Most parents wonder when it is time to start weaning their babies from bottles and getting them to eat food. Of course, it is up to your baby to decide for themselves when they are ready. You can, however, give them a bit of a push.
The best high chair for baby led weaning is going to be safe and comfortable. You can strap your baby into the seat and let them hold and put food in their mouths. We will look at five top products, answer questions regarding the product, and provide a helpful buying guide.
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Best High Chair for Baby Led Weaning
Comparison Chart
JOOVY Nook High Chair
HM-Tech Wooden Baby High Chair
Infantino Grow-with-Me 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair
Micuna OVO High Chair
Ingenuity SmartClean 3-in-1 High Chair
Best High Chair for Baby Led Weaning Reviews
1. JOOVY Nook High Chair
Joovy is owned and run by people who have been where you are. They don’t like to throw products away or have cheap designs, and they know that you don’t either.
As such, they focus on items that can grow with you and your baby as they get older. It has a good reputation as a company, and people know that its products are those you can rely on.
Product Highlights
The Joovy Nook High Chair features a swing-open tray with four positions, but you can remove it. Its tray insert is dishwasher safe, and the leatherette seating can be wiped clean.
This product also has a five-point harness, which is one of the most reliable on the market right now. This extra protection ensures that your child remains in place and safe during eating times.
The Joovy Nook High Chair is affordable, and though it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, it is a highly reviewed product with a few things that really stand out. It is available in an array of different colors, too, so you can choose something to match your kitchen décor.
What We Like
We were impressed with the fact that the Joovy Nook High Chair is foldable. It doesn’t look like it when it’s set up, but you can easily fold it down with one hand.
That way, you can set it up while holding your baby, and tuck it away when you’re done with mealtime. This ease and convenience are perfect for busy households. We also liked the non-scratch floor pads, which is great if you have a material like wood as your kitchen floors.
What We Don’t Like
While the Joovy Nook High Chair is streamlined and features a modern style, we thought it was a little uninspired. Everything but the cover is white, which can be a challenge to keep clean, especially with a little one around! Perhaps a different color choice would have been appropriate.
Another issue we found is the straps. They are screwed in, and you cannot remove them. If they get dirty, which they will, they are challenging to clean. Yes, the design is beautiful, but with this high chair, you have to consider if it’s worth the extra time it takes to clean.
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2. HM-Tech Wooden Baby High Chair
HM-Tech, which designed the Wooden Baby High Chair, is an up-and-coming company, so it’s still quite new. Since this is the case, it only sells its products online through third-party e-commerce websites.
Product Highlights
If you’re looking for something a bit different and fun, the Wooden Baby High Chair might be right for you. It features natural beech wood legs.
The feeding tray is removable, and the design is convertible. It also has a neat color scheme that you don’t often see on high chairs. It is also fairly affordable when compared to other high chairs we reviewed, too.
What We Like
We were impressed that the HM-Tech Wooden Baby High Chair had multiple purposes. It’s primarily used as a high chair to help you wean your baby off bottles and get them to sit up on their own.
After that happens, it can be used as an accent seat or craft chair. Thanks to its gray and white color scheme, it can easily fit in with most kitchen decors.
Another great thing about this high chair is that the tray is fully removable, and the legs are set wide apart, which lends to its stability. It is also safe and made of non-toxic plastic and other high-quality materials.
What We Don’t Like
Though the company claims it is easy to clean, the padding and straps aren’t removable. Parents with extremely messy babies may find that it takes a little extra time to wipe everything down. However, the strap covers are made of wipe-able material, so the process is a little easier.
We also didn’t like the fact that you have to remove the tray with both hands, as it is a bit heavy and bulky.
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3. Infantino Grow-with-Me 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair
While many manufacturers of baby products seem to "phone it in," Infantino is focused on not being boring. It features inspirational toys and high chairs to help parents nurture their babies. Since it is a popular brand, you can find it at retail shops and on third-party e-commerce websites.
Product Highlights
This convertible high chair comes in the color orange and is a four-in-one product. When your baby outgrows it, it turns into a booster seat and then a toddler chair. Plus, it features a meal mat and easy-to-clean tray.
The Infantino Grow-with-Me 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair is a product that will grow with your baby as they get older, which makes it a good value for your money. It is also pretty affordable, so even if your budget is a bit on the lower side, this is a good pick.
