Starting your baby on solid foods is an essential milestone and should be celebrated with an excellent feeding highchair. But finding the best wooden highchair for babies can be a daunting task, especially with the internet flooded with baby highchairs of every size, type, model, and material.
For this review/buyers’ guide, we explored the best wooden high chairs for babies due to wood’s inherent authentic qualities, warmth, sustainability, safety, and features that accommodate your growing baby’s needs well into the future.
How will I know my baby is ready for a high chair?
The purpose of a high chair is so that your baby can be part of the family at the dinner table while being fed their first solid foods. Often they initiate baby conversations during this time. If your baby experiences problems sitting upright and holding their head steady, they won’t be ready to start on solid foods or sit in a highchair by themselves.
The reasons given by veteran paediatric expert Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP, are that if your baby cannot sit upright or their little head is rolling to the side, their neck won't be straight, making swallowing difficult. The problem is that if a baby’s neck isn’t straight, they will find it challenging to use the muscles that enable them to move food around in their mouth. This, in turn, will hamper the swallowing process, and the baby can choke. Before starting your baby on solids look for the signs that your little one is ready.
She also advises that parents should never put their baby in the reclining position in their highchair during a feed, as this could also lead to choking.
Review of the Best Wooden Highchairs for Babies
Our team of experts have put in hours of research and made an in-depth study of laboratory testing results and expert reviews on the best highchairs in the market to save you a tremendous amount of time and effort. We've ranked our best selection according to safety, quality, authenticity, comfort, ease of cleaning, and longevity.
OUR TOP PICK
This Tripp Trapp Baby Highchair came so close to receiving a 5/5 - star rating from over 1,360 customer reviews. That says it all about the product meeting performance standards and customer expectations. This is a highchair that will be in your family for life!
The chair is made from European Beechwood and comes in no less than 11 colours! The classic elegant design belies the functionality and ergonomics of this chair. The highchair measures: L 18in (45cm) x W 18in (45cm) x H 31in (78.74cm) and weighs 17lb (7.7Kg).
The Tripp Trapp Baby Bundle includes the following products:
- A 5-point safety harness.
- Soft, comfy seat.
- An eating tray.
The baby set serves babies from 6 to 36 months. When your baby has outgrown the set it, you can remove it and adjust the backrest and foot support until you achieve the perfect ergonomic angle for optimal support and movement. The Beechwood highchair can carry a weight of up to 136 Kilograms, meaning it's a life-long investment.
Safety is a crucial consideration with the manufacturer, hence the Tripp Trapp highchair is JPMA Certified (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) and meets ASTM (Standard Consumer Safety Specifications) standards.
What we liked:
- This highchair comes with a 7 year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- It ticks all the safety standard boxes and certifications
- It has a small footprint, so it's excellent for smaller spaces and lifestyles.
- We love the modern, ergonomic design and aesthetics.
- The highchairs is a bit pricey; but a fair investment for a lifetime, top quality product.
What we didn’t like:
- Completing more efficient quality checks to ensure that all the parts are in the box before shipping could reduce customer complaints.
- The screws can be difficult to figure out exactly where and how they fit.
- The manual isn't very customer friendly as it has no pictures or illustrations, only text. It can be frustrating for non-technical, busy parents.
EDITORS CHOICE
The coolest, versatile, transformable wooden highchair with the best features for feeding your baby, turn it into a step stool or an adult chair, and it will last for many years to come.
This award-winning highchair is made with Mahogany wood, is suitable for babies from 6 months old and can carry up to 113 Kg in weight. It comes in cream, black, blue, and avocado-green stain-resistant cushions. It measures L 16in (40,64cm) x W 3in (7.62cm) x H 34in (86.36cm) and Weighs 17lbs (7.7kg).
This highchair can be transformed in seconds to any position or height, from toddler's chair to standard dining chair for all ages. You can have an extra stylish chair in seconds with no tools required from a baby highchair.
Safety features include ground-breaking pressure-assisted heat sterilisation at temperatures of 248°F (120 ° C) to ensure an optimal hygienic environment for your baby. In addition, you can adjust the restraint system to a 5-point or 3-point harness to keep the baby well-secured but comfortable.
This highchair is designed with intelligent, easy access points for ease of cleaning. Wipe the stain-resistant, water-proof cushions with a soft, damp cloth and any mess, grime, or dirt will be removed in seconds. Remove the tray cover, pop it into the dishwasher, and voila!
It comes with a 3-year warranty plus a Manufacturer’s Warranty extended protection plan to cover a further 1, 2, or 3 years at a low cost.
What we liked:
We found the price quite reasonable for this versatile, long-life highchair that ticks all the boxes.
Its safety features include harness adjustability, innovative heat sterilisation techniques, and easy to clean elements.
We love the idea of having an extra stylish chair to grace your dining or kitchen area within seconds.
While the 3-year warranty is excellent, even with everyday use, the highchair should last into your baby’s university days!
What we didn’t like:
It’s a bit harder to get bright stains off the cream cushion
There are some crevices where food can accumulate if not checked daily
BEST VALUE
This very stylish versatile 4-in-1 highchairr that grows with your baby.
