4 Best Montessori High Chair In 2023 That Are Truly Montessori

As parents in 2023, we all want the best for our children. That’s why many of us look to Montessori principles for guidance on how to provide nurturing and educational experiences from infancy. When it comes to mealtime, a Montessori high chair can be an excellent investment.

In this article, I’ll highlight the top Montessori high chairs available this year that align with Montessori values. We’ll look at chairs that allow your baby to participate, that grow with your child, and that are beautiful and functional.

By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which Montessori high chair is the best choice for your family and be ready to provide your baby with a supportive, engaging eating experience.

Let’s dive in to find the perfect high chair to bring Montessori mealtimes to your home!

Types of Montessori High Chairs

Classic Wooden Montessori High Chair

The classic Montessori high chair has a timeless look and feel. Typically made of natural wood, these chairs have an uncomplicated, unpadded design focused on function. This pared-down aesthetic allows the baby to focus on the meal, rather than distracting embellishments.

The wooden seat and table surface enable easy cleaning between uses. This prevents the spread of germs and helps children understand the care taken to prepare their food space. Simple shapes and subtle contours provide ergonomic support for sitting and eating.

A quality wood chair adjusted to the right height allows baby to sit securely at the family table from the start. This inclusive experience lets them participate and learn by watching others. The exposed wood also enables them to push up to a standing position, working on strength and coordination.

By starting with a wooden high chair, you can add an attachable tray as needed when baby begins actively self-feeding. Look for rounded corners and a slim profile to maximize accessibility. This classic Montessori style remains popular for its safety, adaptability, and emphasis on natural materials.

Modern Style Montessori High Chair

Today’s parents also have the option of stylish, modern high chairs aligned with Montessori ideals. These often have an updated, streamlined look combined with functionality.

For example, the Tripp Trapp chair uses quality beechwood with sleek lines and a small footprint. An adjustable seat and footplate, plus an optional baby set and harness, allow it to grow with your child from infancy through the toddler and preschool years. This durability and adaptability help minimize costs and waste over time.

Modern chairs in ABS plastic provide another lightweight, wipeable, non-toxic choice. The PLANToys Baby High Chair comes in lovely neutral tones like birch or walnut brown. Its smooth curves and rounded edges prevent injury, while an adjustable seat establishes proper eating posture.

Whichever modern style you select, look for easy cleaning, good ergonomics, and safety. Combine with a removable tray or table attachment for best results. This enables even young babies to be part of mealtimes in a developmentally appropriate way.

Foldable/Portable Montessori High Chair

For families on the go, a portable Montessori high chair can be invaluable. Foldable chairs provide needed flexibility during travel or small-space living.

The Joovy Nook, for instance, weighs only 10 pounds but supports children up to 50 pounds. Its swing-open legs, ergonomic seat, and leatherette cover clean up nicely. An attached tray with a cup holder and storage bag round out the functionality.

For travel, the CAMP Tripp high chair folds up small enough to be airplane carry-on size. Despite its light and compact profile, it still offers multiple adjustments, restraint system, and sturdy construction. Easy cleaning between meals prevents messes during transport.

When evaluating portable high chairs, look for straightforward folding, contained messes, and comfort for upright posture. A restraint system helps keep active toddlers safe and secure. The ability to attach the chair to a table also promotes participation in the family meal.

Adjustable Montessori High Chair

Finding a high chair that truly grows with your child takes adjustability. Montessori-friendly designs allow you to tailor the height, footrest, tray position, and other elements as needed.

The IKEA Antilop chair provides remarkable customization at an affordable price point. Raise and lower the seat, and extend the optional tray outward as your child grows. Use a footrest or adjust the height for feet to reach the floor. And change the safety harness and crotch post height for comfort.

For ultimate versatility, the Stokke Tripp Trapp includes an infant ring and seat back that can be removed later. The seat and footplate angle and depth are adjustable too. You can even choose from a range of colour options to match your decor.

The key is finding a high chair with adaptations to accommodate each stage of development. From newborn reclining to toddler stepping, the right adjustments allow independence, security, and table participation. An adaptable chair truly nurtures focus and capability at mealtime.

Key Features of a Montessori High Chair

A Montessori high chair is designed to support a child’s development and independence during mealtimes. Here are some of the key features that make a high chair Montessori-friendly:

Ergonomic Design for Proper Posture

One of the hallmarks of Montessori furniture is its focus on ergonomics. The goal is to allow the child to sit comfortably and maintain proper posture.

Montessori high chairs have a tall, upright backrest to support the spine. This helps the child sit upright rather than slouching. Many chairs also have a footrest for additional support.

