the best choice for your baby or child.
What to Consider When Choosing a BLW High Chair
Here are some considerations and safety features to look for when choosing a high chair for baby led weaning.
Adjustable Footrest
Not only does an adjustable footrest ensure your baby’s comfort, it’s also a safety feature. Supporting your baby’s feet means she won’t have to over-engage her trunk muscles to maintain her posture. Your baby will be happy and well supported and have more energy to enjoy her food.
Proper Trunk Support with a Crotch Post or Pommel
Your baby should be sat up straight while eating to ensure her safety. If your baby is reclined or slumped, it can create safety concerns. For this reason smaller babies in their first high chair are better seated in a bucket seat with a crotch post, also known as a pommel. The crotch post will prevent your small baby from slipping forwards.
Safety Harness
Safety standards are paramount, so ensure your high chair has a 3- or 5-point harness system and meets British Safety Standard BS EN 14988:2017. A five-point harness will keep your baby safe while they experiment with food. High chairs with this kind of five-point safety harness should meet British Safety Standard BS 6684.
Portability
Do you need to eat elsewhere and take your high chair with you? If so a portable booster seat type chair might make a good choice.
Ease of Cleaning
Baby led weaning is messy! Anything that makes your life easier when it comes to cleaning is a huge plus point. With this in mind, consider high chairs that feature a dishwasher safe tray, washable and wipeable seat covers, and removable straps that can be cleaned in the washing machine. You might also want to consider a splash mat to keep your floor clean.
Ease of storage
A foldable high chair saves a lot of space around the dining table. A foldable high chair is a good choice for small spaces.
Space
It sounds like a no-brainer, but does the high chair fit in the space you have? Make sure to measure your space carefully before investing.
Adjustability
Some high chairs can pull right up to the dining table. Do you want to be able to lower the high chair so that it can fit under different surfaces?
Durability
Do you want the high chair to last longer? Then consider durability. Wooden high chairs often last longer than plastic ones that tend to crack.
Expandability
Do you want the high chair to grow with your child? Some high chairs are 2-in-1 or even 3-in-1 or more, meaning they can grow with your child with some adjustments. Will siblings be using the chair in the future?
So let’s turn our attention to the high chairs. The following highchairs meet all the above safety and comfort criteria. The focus for this post is a high chair from 6 months old, although some can be used before this age with the appropriate newborn accessories.
Top 12 High Chairs for Baby-Led Weaning
First up, let’s take a look at three high chair options from Stokke that align very well with baby led weaning. Two of them will carry your baby into childhood and beyond, while the other will see them through the first three years. These high chairs are loved and recommended by experts, bloggers, and parents! And for good reason – they’re cleverly designed, well built, and beautiful. Let’s learn more about them.
1. Stokke Clikk
4.6 (202) Amazon reviews
A minimal high chair that’s ideal for families who move around a lot. The Clikk assembles in just one minute, so it’s great for travel. It’s suitable for 6 months to 3 years. It comes with everything you need to get started including a dishwasher safe tray, and 5-point harness.
- Easy to assemble, easy cleaning
- Three configurations to suit the age and size of your child
- Two footrest positions ensure ergonomic support for better posture during meals
- Choose it if you eat out a lot – it’s a top pick for those who go outside the home to eat often (optional travel bag available)
Purchasing
What accessories might I need? Contains everything you need – highchair, tray, and harness. Only the cushion is extra – cost from £33.
2. Stokke Nomi
4.5 (19) Amazon reviews
A premium, modern high chair that’s perfectly aligned with baby led weaning, but it may be better suited to older babies. Suitable from 6 months with the Baby Set, The Stokke Nomi adapts to your growing child. However, the harness and cushions are extra to the Baby Set. The chair is designed to promote active sitting, with several seating positions to allow free and natural movement.
- A lightweight chair ideal for at-home portability
- Adjustable seat and footplate
- Easy to clean with no fiddly nooks and crannies to get into
- Choose it if you want an ergonomic, aesthetic chair that goes beyond 3 years
Purchasing
Base chair – £239 at stokke.com
What accessories might I need?