What We Like
We were impressed with the overall design of the Infantino Grow-with-Me 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair. It features an adorable animal on the back with tiny animal paws at the bottom. This might help your child become excited to sit in it. It is also bright and colorful, which your baby will absolutely love!
The food tray is easy to remove, and it comes with a bonus meal mat. The back is adjustable, too, and leans back, which is excellent for children who are still taking bottles while learning the ropes in their high chair.
What We Don’t Like
Though the wheels on the front legs can be considered ideal for positioning the Infantino Grow-with-Me 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair, we felt that they were a little unsteady. Plus, the back legs would jiggle and bounce as you try to move it to a new position. Otherwise, the chair seemed well constructed.
The other issue we feel worth mentioning is the padding. Though the foam padding seems pretty sturdy, there are several reports of it ripping, so keep that in mind as you look at the whole picture of this chair.
Also, the chair padding is made of firm foam, so not all babies will feel comfortable on it. You might need a little extra padding.
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4. Micuna OVO High Chair
Micuna is a manufacturer that boasts over 40 years of experience in designing and producing baby furniture. It’s an Italian company, but the products are sold throughout the world. As such, it is easy to find these items on the company website, with local retailers, and through third-party e-commerce sites.
Product Highlights
If you’re looking for something eye-catching that will grow with your baby, the Micuna OVO High Chair might be ideal. It features lacquered beech wood for the tray and legs, while the seat is molded plastic and round.
The unique feature of the Micuna OVO High Chair is the side tray, which is perfect for those times when you have a lot of small bowls or plates, and when you are teaching your baby to eat solid food.
What We Like
We liked that the Micuna OVO High Chair could convert to a toddler seat when the baby gets bigger. Meaning, parents will get more usage out of the product.
Also, since this is one of the smaller high chairs out there, it easily pulls next to the table, so your baby can be part of a family dinner from the start instead of sitting a bit away from everyone else in the family.
What We Don’t Like
While the style is magnificent and can make it the focal point of the room, there is no cushioning. Although molded plastic is designed to fit your baby’s bottom and back, it would need a bit of padding.
This one is also quite expensive when compared to other high chairs we have reviewed, so it might not be in everyone’s budget. You also cannot adjust the tray.
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5. Ingenuity SmartClean 3-in-1 High Chair
Ingenuity is one of the more well-known manufacturers of baby products on the market. It features smart technology, battery-saving features, and several more items. You can find this brand at a variety of retailers, as well as third-party websites.
Product Highlights
Parents who want three seats that are all full-sized will like the Ingenuity SmartClean 3-in-1 High Chair. The toddler and booster chair modes can accommodate two kids at once, making it ideal for siblings.
What We Like
There are so many things to like about the Ingenuity SmartClean 3-in-1 High Chair, but we think the modern design won us over. Its elliptical frame is trendy, and the neutral colors go with any theme. We also liked that the straps are machine-washable, and everything is easy to clean.
What We Don’t Like
This product had us a little worried about safety. As a toddler chair, the wheels do lock, but they aren’t ideal for hardwood flooring. Plus, the booster seating doesn’t have any way to secure it to the regular chair.
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Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to introducing fresh food to your baby, the high chair you pick might make a difference. It’s a comfortable spot for them to sit on, engage with the family, and learn the textures of real food.
1. Solid Design
Does the picture depict the product as being sturdy? Do you notice any creases in odd places or cracks where food could get stuck? Some manufacturers try to get clever by sectioning the tray, which allows small bits to get inside and make it harder to clean.
You also might want to look into the materials the high chair is made of. Solid wood, for instance, is a durable material, but depending on the type of wood the chair is built of, some might be weaker than others.
2. Easy to Wash
One of the most important things to consider is how easy the chair and all parts are to clean. It’s ideal to find a tray that can go directly into the dishwasher.
Of course, you should consider the measurements to ensure it will fit in your machine. Some trays are quite large, so you need to keep that in mind. Otherwise, you will have to handwash the tray after every meal.
You should also make sure that there is a seat cover and that it is easily washable. Some coverings are removable and can be thrown in the washing machine. Others are firmly attached but are made of high-quality materials that allow the food to slide right off.