The Tiny Dreny can change from a reclining (has 3 reclining options) or rocking chair for babies into a high chair and booster seat for toddlers. With all these setup options, the Tiny Dreny should provide many years of use. The change in setup will require some assembly, and is not as efficient as other high chairs in this buyers guide.
The high chair consist of a stylish sleek transparent seat that is easy to clean, with solid beech wood legs and a double tray. The inner padding and harness (available in 3 colours) are machine washable while the detachable tray is dishwasher safe.
The height of the chair ranges from 29.1 - 40.6in (73.9 - 103cm); W 16.5 - 20.5in (42-52cm); L 24in (61cm) with a 3 point harness and weighs in at 19.56lbs (8.9kg).
What we liked:
- Stylish.
- Washing machine and dishwasher safe.
- Single press reclining.
- Versatile and adjustable to cater for all your baby and toddler needs.
What we didn’t like:
- Setup of the legs can be a bit tricky.
- Foot rest is not adjustable
- No manufacturer warranty available
RUNNER UP #1
This sturdy, aesthetic baby highchair is made of the ever-resilient, durable Rubberwood. It measures L 30in (60.96cm) x W 20in (50.8cm) x H 24in (86.36cm), weighs 17.55lbs (7.96kg) and comes in two beautiful colours - natural wood finish and mahogany (it appears the espresso colour is discontinued)
The eating tray cover is dishwasher-safe (a bonus). The adjustable foot and seat plates enable babies from 6 months and older to sit comfortably in an upright position during their developmental years. A cloth seat cushion is included. The chair can hold a weight of up to 113kg, which means this highchair grows with your baby and stays in the family.
What we liked:
- Natural rubberwood was used to make this highchair.
It’s JPMA certified to ensure it's safe for babies and toddlers.
Solid, sturdy, ergonomic construction.
It’s stylish and blends in with modern furniture and lifestyles.
It will remain in the family for many years.
What we didn’t like:
The user manual lacks finer detail in constructing the chair.
Some customers complained that the tray was too low, touching the baby's thigh. The little one could push up against the tray and unlatch it.
It only comes in two colours.
RUNNER UP #2
If you want the best of both worlds in a highchair for your baby and you don’t mind paying a little more, this is the best in its class. This Stokke product ticks all the boxes from modern, ergonomic design, high-quality, certified material, style, elegance, durability, and life-long use. It comes as no surprise that it can hold up to 185lbs (84kg) and will become your baby’s best friend throughout his childhood.
The legs are made of natural, solid wood and come in hazy grey and black. The white seat is made of durable, food-safe material. This award-winning manufacturer takes safety and quality to a new level with the chair JPMA and Intertrek GS Certified. It meets all ASTM safety standards while no tools are needed for adjustments.
This highchair comes with a baby set consisting of a broad eating tray and a comfy cushion. You will love that the five-point safety harness is fully machine-washable and free from any harmful chemicals or other substances. Once your baby has outgrown the baby set, you can remove it.
Parents can buy the optional clip-on baby bouncer for tiny babies that mimics being cradled in their mom's arms.
What we liked:
- They are made of high-quality, eco-friendly material and natural wood legs.
- The manufacturer has high regard for safety and quality.
- The elegant design and neat, clean look will fit into any modern lifestyle.
- The higher price is an investment for a durable life-long highchair.
What we didn’t like:
- The texture of the harness straps can feel a bit rough if it gets in direct contact with the baby's skin.
- Some suction bowls don’t stick to the tray’s smooth surface.
Features to Look for in a Wooden Highchair
When your baby is around 6 to 8 months old, and you want to introduce your baby to solid foods, a feeding chair is the natural solution for mealtimes and play. It's essential that, as parents, you know what to look for in selecting a highchair for your baby and to ensure they are comfortable and safe at all times.
To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of features that will ensure your baby’s safety, your peace of mind, and value for money.
Space and lifestyle
A good option is a folding highchair that will also fit in with your furniture or one with a small footprint and doesn't take up much space.
Portability
Do you need to move the chair around the house? Look for rubber wheels, and it may be easier to attach wheels to a wooden chair. Always ensure wheels have a locking feature.
Multi-Functional
If you’re going to spend money on an excellent highchair, it must be able to grow with your baby and be height-adjustable and convert into a functional piece of furniture when your baby outgrows its use as a feeding chair.
Safety and Quality Certifications
Because safety is every parent's primary consideration, check that the highchair is certified with at least one organisation that does quality and safety checks on juvenile products, such as JPMA. It meets all the standards set by ASTM International.
Safety Harness
Ensure the harness has a 3 or 5-point adjustable strap with a crotch post and robust and stable base.
Back and foot support
For your baby’s healthy physical development, look for a chair with sturdy back support and an adjustable footrest to keep your baby's feet supported as they grow. Padded seats, cushions, and a reclining position for tiny babies will ensure they are comfortable and love their highchair.
Easy to Clean
Look for removable, machine-washable covers and ensure that the wood and other materials can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Tip - check that there aren't too many nooks and crevices where dirt and grime can accumulate.
