A tray makes it possible to feed your baby in any room of the house (to begin with, we recommend having lunch in the easiest room to clean) and doubles up as a play surface for toys and drawing. Adjustable seats mean you can choose a height that’s comfortable for you from which to assist baby eat. What else do I need to buy?

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 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. 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? Our only gripe? This perhaps isn’t the easiest chair to store when it isn’t in use. The wheels on the bottom of the legs are great for moving it around the house, but aren’t ideal for storage. The legs also flare out quite a bit, so you’d likely need to unclip all the parts and store them separately if you’re tight on space.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. 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)

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.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: 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. Depending on your child’s height and confidence with sitting, you’ll be using your high chair three to five times daily for around 18 months. As such, it’s worth getting one that will comfortably fit your baby for this period, and will last the distance. This is the reason it’s sometimes worth spending a little extra. Most high chairs fit children up to around three years old, but it’s likely your child will be sitting on a standard dining chair before then – most children will use a high chair from six months to around two years. A design classic in white moulded plastic, IKEA’s Antilop is probably the most-seen high chair in dining rooms and restaurants across Europe. Why? It’s cheap, functional, comfortable, and easy to clean. It’s also easy to assemble: the chair comes in one piece and the legs pop into the bottom; you then clip on the tray, if required.

Key specs – Height: 84cm; Weight: 4.5kg; Other: 360° chair spin, 2-position adjustable tray, 5-point safety harness; Age: 6 months to 3 years (max weight, 15kg) Key specs – Height: 36cm; Weight: 2.2kg; Other: 3-point safety harness, carry straps; Age: 6 months to 3 years (max weight, 15kg) 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.

How real life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

Key specs – Height: 90cm; Weight: 3kg; Other: 3-point safety strap, detachable tray; Age: 6 months to 3 years (max weight, 15kg)

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.Key specs – Height: 83.5cm; Weight: 4.68kg; Other: Optional newborn set, baby set, harness, and cushion; Age: Birth to adult (max weight, 150kg) We also loved how easy it was to fold and store away. It’s on the smaller side, however, so while it can hold babies up to 15kg, it might be a better option for dinkier tots.