If you love the look of Vital Baby’s iconic Nourish Scoop high chair, you’ll love this updated version that comes with a 360° swivelling seat. The ultra-functional Nourish Scoop is loved for being lightweight and compact, and this space-saving upgrade is no different. With an ergonomically curved and cushioned seat to keep baby upright and comfortable, a built-in footrest and an adjustable and detachable tray, the whole high chair is made from glossy, wipe-clean materials that protect it well from inevitable food stains (hello, tomato sauce). The neutral design means it will blend in well with most kitchen or dining room decor – our tester especially loved the wooden legs. Key specs – Height: 96cm; Weight: 14.8kg Other: 5-point safety harness; detachable 2-part tray, 360° spinning seat; Age: 6 months to 3 years (max weight, 15kg) Key specs – Height: 107.3cm; Weight: 12.2kg; Other: 5-point safety harness, detachable tray, optional newborn insert; Age: 6 months to 6 years So you’ve chosen a high chair, now what? Regardless of whether you’re spoon-feeding your baby or going down the path of baby-led weaning, there are a couple of essentials you’ll need. These include bowls, spoons, a cup and bibs. It helps to have at least two of each so one can be washed while the other is being used. There are dozens of options to choose from, but we recommend a pair of plastic, bamboo, or silicone bowls; a plate with compartments; a pair of training spoons; a sippy cup; a pair of bibs with a catch tray (also typically made of silicone); and a pair of wearable bibs for when you’re ready to let them get messy. You could also opt for a weaning mat, which sits underneath the high chair to catch all the falling food to make cleaning up that little bit easier. How we test high chairs We tried out the Cool Grey colourway (it’s also available in Candy Pink), which looks super smart and doesn’t show up marks, plus it made a nice addition to our tester’s kitchen. While the chair is slightly on the larger side compared to some on this list, it does fold away neatly for easy storage.

Key specs – Height: 83.5cm; Weight: 4.68kg; Other: Optional newborn set, baby set, harness, and cushion; Age: Birth to adult (max weight, 150kg) As the name suggests, this parent-favourite has six different modes, including three recline options (with cushioned newborn insert) that let you keep your young baby near you while in the kitchen. As they get older and you start weaning, the seat can be placed more upright with a tray table attached. Key specs – Height: 90cm; Weight: 3kg; Other: 3-point safety strap, detachable tray; Age: 6 months to 3 years (max weight, 15kg) It’s straightforward to assemble without the need for tools, and easily transforms into a booster or pre-schooler chair by unclipping or clipping-in the extendable legs and removing the detachable try. There’s a recline option, too, which means it can be used by babies from as young as three months, when they start to show an interest in wanting to sit upright and join you at the table, but can’t quite support themselves. The seat then detaches and acts as a booster seat, either with or without the tray table; or, the seat can be removed completely, giving your child a seat in which to sit and play, or the option to sit up at the table. Our toddler tester loved the independence of sitting at a regular dining room chair on this booster seat with his brother, while we liked the fact this seat keeps him a little more secure. What’s more, as your child gets older, the tray table can be attached to the legs of the highchair and the seat lowered to provide a play table.

10. Best lightweight highchair: Joie Mimzy Snacker

In addition, we include a range of designs in our tests, from high chairs that can be completely folded down for easy storage, to those that grow with your baby for extra longevity, and travel options for times you’re visiting family or taking a holiday. Also highlighted at the end of each review are key details such as dimensions, weight, and age suitability. Following six months of liquid breakfasts, lunches and dinners, your baby may be ready for weaning. That means it’s time to buy the best high chair you can find. One of the more expensive high chairs on our list, the Cosatto’s 3Sixti2 features all the bells and whistles other high chairs can only dream of. This fun-loving design from Infantino is a brilliant value-for-money high chair that converts into a booster and toddler seat. Naturally, thanks to its engaging and colourful design, it proved a hit with our one-year-old tester, but it’s great for parents, too.

You’re probably best to get a high chair just before your baby starts showing these signs, so you’re ready to go with puréed fruit as soon as they’re ready. Many high chairs are designed for babies who can support themselves, although a handful can be used as reclining seats for younger babies until they’re ready for weaning. What types of high chairs are there? Every high chair in our roundup below has been tested by our reviewers in their homes with the help of their own babies. This allows us to make a complete assessment of each model, from how easy a highchair is to assemble, how it looks, how sturdy and secure it feels with baby sitting in it, and how easy and hygienic it is to clean. Real-life testing such as this allows us to deliver a fair and honest account of our experience, while also identifying any smaller issues that might arise in day to day use of a product. The lightweight, machine-washable design attaches firmly to most chair types via strong ties and then cleverly folds away neatly. It comes in an array of prints, too, so you can choose your favourite. The folding-up section might take a little getting used to at first, but once you’ve grasped it, it’s sure to become a must-carry in your changing bag.Our tester loved the good-sized tray and sectioned silicone food mat, which not only allows for baby-led weaning but for sensory activities with dried pasta, water, bubbles and more. It was very easy to clean, with no difficult corners for banana porridge or squashed Weetabix to hide in. Key specs – Height: 106cm; Weight: 7.9kg; Other: 7 adjustable heights, detachable tray, newborn cradle mode; Age: Birth to 3 years (max weight, 15kg) The 3Sixti2 is available in a range of colourful and engaging prints that might not appeal to all tastes, but will be loved by babies and toddlers. The two-part tray is a great addition, and can be removed for when your little one wants to join you at the table.

Yes, the Stokke commands a hefty price tag – particularly when you consider all the add-ons. But taking into account that this chair will serve for a good number of years, we think it’s worth the investment.

2. Best budget highchair: IKEA Antilop

Some babies are ready to try solid foods from around four-to-five months, but according to the NHS guidelines what they can and can’t eat is restrictive at this time. However, by six months, almost all solid foods are on the table. Your baby must be able to sit upright with their head held steady, without support, and other signs that they might be ready for solid food include chewing and swallowing motions without the tongue-thrust reflex pushing objects out of the mouth, as well as curiosity about what you’re eating. If you’re seeing all these signs pretty consistently, then chances are your baby is ready to move from a liquid to solid diet. Key specs – Height: 36cm; Weight: 2.2kg; Other: 3-point safety harness, carry straps; Age: 6 months to 3 years (max weight, 15kg) Key specs – Height: 90cm; Weight: 5.4kg; Other: Detachable tray, 2-position foot rest, adjustable 5-point harness; Age: 6 months to 3 years (max weight, 15kg) For years, the iconic Stokke Tripp Trapp won over the hearts of countless families who wanted a chair that would grow with their child, but now the brand has outdone itself with the Nomi – a high chair that can be used from birth right up to adulthood. While the fundamentals of both chairs are similar, the Nomi feels more streamlined, provides better support, and – in our tester’s opinion – has a more comfortable seat, making it the superior option.