Toddler mealtimes are often a struggle, but with the right chair you can make things a little easier. Toddlers have different needs from babies in their dining chair, so it’s important to choose something which is right for your child’s stage. Sometimes finding a high chair for 2 year old toddlers can be difficult, as they often don’t want to sit still! In this case, a booster can be a better option, as it can help toddlers feel more grown up when they sit at the big table with mom and dad.
Considerations when choosing a toddler mealtime chair
Choosing the right dining chair for your toddler can be difficult, as there are so many different types to choose from. You might have already chosen a dining chair for your baby which will last time into toddlerhood, perhaps offering convertible modes. It’s important that the chair is big enough for your toddler, so they will be comfortable at mealtimes. You should also choose something which is easily cleaned – toddlers can make quite a mess with food!
What are the different types of toddler chair?
There are two main types of chair we will look at here – high chairs and boosters. High chairs are just like the same kind babies used, but those designed for toddlers have a bit more space. Some are convertible so can be used in lots of different modes. Booster seats are ideal for those who don’t have much space at home. They strap on to an adult dining chair, so your child will sit higher at the table. They usually have a safety lap belt rather than a full harness. These chairs are great for dining out or for vacations, too.
The Reviews: best toddler dining chairs and booster seats
Below, you will find our comprehensive guide to finding the best feeding chair or booster seat for your growing child. We have included different styles of seat, so there’s sure to be something to meet your needs.
Evenflo Convertible High Chair
This 3 in 1 high chair can be used stacked as pictured above, as a separate table and chair or as a chair on the floor, with the tray attached. It’s a great high chair for 1 year old children, as it will provide years of use in the various forms. The chair can be used from when children can sit unaided, right up until they reach around 50 pounds, so it offers great value for money.
The convertible chair comes in a choice of two colors, either the green shown above or pink. The chair is made from washable material which is easy to wipe clean, and the cover can be removed for thorough cleaning. The base of the chair is quite wide, which offers great stability. Overall, the chair is excellent for its price point.
Bumbo Toddler Booster Seat
The classic Bumbo seat is very popular for younger babies who aren’t yet able to sit up unsupported. It sits on the floor and holds babies up at a comfortable and safe angle. This toddler version is perfect for kids who are still too small to sit at the adult dinner table, but no longer need a baby chair. It comes with a 3-point harness to keep your child safe and secure. There are also two straps to hold the booster to the adult chair, one which goes around the back and one to go underneath.
The booster seat for table is ideal for use at home or when out and about. It’s great if you find yourself eating out in a restaurant where there aren’t any baby seats. The straps can be adjusted to fit almost any chair, so your child can join in at mealtimes no matter where you are.
Ingenuity Smartclean Toddler Booster
This portable booster seat is ideal for children over the age of 16 months, and weighing up to 50 pounds. The seat comes with a removable insert, shown above in gray, so it can be used for longer. With the insert, children will be around 4 inches closer to the table, and 2 inches without it.
The Smartclean toddler booster is made from easily wipeable foam, and it is also dishwasher safe for when you need to give it a thorough clean. The chair straps are 30 inches long, which means they can easily be adjusted to fit most standard chairs. The harness can be removed as your child grows, so the booster can still be used even when your toddler gets bigger and more independent.
Graco 4 in 1 Baby Feeding Chair
The Graco Blossom 4 in 1 converts to different modes meaning it can be used for years. It’s perfect for families with two young children, as it can be used in different modes to seat two children at once. For young babies, you can use the full setup, which comes with a padded insert to help young children fit more comfortably in the seat. The seat pad is removable and can be machine washed, or wipe cleaned for minor spills.
The Graco Blossom reclines back, meaning it can be used for young babies who are bottle-feeding. This means you can start using it from an early age, before weaning begins. There are also six height adjustment options, so the chair can easily be adjusted to fit at any table. The footrest can be moved into three different positions, so there’s plenty space for growing children.
Abiie Beyond
This is the best chair for parents who love getting value for money. It can be used from the age of six months right until adulthood, up to 250 pounds. The chair has so many different adjustment options – the seat can be placed at different levels and the footrest can also be raised or lowered. No tools are required to change the positions, and it can be done in as little as 20 seconds.
The Abiie high chair is available in a choice of styles, with different cushion color options, for boys or girls or something more gender-neutral. The cushions are stain-resistant meaning they are easy to clean, and you can also buy replacement cushions, if you fancy a color change. There are two different harness options, either 3- or 5-point, and it can be removed altogether when your child is old enough to no longer need it. Overall, this is a very high-quality product which is built to last. It’s excellent for parents who are looking for something environmentally friendly and which will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts and Our Conclusion
There are loads of great boosters and chairs for growing toddlers, and the best one to choose really depends on your needs and the space you have available. We like the Abiie Beyond, mainly because of how long it will last and how flexible it is. It also doesn’t take up a huge amount of space.
In terms of boosters, the Bumbo is ideal for traveling or dining out, and it’s also great for those with limited space at home. The design is simple but very effective, and it’s easy to clean and look after. We also like the Evenflo convertible, and the fact it can be used as a table and chairs is a unique selling point. It’s a great pick for parents on a budget, and it will last for years.
