The Best Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly High Chairs
What to Look for in a High Chair
Is your little one ready for solid foods? When shopping for a high chair, the things we prioritize are safety, non-toxic materials, and easy cleaning (for both sanitary reasons and your sanity!). Choosing non-toxic materials is so important in a high chair because your child's food will be touching these surfaces and then entering their little bodies. If you’re already prioritizing feeding your child healthy, organic foods at mealtimes, you’ll want to make sure they’re eating off safe, non-toxic surfaces too.
When we were shopping for a high chair for our daughter, I was overwhelmed with the options on the market—especially because a high chair wasn’t the only thing we were shopping for as first-time parents! I didn’t know where to begin or what to prioritize. So I started researching which features were important to reduce choking risk and reading reviews of the most popular high chairs. While this gave me many options, once I narrowed my focus to non-toxic materials, the list got much smaller.
So many high chairs on the market today are made from plastics filled with chemicals I couldn’t rationalize putting in a surface my daughter would eat off of—and yet, most are! It’s disheartening that so many companies cut corners at the expense of children’s health, but I knew this was something I wasn’t willing to compromise on.
Because non-toxic products are often more expensive, I tried to think about frequency of contact. A high chair is used multiple times a day, every single day, so for us, it became a must-have non-toxic item. That’s how we landed on the Lalo 3-in-1 chair for our own home—it is a safe, sustainable option that would grow with our family!
You may also want to check out our post on The BEST Functional Montessori Toddler Kitchen
Why Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Matters
High chairs aren’t just another piece of baby gear—they’re a place where your child will spend hours every week eating, snacking, and sometimes we even take the tray off and pull it right up to the table for arts and crafts! Needless to say, my little one spends a lot of time using her high chair! That much contact means the materials and safety features really matter.
Conventional plastic high chairs often contain chemicals like BPA, PVC, phthalates, and flame retardants (why in the world?!), which can leach into food or be inhaled through off-gassing. Babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable since their bodies (and nervous systems!) are still developing. Choosing a non-toxic high chair is one way to reduce that daily exposure and keep mealtimes healthier.
Check out this article on Yale Environment 360: Childhood Exposure to Plastic Raises Lifetime Health Risks, Research Finds
Eco-friendly choices are just as important. Many traditional high chairs are made almost entirely of plastic, which cracks or breaks over time, eventually heading to the landfill. In contrast, choosing a chair made from wood (especially FSC-certified), non-toxic finishes, or recyclable materials is a more sustainable choice. Convertible chairs or ones with replaceable parts also last longer, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
And here’s the best part: eco-friendly doesn’t mean boring. Brands today offer beautiful designs in different styles that fit seamlessly into your home. So not only are you making a conscious choice for your child’s health and the planet’s health—you’re also creating a dining space that feels intentional, modern, and inviting.
Features to Prioritize in a High Chair
Here’s a quick checklist of what we looked for when narrowing down our choices:
Safety Features
☐ Sturdy, tip-resistant base
☐ Adjustable footrest for proper posture (important for reducing choking risk)
☐ Five-point harness or secure safety straps
Non-Toxic Features
☐ Preference for wood over plastic
☐ Non-toxic, water-based paints, stains, and finishes
☐ Plastics free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates
☐ Free from flame retardants
Easy Cleaning Features
☐ Removable, dishwasher-safe tray
☐ Machine-washable seat covers or fabrics
☐ Surfaces that wipe down quickly and don’t trap food
By keeping these features in mind, you’ll be more confident in choosing a high chair that is safe, practical, and eco-friendly for your family.
Where Sustainability Comes In
We always try to think about sustainability when making big purchases. Many “traditional” high chairs are made from flimsy plastic that breaks easily—hardly eco-friendly! That’s why we looked for wood construction, ideally FSC-certified, paired with convertible designs. The chair we chose (#1 on our list) transforms from high chair to booster to play chair, making it useful for years to come. We also love when companies sell replacement parts to extend the lifespan even further.