The seating area is gently curved to properly fit the contour of the child’s bottom. This enables the legs to hang comfortably without excessive pressure on the thighs.

An ergonomic design provides:

• Upright, supported sitting posture
• Reduced risk of slouching or strain
• Comfort for long durations of sitting

Proper posture is crucial for the healthy development of the back and spine. The ergonomic design of a Montessori high chair sets the stage for proper sitting habits.

Cushioned Seat for Comfort

In addition to the ergonomic shaping, Montessori high chair seats are generously cushioned for comfort.

The seat often has padded cushions made of cotton, polyester fill, or foam. This enables the child to sit contentedly for mealtimes without discomfort.

The cushions are firm yet yielding to cradle the child’s bottom gently. This reduces pressure points that may arise from hard surfaces.

Some Montessori high chair seats may be upholstered in soft, breathable fabric for additional comfort. This creates a cozy and enjoyable experience for mealtimes.

A cushioned seat offers:

• Padding for comfort while sitting
• Pressure relief from body weight
• Cozy and enjoyable mealtimes

The goal is to make sitting in a high chair as comfortable as possible for the child. Proper cushioning helps achieve this.

Footrest for Proper Leg Support

Many Montessori high chairs have a footrest for the child’s legs and feet. This provides appropriate support that aligns the body properly.

When the child’s feet can rest flat on a footrest, it promotes better circulation and nerve development. Dangling legs that lack support may also cause discomfort.

The footrest on a Montessori high chair is adjustable. As the child grows, the footrest can be lowered to adapt to their leg length. This ensures their feet and legs are always fully supported.

A footrest enables:

• Feet to rest flat for proper nerve development
• Enhanced circulation compared to dangling legs
• Customizable height adjustments as the child grows

For children too young to reach the footrest, an attachable foot sling can provide support. Overall, a footrest promotes proper leg posture and developmental health.

Tray or Bar for Self-Feeding

Most Montessori high chairs have a tray or grab bar across the seat. This serves as a surface for the child to use for self-feeding.

The tray provides space to hold a plate, bowl, cup, and utensils within easy reach. The child learns to grasp and manipulate their dishes to feed independently.

Alternatively, a grab bar allows placing dishes on the high chair or tray below. The child still has a handy bar to hold while they self-feed.

Self-feeding aids the child in:

• Developing hand-eye coordination
• Practising fine motor skills by grasping foods and utensils
• Building a sense of capability and independence

Montessori emphasizes self-reliance. The tray or bar enables self-feeding for the child to actively participate in mealtimes.

Removable Parts for Easy Cleaning

Given the messes inherent with self-feeding, Montessori high chairs emphasize easy cleanup.

Key areas like the tray, seat pad, and footrest are removable. These can be taken off the chair and cleaned thoroughly after meals.

The materials used are designed to clean up simply. Plastic trays can be wiped down or washed. Fabric seat pads may be machine washable.

Removable parts allow:

• Quick removal of messy components
• Thorough cleaning that promotes hygiene
• Reattachment of parts for next use

Easy-to-clean high chair designs are essential for practical, low-maintenance mealtimes. Removable parts help simplify the cleanup process.

Benefits of Using a Montessori High Chair

A Montessori high chair offers unique benefits compared to conventional high chair designs. Tailored to a child’s developmental needs, Montessori high chairs promote independence, capability, and healthy growth. Here are some of the top reasons to choose a Montessori high chair.

Promotes Independence and Self-Feeding

One of the biggest advantages of a Montessori high chair is how it enables independence. Key features facilitate self-feeding so the child participates actively at mealtimes.

The tray or grab bar provides a handy surface for the child to access their food and utensils. They can grasp and manipulate dishes to feed themselves, rather than relying on being spoon-fed.

This builds great coordination, motor skills, and a sense of achievement. It also lays the groundwork for positive eating habits.

Self-feeding teaches:

• Improved hand-eye coordination
• Mastery and capability with grasping food and utensils
• Self-reliance and participation at mealtimes

The independence promoted by a Montessori high chair creates a foundation for healthy development.

Adjustable to Grow With Child

Montessori high chairs are designed to be used over several years, adjusting as the child grows. Key features like the footrest and tray are adjustable in height.

For example, the footrest can be lowered as the child’s legs lengthen. This ensures the child’s feet are properly supported as they grow taller.

The tray height can also be adjusted upward to always fall within easy reach. This enables continuous use for self-feeding over time.