- Baby Set £59
- Harness £25.20
- Tray £63
- Cushion £47
Total = £433.20
Buy it – £219 with free Baby Set at Pramworld
3. Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair
4.7 (116) Amazon reviews
This iconic chair is known for its adjustability, ergonomic design, and durability. Use the Tripp Trapp from 6 months old with the optional Baby Set, which contains a 5-point harness. It can even be used by adults up to 300 lbs, so it’s a worthwhile investment. Some reviews note the harness can be hard to adjust and wash. The tray is optional, making the modular chair system versatile.
- Baby’s seat and footplate are both adjustable in height and depth
- Durable design that’ll last into adulthood
- Not designed to be folded away
- Choose it if you want a chair to grow with your baby and be part of your furniture
Purchasing
Base chair – £219 at stokke.com
What accessories might I need?
- Baby Set £49
- Harness £36
- Tray £63
- Cushion £47
Total = £414
Buy it – £219 with Baby Set at Stokke
4. Maxi-Cosi Minla High Chair
4.5 (809) Amazon reviews
A sturdy high chair with a folding design that’s designed to go from birth to 14 years old with plenty of adjustable features. Four leg rest and two foot rest choices mean you’ll be able to adjust the high chair for maximum comfort. The chair features water repellent fabric and a zip off machine washable cover. Comes with a 5-point safety harness for babies which converts to a 3-point harness as your child grows.
- 5 recline positions and 9 height adjustments mean it’ll fit right in wherever you want it in your home, although some reviewers noted its bulkiness
- The tray is removable and can be used in the dishwasher
- Many customers complain that it’s not practical to wash the cover every time and not all stains can be removed
- Choose it if you want to invest in a long-term, multifunctional seating solution
Purchasing
Base chair – £161.99 at maxi-cosi.co.uk
What accessories might I need? Contains everything you need – highchair, tray, and harness. You can buy an extra seat liner for £25.
5. Bugaboo Giraffe
4.9 (24) Amazon reviews
A super versatile high chair and beautiful piece of furniture all in one. Both light and sturdy, it’s suitable for babies, toddlers, and adults. It’s adjustable in 1 second with no tools needed. With 9 footrest positions and 5 seat positions, you can set it just the way you want it. Purchasing the Bugaboo Giraffe with the separate Baby Set is the best option for your 6 month old baby. The Baby Set includes the correct posture support, crotch post, and 5-point harness. The Baby Set chair is biobased plastic and easy to clean – just pop in the dishwasher. The harness is machine washable. The tray is also sold separately.
You can also get the Bugaboo Giraffe baby set pillow for extra support and comfort, if needed.
- Customers note that it’s a gorgeous chair that’s high quality, but it is expensive
- Different colourways to suit your interior
- Can’t be folded away but is intended to look beautiful in your home
- Choose it if you want an attractive chair that lasts into adulthood
Purchasing
Base chair – £197.10, or complete high chair bundle £346.67 at bugaboo.com
What accessories might I need?
- Baby Set, includes harness £76.45
- Tray £53.05
- Cushion £28.32
Total = £354.92
6. Ergo Baby Evolve High Chair
4.5 (157) Amazon reviews
A supportive high chair designed to take your child from 6 months to 7 years. The Ergo Baby Evolve High Chair converts to a toddler chair in seconds and also doubles up as a kitchen tower if you buy the 3-in-1 version. The 5-point harness and crotch post keep your child safe and secure, and the infant seat ensures ergonomic support. The footrest is adjustable. A dishwasher safe tray insert makes clean up easier. This high chair folds away for storage, which many of the more expensive high chairs do not.
- Height adjustable seat with 2 positions
- Easy to wipe clean and the harness can be washed
- Some reviews observe less than perfect support for babies who’ve just learned to sit
- Choose it if you want a space-saving yet sturdy high chair for childhood years
Purchasing
What accessories might I need? Contains everything you need – highchair, tray, and harness.
7. UPPAbaby Ciro High Chair
4.3 (31) Amazon reviews
This sleek and simple high chair will make bringing your baby to the table easy. The UPPAbaby Ciro features an adjustable tray that you can fit right over the table. Reviewers praise the simplicity and ease of use of the harness system, which fits seamlessly with other UPPAbaby products. The dual position footrest might not be high enough for very young babies, so bear this in mind when considering this high chair. A crotch post helps to keep your baby safe, however the trunk support may not be the very best it can be for babies new to sitting. Cleaning up this high chair should be a doddle, with a dishwasher safe tray, seamless seat, and machine washable harness straps.
