We are finally at that point at home where my little one is ready for solids! And with that right of passages comes the necessity of buying a high chair. Considering most kids spend a fair amount of time sitting in highchairs on a daily basis, and through a couple of years, and the fact that most will eat straight from the tray, it is important to make sure your high chair is as low tox as possible, in addition - of course- to safe and functional. Luckily- there are good options out there at all price points. While not all are 100% non-toxic these are lower tox and if used and maintained appropriately (not exposing plastic components to high heat for example) would be fine to use and would not expose you to the three most worrisome toxins in this type of product: flamer retardants, PFAS and PVC

What to look for in a low tox high chair

1. AVOID Cushioned seating: Avoid polyurethane foam because it will likely off gas VOCs and could contain flame retardants. Fabric on cushioned seating almost always will contain fabric that is treated with a PFAS based stain and/ or water resistant coating

2. BEST Materials: Choose solid wood if possible and Minimize plastic. When needed, look for more stable plastics like polypropylene

3. Clean with soap and water or a low tox cleaner

4. Safety: Stable wide base and a 5 point harness

5. Movable Footrest: to make sure your child is properly sitting. Legs should form a 90 degree angle

Nice bonus:

1. Long life. A high chair that can transition into a toddler chair and beyond is a better investment!

My choice:

Stokke tripp trap we purchased the added tray and skipped the cushion (also available at Target )

• Solid beech wood, made in Europe

• Movable footrest

• Used without cushion

• Tray made of safe plastic- polypropylene - but you can skip tray and use table instead

• Non-toxic water based paint

Other Good options

There is a range of materials in the list below, and there is a range of price ranges. These are not 100% non toxic (some have composite wood which can give off some low levels of formaldehyde, some are made with polyester or other plastics) but all I would consider acceptable to use. None of these contain: flamer retardants, PVC nor PFAS chemicals. In fact I have the Ikea high chair at my mother’s house and we use it when we visit during vacation.

• Monte Designs from $595

  Handcrafted and sustainably made in Canada from solid wood and 100% Enviroleather, this chair is tray-free

• Nunna Zaaz: From $379

• Stokke Steps From $299

• 4Moms COnnect High Chair: From $300

  PVC, phthalates, or flame retardants, seat insert is made of EVA foam; company says no PFAS used

• Nobodinoz, Growing Green High Chair (Europe) from 239 Euros

  solid beech wood and plywood that complies with EN 14988 European regulation

• Abiiee beyond wooden high chair: From $199

Another Stokke look alike its a good option- made of beechwood and composite wood.

Avoid using the cushion

• Lalo: From $195

( beechwood, pp and abs plastic). Cushion has a pfas based stain repellent so avoid using

• Keekaroo:  From $174

A more affordable version of the Stokke the main difference os the paint they use is low voc lacquer and more composite wood

• Skip Hop Eon High Chair: From $164 available at Target and Amazon

• Plan toys High Chair: From $160

Made of rubberwood trees ( just like most Plan toys toys!) 

• Phil & Ted Poppy From $99

• Summer Pop n’sit SE Highchair: From $59

  This is not my favorite of the bunch, made with polyester and mesh, (polyester will leach microplastics when washed) but the company states “We do not use any stain or water resistant chemicals. “ and its also free of PVC and flame retardants.

• Ikea antilope high chair from $30

Made of pp plastic and only costing $30 at Ikea $63 on Amazon) its a great option. Would need to find a footrest to add (like this one from Amazon)