Our Favorite Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly High Chairs
1. Lalo The Chair Convertible 3-in-1 High Chair
This is our favorite high chair, and in my opinion, the best high chair out there! The Convertible 3-in-1 Chair by Lalo is the ergonomic high chair we chose for our daughter. It is beautifully made and features the ability to transform from high chair, to toddler booster seat, to play chair. We still have it set up as a high chair, but will eventually be turning it into a play chair for our little one. The play chair would look great in any modern nursery or play room, and holds up to 200 lbs, making it great for older kids (and parents in the playroom) too!
The legs are made from sustainably sourced beechwood and finished with a water-based coating. The plastic seat and tray are non-toxic and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. It also features an adjustable foot rest (two different positions) for safer posture and a cotton seat cover that can be tossed into the washing machine.
Five-point harness
Sustainably sourced beechwood legs
Water-based finish
Cotton seat cushion (machine washable)
Non-toxic, dishwasher-safe plastic seat and tray
Product dimensions: 24.5"D x 24.5"W x 33"H
Optional Accessory:
The Catchy Lalo Accessory (Shop on Amazon): We use this with our Lalo high chair, and it is a lifesaver (and a food saver!). Made from food-safe, BPA-free materials, it catches dropped food so you can place it right back on your child’s plate. My daughter went through a phase where she thought it was funny to drop food off her plate—thankfully, the Catchy saved us from wasting so much food. My husband even said he wished he’d invented it himself!
2. Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
The Tripp Trapp by Stokke receives tons of positive feedback, and for good reason. With sturdy wood construction and BPA-free, dishwasher-safe plastic, this adjustable chair is designed to grow with your child. The wooden footrest is the most adjustable we’ve seen, helping to ensure proper posture. It is one of the best non-toxic high chairs, and looks really great too! I was torn between this and the Lalo, and honestly think we would have been just as happy if we went with the Stokke Tripp Trapp!
It can hold up to 300 lbs and converts into a regular chair for older kids or adults, making it a long-lasting investment. It’s slightly smaller than the Lalo chair, so it’s a good choice for tighter spaces.
Adjustable wooden footrest
JPMA certified
Holds up to 300 lbs
Product dimensions: 18"D x 18"W x 31"H
Optional Accessories:
Stokke Tray, Black (Shop on Amazon): Removable, dishwasher safe, BPA-free.
Tripp Trapp Classic Cushion 2 (Shop on Amazon): Organic cotton, machine washable, with multiple color/pattern options.
3. Stokke Nomi High Chair
The Stokke Nomi is ergonomic, modern, and stylish—definitely a favorite of mine. It features an adjustable footrest, a wooden center stem (made from European Oak/Beechwood), and thoughtful safety additions. I think that this high chair would look great in any kitchen! It is on the pricier end, coming in at $319, but if that fits your budget I think it's a really great option!
Five-point harness
Anti-tilt wheels
Easy height adjustment for posture support
Holds up to 330 lbs
4. Stokke Clikk High Chair
The Clikk is lightweight, travel-friendly, and practical. It looks similar to the Lalo but only holds up to 33 lbs. It offers two footrest positions, a removable dishwasher-safe tray, and a machine-washable harness.
Solid European beech wood
BPA-free tray
JPMA certified
Five-point safety harness
Product dimensions: 23.01"D x 17.55"W x 11.7"H
Extra Features Worth Considering
Beyond safety and sustainability, sometimes it’s the little details that make a high chair shine.
Most important on this list: When children sit with correct posture, it creates a safer environment for them to try new foods and explore different textures. A supportive highchair footrest helps with gross motor stability and fine motor skill development, which not only makes meal times smoother but also supports better feeding habits in the long run. And that, in my book, is a non-negotiable when shopping for a high chair!
For more information on high chair safety features, listen to this episode on Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro: Why Your Baby’s High Chair Needs a Footrest
Options like a removable tray cover or dishwasher-safe tray make clean-up so much easier for a busy parent (because honestly, no one has time to scrub tiny nooks after every meal). This feature has been a lifesaver in my home, especially when we're having pasta or yogurt haha!
Adjustable trays and well-fitted footrests also offer flexibility so the chair grows with your child’s height and changing needs—giving you maximum versatility for years of everyday use. I also love the fact that some high chairs can be converted into play chairs once your kiddo outgrows it—extending the chairs life and usefulness!