- Adjustable harness that’s food-friendly
- While the high chair is safe for your baby, some customers have signalled a trip hazard with this chair
- Highly certified to ensure a higher standard of product safety, quality, performance, and functionality
- Choose it to seat an older baby, but remember that this high chair doesn’t go much beyond 3 years – reflected in the lower price
Purchasing
What accessories might I need? Contains everything you need – highchair, tray, and harness.
Buy it – £153 at Natural Baby Shower
8. Hauck Alpha+
4.4 (15,700) Amazon reviews
The Hauck Alpha+ takes your child from 6 months to adulthood. Pair it with the Hauck Alpha Cosy, a machine washable seat reducer cushion insert for younger babies to give extra support. The seat and footplate are adjustable to meet the needs of your growing little one. The high chair comes with a 5-point harness for safety. Integrated floor sliders make the chair tilt-proof.
- The solid wooden frame comes in a range of finishes
- Integrated straps keep your child secure, the straps are washable
- Customers love how easy it is to clean
- Choose it if you want a solid and durable wooden high chair without the hefty price tag
Purchasing
Base chair – £79.95 at amazon.co.uk
What accessories might I need?
- Cosy cushion insert £30.05 at amazon.co.uk
- Hauck alpha tray £29.95 at amazon.co.uk
- A removable tray cover £9.95 at amazon.co.uk
Total = £149.90
9. IKEA Antilop High Chair with Cove Footrest
4.6 (441) Amazon reviews
Pair the well-loved IKEA Antilop High Chair with a footrest accessory from Cove Baby, and you have yourself an affordable, reliable, and comfortable high chair for baby led weaning. With the adjustable footrest, your baby will be better equipped to make the most of mealtimes. The IKEA highchair meets UK safety standards, however it is a simple solution with no possibility to make adjustments or grow with your child. The safety belt is 3-point. Proper trunk support may be lacking for babies still learning to sit, this can be addressed with the cushion addon, which zips on and off. While IKEA doesn’t recommend cleaning the Antilop in the dishwasher, many users do.
- Customers like how easy it is to disassemble for meals outside of home
- Easy to clean wipe down plastic, cushion and cover is machine wash hot
- Choose it if you want a cheap and cheerful seating solution
Purchasing
Base chair with safety belt – £19 at ikea.com
What accessories might I need?
- Footrest £19 at covebaby.co.uk
- Tray £15 at ikea.com
- Cushion & cover £9 at ikea.com
Total = £62
10. Babylo Eatin’ Mess Convertible High Chair
4.7 (119) Amazon reviews
The Babylo Eatin’ Mess High Chair is a no-frills, low cost chair that doesn’t compromise on the features needed for baby led weaning. It has good trunk support, an adjustable foot rest to two positions, and a 5-point safety harness and crotch post. It converts into a toddler chair as your baby grows. However, it doesn’t have an easy fold option, but the frame is compact. Some reviewers have noted that their 6 month old baby can’t quite reach the footrest, in this case try my tips below.
- Easy to clean straps, tray, and chair
- Buy a generic insert to make this more secure for a 6 month old
- The legs are removable, which makes it easy to transport
- Choose it if you have a tight budget
Purchasing
What accessories might I need? Contains everything you need – highchair, tray, and harness. If your baby is still learning to sit, pick up a generic insert to pad out the chair and see my footrest tips.
11. Cybex 3-in-1 Lemo High Chair
4.0 (25) Amazon reviews
A chair that grows with your child, and is fully and easily adjustable. The Cybex 3-in-1 Lemo High Chair takes your child from 6 months to adulthood. The 3-in-1 package contains the Lemo Comfort Inlay, which is essentially a baby bucket seat, baby set cushion, seat surface cushion and backrest cushion along with a 5-point harness and crotch post. The tray is also included in the package. Conveniently, the tray and baby set can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
- Individual height adjustment means you’ll always get the right fit
- Wheels on the back legs make it easier to remove and reduce the risk of tipping
- Modern design comes in a range of colourways for a seamless fit with your interior
- Choose it if you already like Cybex baby products or particularly favour the design of this chair – it’s cheaper than the Tripp Trapp but much heavier
Purchasing
What accessories might I need? Contains everything you need – highchair, tray, and harness. All parts can be purchased separately, however.