Price and Budgets
It stand to reason that the noble qualities, durability (and resale value) of wood always come at a higher cost. However, we've discovered it's not as much of a bank-breaker if you want the best features that ensure your baby's safety and fits in with your lifestyle.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Most products on the market, especially high-end baby highchairs, come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Often you can buy an extended warranty for an additional few years at a low cost.
Return & Exchange Policy
There is always the possibility of an exchange or a return with any bought product. Keep receipts or request a gift receipt if the product is on a gift registry.
A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Wooden Highchair for Babies
There are three categories of Highchairs designed for customers’ specific needs:
Conventional Baby Highchairs: These typically cannot transform or fold up for travel, and it's constructed with a seat and four legs, like a conventional chair. They range from the very basic to the high-end, pricy ones in various fashionable, modern styles and colours.
Multipurpose, Adaptable Highchairs: You can transform these from serving as a high chair to one where you remove the seat and strap it to a conventional dining room chair as a booster seat. You will find that they can also fold up for easy storage.
Grow-With-Me Baby Highchairs: These are the modern, high-end ones typically made of wood that fits in with modern lifestyles. These fantastic chairs come in innovative designs to transform with the age and development of your little one.
It transforms from a feeding chair to a toddler seat into an adult chair that becomes part of the furniture and remains in the family for years to come.
Baby Highchairs Should Meet Individual Families’ Needs
As you’ve seen by now, baby highchairs are not a one-size-fits-all product because each baby, family lifestyle and living space is unique.
The sustainability and environmental impact of products are often critical considerations before buying in addition to lifetime and resale value. With wooden highchairs, it's a win-win because over and above it being environmentally friendly, you can easily give traces of wear and tear a complete make-over to restore it to its original state. Wood also has a higher resale value.
The sturdiness and reliability of a wooden frame are superior to the metal framework of plastic highchairs. Equally important is the overall heavier weight of the wooden chairs reduces the risk of tipping over. It is the best choice for little ones with special needs.
It’s best to invest in a convertible highchair that easily converts from a feeding chair to a separate booster seat for your toddler.
If you’re not overly concerned about aesthetics and are more focused on functionality, then a highchair with removable, washable padding is a good option.
However, if aesthetics is your primary focus, then nothing beats the authenticity and warmth of wood. Wooden products being a creation of nature, provide an air of uniqueness and class. As it will remain in the family for many years, it's essential that the transformed chair blends in with the interior of your home.
Ergonomics: You want a modern, fashionable design and soft, natural material. But more importantly, the right level of support for your baby's posture.
A height and foot-adjustable chair will support your baby's back and provide foot support allowing a 90° knee angle which allows for good blood flow.
Wooden highchairs may be slightly higher-priced but, they also have a long lifespan as they are designed to grow with your child.
Key Takeaways
In finding the best wooden highchair for your baby, your goal is to select one that suits your baby's unique needs and your family lifestyle. Naturally, there are the 'non-negotiable features' for your baby's safety and comfort and the aesthetics to fit in with your home's interior.
Even when ordering online, test the strength of the highchair once you’ve assembled it by rocking it, tilting it over, and even testing the maximum weight it’s supposed to hold.
Check that the tray is positioned correctly so that your baby can't dislodge it when moving and most importantly, check that the harness keeps your baby secure and there's no danger of sliding out of it.
Enjoy this new milestone with your baby and the joys of socialising with your baby around the dinner table.
FAQ
Is wiping my baby’s highchair sufficient?
Dr Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, a veteran board-certified paediatrician, advises daily maintenance and regular deep cleaning. Pay attention to the eating surface to keep the highchair sanitary and hygienic.
An accumulation of spilt food that becomes ground into the fabric and crevices of your baby’s highchair can cause dangerous bacteria to breed. She cites a study of restaurant highchairs (unfortunately not deep-cleaned regularly), harbouring more germs than a toilet seat!
Daily cleaning would include brushing loose crumbs, wiping down the chair with a damp cloth and sanitising the eating surface on and around the tray. You can use a toothbrush, dental floss or a toothpick to remove stuck food in those hard-to-get places.
Weekly cleaning should include disassembling the seat, cleaning underneath, and sanitising it entirely with a hygiene solution.
Monthly cleaning should consist of a deep-cleaning process and may require disassembling the highchair, cleaning (or machine-washing cushions and straps), removing/brushing out food from crevices and other parts.
While deep cleaning is essential, you also need to take note of the material used to construct the chair. Do not soak any parts made of wood, fabric, or metal, and neither should you use bleach on wood or fabric.
She also cautions against using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or bleach, as a dangerous chemical reaction could occur. Look for a natural, safe, high chair cleaner that is non-toxic and safe for babies.
Can I buy a used baby highchair?
Budgetary constraints may force you to buy a used baby chair on a social media marketplace or accept a hand-me-down from a family member. It's not advisable to buy a second-hand highchair unless you are given one by a family member.
In whichever case, it’s critical that you thoroughly examine the chair for flaws and to ensure nothing is broken and no pieces are missing. We recommend that, once you are happy with the construction, you test it for tilting over, carrying at least double your baby’s weight, and your baby is well-secured in the harness.