Lastly, think about the overall design. Chairs available in different colors or styles let you choose something that blends in with your dining space, while sustainable materials like FSC-certified woods or bamboo footrest boards ensure your purchase aligns with a more eco-friendly, non-toxic lifestyle. These details may seem small, but together they create a high chair that feels intentional, supportive, and practical for everyday family life.
Why the Right High Chair Setup Matters
When we first brought home our daughter’s high chair, I thought it was just another item to check off the baby gear list. But once we started using it every single day, I realized how much this one piece of furniture impacts not only mealtime—but our family rhythm as a whole.
A high chair isn’t just a seat. It’s where your little one learns to explore food, practice motor skills, and eventually share meals with the rest of the family. I’ll never forget the first time my daughter sat at the big table with us—it wasn’t just about feeding her, it was about including her. That simple shift made her feel like part of the family dinner, and you could see her light up with pride.
The right setup also takes the stress out of mealtime. A well-fitted footrest, an adjustable tray, and a chair that keeps your child at the proper height can mean the difference between frustration and a smoother, safer feeding experience. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but when your child feels supported and comfortable, they can focus on the real work of eating, tasting, and learning.
Looking back, I’m so glad we invested in a setup that worked for us. It’s become more than just a high chair—it’s a space where memories are made, messes are celebrated, and new milestones happen right before our eyes.
Our Favorite Serveware for Kids
We also love using non-toxic serveware for our daughter. Our favorite set is made from 100% recycled stainless steel—safe, durable, and dishwasher-friendly. It includes a plate, spoon, fork, and cup (we chose the rainbow set, which our daughter adores).
We skipped the high chair tray and pull her chair directly up to the family dinner table. Having her use the same setup as us really made her feel like part of the family mealtime, which we love.
Ahimsa Stainless Steel Plates for Kids
100% recycled stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, melamine, and lead
Why We Skip Plastic Plates and Cups
When we were first shopping for baby dishes, I noticed how many “kid-friendly” options were made from plastic. It felt convenient—colorful, lightweight, and cheap. But the more I researched, the more I realized plastic was not the safe choice I wanted for my daughter. Many plastics contain bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, PVC, and melamine—all of which can leach into food, especially when the dish is heated or scratched. Even “BPA-free” doesn’t necessarily mean safe, since many of the replacements (like BPS) have shown similar hormone-disrupting effects.
Kids’ dishes take a lot of wear and tear. Think about the scratches from forks, spoons, and even just toddler hands. Each little scratch makes it easier for microplastics and harmful chemicals to migrate into food. And since little bodies are still developing, their systems are much more vulnerable to these toxins than ours. That was the last thing I wanted at the dinner table!
Choosing stainless steel felt like a no-brainer once I learned all this. It doesn’t leach, doesn’t absorb odors, and is endlessly durable. Plus, it means we can avoid the cycle of buying cheap plastic plates that crack or warp, and then having to replace them over and over again. One set of safe, non-toxic serveware is all we need, and I am so thankful that we invested in it!
For more ideas, check out this post on Force of Nature: NON-TOXIC DINNERWARE FOR KIDS – BEST PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best high chair can feel overwhelming—there are so many options, and as parents, we want to make the right choice. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s less about finding the “perfect” product and more about choosing what matters most for your family. For us, that meant prioritizing non-toxic, eco-friendly options for items that get the most daily use—like our high chair.
If you didn’t find the right high chair on this list that works for your home or budget, that’s okay. Look for safe, natural materials where possible, and focus on features you’ll actually use (like easy cleaning or an adjustable footrest). Every conscious purchase is a step toward protecting your little one’s health and reducing environmental impact.
And remember: you don’t have to do this perfectly. When I was a new mom, I wanted everything to be 100% non-toxic, but that quickly became overwhelming—and expensive. Now I’ve learned to prioritize the items that matter most, compromise where I need to, and give myself grace along the way.
So wherever you are in your parenting journey, know this: by researching and caring enough to make thoughtful choices, you’re already doing an incredible job. Every meal shared at that high chair is about more than just food—it’s about nurturing your child, building family memories, and shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.
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