12. Maxi-Cosi MOA 8-in-1 Highchair
4.6 (118) Amazon reviews
The Maxi-Cosi MOA high chair suits children aged from 6 months to approximately 5 years. Starting as a high chair, it easily converts to a booster seat, then a toddler stool, and finally a handy desk and seat. The 3-level adjustable foot rest will keep your baby feeling stable and comfortable. Trunk support is good, and the crotch post will stop any accidental slips. The entire system is easily cleaned thanks to its water-repellent machine-washable inlay, washable 5-point harness, and dishwasher-safe tray.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around the house
- May need some additional padding and footrest adjustments for smaller babies, such as a small rolled up or folded towel or blanket, see notes below
- Elegant and pleasing design
- Choose it as an inexpensive high chair that will grow with your child
Purchasing
What accessories might I need? Contains everything you need – highchair, tray, and harness.
Buy it – £169.00 at Premier Baby
My baby slumps in the high chair, what can I do?
First it’s best to check if your baby is ready for solids. Can your baby sit up unaided and confidently for a minute or so? If not, waiting a few more weeks can make a world of difference.
Next, is the high chair too big or not supportive enough? In this case, buy an insert or use a small rolled up towel or blanket around their hips to offer more support.
Or could the high chair be adjusted? The high chair should not be in a reclined position, so adjust the back rest to be upright. Make sure your baby’s feet are flat on the footrest. See below. But remember, if too much support is needed, then your baby likely isn’t ready yet.
My baby’s feet don’t reach the footrest, what can I do?
If your baby is small and their feet don’t quite reach the footrest, don’t worry. With a few small modifications your baby will be comfortable and secure. First, check their positioning. Their weight needs to be centred forwards rather than backwards, and their legs should be hanging. The knees should be at a 90 degree angle.
Use a small rolled up towel or blanket to add padding behind your baby’s back.
Now, you can add a small box taped to the footrest to add height to it. Remember to adjust the box as your baby grows. Another alternative is to try a thick exercise band wrapped around the chair legs. In a couple of months, it won’t be needed any more and you can remove it.
How to save money on expensive high chairs
High chairs are a huge investment for most people. But there are several ways to save money on your high chair investment.
Buy or find second hand
Check these places for preloved highchairs:
- Facebook Marketplace: Circumstances change and high chairs are often listed at a fraction of the cost. Facebook buy and sell groups also list baby and child equipment.
- Facebook free parenting gear groups: Search for groups in which parents give away their used baby gear.
- Gumtree
- Vinted
- eBay
- Preloved
- Charity shops
- Swap with family or friends
Shop smart
- Buy during big holiday sales like Black Friday
- Sign up to newsletters to get discounts – a 5% or 10% discount can make a difference!
- Use cashback program like Topcashback, Quidco, and KidSmart
- If money is short, contact your local council for local parenting groups, charities, or programs that might provide free or low-cost baby items
Final thoughts on the Best High Chair for Baby Led Weaning
With so many choices out there, choosing a good high chair can be overwhelming. Hopefully this post has helped to narrow down your choices and help you in knowing what to look for when you’re following baby led weaning.
If you have any questions, please do let me know in the comments section below. And if you’d like to stay in touch with my updates, please subscribe to my blog or follow me on Facebook.
Until next time!
Helen
5 Comments
Great information on high chairs. Thank you for sharing!
I appreciate the companies wanting the baby to be comfortable, but the more cushions, the more mess you have to clean up. Those straps and taking the cushions out is such a pain!
We’ve used the Stokke clikk and it was great. This is an impressive list and has a lot of useful information. Thanks!
I love all of the wooden styles – the Trip Trap is my favorite!
I really enjoyed reading this! It’s such a helpful reminder of how important posture is, not just for safety but for focus too. Simple yet so impactful!