When Does a Baby Need a High Chair?

When can a baby use a high chair?

The NHS recommends starting weaning at around 6 months. Before using a high chair, your baby needs to show three key signs of readiness:

• 1.Can sit up steadily — they can hold their head upright and sit with minimal support. This is the most important factor.
• 2.Good head and neck control — their head doesn't flop forward or to the side without support.
• 3.Shows interest in food — reaching for food, watching others eat, or putting objects in their mouth.

Never rush a high chair before your baby has sufficient head and trunk control — typically this is ready between 4–6 months, but most babies aren't fully ready for a high chair and solid foods until 6 months.

Types of high chairs

Traditional high chairs

Freestanding high chairs with a full tray, 5-point harness, and often a recline function. They're stable and feature-rich. Good examples include the Graco Blossom and Fisher-Price Healthy Care. Great if space isn't a concern.

Grow-with-me high chairs

Adjustable chairs that grow with your child — from 6 months through to adulthood in some cases. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is the gold standard, adjusting to fit any standard dining table height. More expensive upfront, but excellent long-term value.

Budget high chairs

The IKEA Antilop is a perennial favourite at under £25 — easy to clean, lightweight, and perfectly safe. It does not recline and has a fixed tray, but for many families it's all you need.

Hook-on chair seats

Clip-on chair seats attach to the edge of a table — ideal for travel, restaurants, or small homes without space for a full high chair. Always check the table is sturdy enough to support the clip-on mechanism.

What to look for when buying a high chair

• 5-point harness — essential for safety; shoulder straps prevent baby sliding forward.
• Easy to clean — look for a removable, wipe-clean tray (dishwasher-safe is a bonus) and a seat pad that's machine washable.
• Adjustable height — helps you position your baby at the right height for your table.
• Footrest — babies eat better with their feet supported. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is well known for this.
• Stability — check the base is wide enough to prevent tipping, especially if you have a toddler who might pull on it.
• Longevity — a grow-with-me chair costs more upfront but replaces multiple chairs over time.

Weaning essentials to buy with your high chair

Once you have your high chair, you'll also need:

• Long-sleeved bibs — essential for baby-led weaning especially; they protect clothing from mess.
• Suction bowls and plates — prevent food launching across the room as baby starts self-feeding.
• Soft-tipped weaning spoons — gentle on baby's gums.
• Sippy cup or free-flow cup — introduce water from 6 months. See our sippy cup picks.
• Splat mat — protect your floor from the inevitable food mess; plastic-backed fabric mats are easiest to wipe clean.

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