Keep in mind that some of the high chairs we reviewed did not come with covers, so you must buy them separately. This might even be a necessity since, without a cover or padding, some of the high chairs we reviewed won’t be the most comfortable option for your child.
3. Child Fit
When you put the baby in the chair and buckle them in, they should be comfortable and be able to sit upright. Though they are young, your little one’s posture is essential to make sure that they are safe while eating.
The harness should keep them in place and sitting straight without any lean to the side. The more points that a harness has, the better it holds your child in place.
4. Growing Pains
While you may want your baby to stay little forever, you know they are going to grow up. Many high chairs are expensive, so it makes sense to look for one that will grow with them.
Consider convertible options that turn into a booster seat or a toddler chair. Just make sure that there are safety features for these versions, too. That way, your baby won't fall out and get hurt while they grow.
5. Fits at the Table
One of the things parents forget to consider is how easy it is to pull the seat and child up to the table. The goal is for them to get used to eating with the family. They can’t do that if the chair is so big that they tower over everyone else.
An excellent way to determine if the chair will fit at the table is to look at the chair's measurements. Then, you can measure your table’s height and ensure that it will work for your needs. Sometimes, you can also rearrange the furniture to get everyone situated.
FAQs
1. What Does Baby-Led Weaning Mean?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is considered a new system to help you introduce food to your baby. Though many parents have been doing it for years, it has finally gotten a name.
The goal is to establish socialization with your baby by having them take meals with the family. As such, little ones start eating finger foods instead of being fed purees or getting bottles.
Most parents decide to wean their baby from the bottle while they are still fairly young. To make it easier on their little one, they use the high chair.
Babies get excited to see what’s going on around them and see others eating with silverware or their fingers, so it is a natural thing that they would want to join in on the fun of a family dinner.
2. When Should I Start Baby-Led Weaning?
Though there is some leeway here, it is ideal to start BLW around six months old. However, the baby must be able to sit up without assistance before baby-led weaning begins. As such, good neck control is also important.
At the six-month mark, most babies grow out of the tongue-thrust reflex, so they won’t automatically push out foreign objects. This makes it safer and more comfortable for them to eat in a high chair.
Talk to your baby’s doctor to determine when it is best to start taking the bottle from them. Some children might be ready before others, and some children might need to wait a bit before their bodies are ready to handle solid foods.
3. What Are the Benefits of BLW?
You’ll find that the advantages of baby-led weaning are impressive. Your baby has to use their fingers or hands to pick up the food and get it to their mouths. This establishes better dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
It also works the fine-motor skills because they need to learn and practice pincer grasp. Plus, it can help to develop all of these things they will use later in life.
Of course, BLW also helps babies learn how to swallow, chew, and where to put their tongue. Most parents agree that baby-led weaning reduces choking and gagging when their children are toddlers. They have more practice using the mouth and tongue on real food.
The most significant benefit might be that their children grow up to be more adventurous eaters. They aren’t as picky because they explored aromas, textures, and tastes at an earlier age.
4. Will It Be Messy?
Primarily, you should be prepared for a mess after each meal. This is a huge undertaking for the busy parent, but the benefits far outweigh the work. To offset this, choose a chair that is easy to clean or has machine-washable parts.
You may also consider a large bib to keep your baby’s clothes clean while they eat. A floor cover directly underneath the high chair can also make clean-up a bit easier.
Final Verdict
We looked at several high chairs, and we have to say that all of them had impressive qualities and would be a good choice for those looking for a high chair.
For example, we loved that the Ingenuity SmartClean 3-in-1 High Chair can be used as a high chair, booster seat, and toddler chair. We also loved that the Infantino Grow-with-Me had such an adorable design and bright colors that a baby will certainly enjoy. But, neither of these high chairs were our number one pick.
From the buyer’s guide, you learned how to pick the best high chair for baby led weaning. With all that in mind, we chose the Wooden Baby High Chair made by HM-tech.
It’s not a well-known brand, but it featured everything we thought was important, including the fact that your child can use it for many years. It has a sleek design, too, and will fit in with most kitchen décor.
We also liked that the back legs are a little higher than the front, preventing the chair from tipping. It is a good buy, highly reviewed, and comes at an affordable price point when compared to similar products.
If you are looking for something a little cheaper, we would recommend the Infantino Grow-with-Me, as it comes with a savings of about $70, but comes with fewer features.