Adjustability allows:

• Multi-year use, saving costs
• A continued perfect fit as the child’s size changes
• Uninterrupted features like self-feeding as the child matures

Rather than being quickly outgrown, an adjustable Montessori high chair adapts across ages.

Encourages Proper Posture and Core Strength

The ergonomic design of a Montessori chair helps promote proper posture and core strength.

The upright backrest and supported leg position train the core muscles to sit up straight. This teaches healthy spine alignment and engaged abdominal muscles.

Proper posture:

• Prevents strain of slouching
• Strengthens back and core
• Sets the foundation for proper seated posture

Sitting upright also boosts alertness and attention during meals. The ergonomic design creates beneficial posture habits.

Portable for Use Around the House

Montessori high chairs often have a lightweight, compact base with lockable wheels. This enables manoeuvring the chair smoothly to different rooms.

The wheels make it easy to roll the high chair right up to the dining table with the family. Or the child can snack in the kitchen while a parent cooks.

Portability allows:

• Serving meals in different rooms
• Keeping child nearby for convenience
• Socializing during family mealtimes

The mobility adds flexibility for use around the house wherever desired.

Easy to Clean and Hygienic

Given the potential mess of self-feeding, Montessori high chairs make cleanup easy.

Parts like the tray, footrest, and seat pad detach for washing. Made of durable plastic or washable fabric, these components clean up well.

Quick cleaning between meals makes it hygienic. Thorough deep cleaning is also simple when necessary.

Easy cleanup:

• Promotes hygiene between uses
• Allows quick cleanup after meals
• Enables periodic thorough sanitization

By simplifying washing, Montessori high chair designs prioritize cleanliness. This keeps the chair free of germs and unwanted messes.

What to Look for When Selecting a Montessori High Chair

Choosing the right Montessori high chair takes some careful consideration. While all Montessori chairs emphasize developmental needs, specific features and qualities can vary. Here are some key factors to look for when selecting a high chair.

Age Appropriateness

consider the intended age range of the high chair. Many are designed for children 6 months and up who can sit unassisted. Others accommodate newborns but may require additional infant body support.

Identify an age-appropriate chair with features suitable for that stage. For infants, include options like:

• Newborn recline position
• Infant headrest and harness
• Seat insert for extra support

For older babies and toddlers, seek chairs with:

• Upright seat positioning
• Tray or grab bar for self-feeding
• Footrest to support legs

Picking a high chair aligned with the child’s age ensures the right fit.

Sturdy, Stable Construction

Since children will squirm and move around, the high chair must be sturdily constructed for safety. Look for:

• A wide, heavy base that resists tipping
• Strong materials like wood composites or steel
• Locking wheels for stationary use

Avoid flimsy plastic chairs that could topple. Favour substantial designs that keep children secure.

Comfort Features Like Cushioning

For happy mealtimes, the chair should provide cozy comfort features. Seek ample:

• Padding on the seat and backrest
• Breathable, soft upholstery
• Contoured ergonomic shaping

Cushioning enables contented sitting for extended periods. Prioritize chairs promoting relaxation over hard surfaces.

Adjustability for Growing Child

Montessori high chairs are intended to grow with children over years. Seek designs with:

• Adjustable tray and footrest heights
• Removable seat inserts to accommodate size
• Adjustable recline and harness positions

Customizing the fit enables multi-year use for your investment.

Easy to Assemble and Take Apart

Look for a simple, intuitive assembly with ready-to-attach parts. Simple construction enables quick setup and takedown.

Also, the chair should disassemble easily for thorough cleaning. Favour chairs with:

• Quick snap-on and off components
• Removable parts that are dishwasher safe
• Wheels that lock for stationary stability

The right high chair will serve your child through many developmental milestones. Keep these key factors in mind while selecting the perfect design for your needs.

Top Montessori High Chair Brands and Reviews – Which is the Best?

When selecting a high-quality Montessori-style high chair, there are several top brands that stand out. I reviewed key models from Stokke, OXO Tot, Graco, and Joovy to compare the features and benefits of each. Here are my in-depth reviews of the best Montessori high chair brands and models on the market.

Stokke Tripp Trapp – The Longstanding Classic

The Stokke Tripp Trapp is the best classic Montessori chair made of beautiful solid beech wood. Handmade in Europe, it pioneered the open ergonomic design other brands emulate.

Key Features:

• Timeless Scandinavian style
• Crafted from sustainably sourced wood
• Ergonomically sculpted for posture support
• Independently adjustable seat and footrest
• Optional baby set and accessories available

The contoured seat promotes pelvic positioning that improves spine alignment and reduces slouching. It provides lower back support without using a restrictive backrest.

The seat and footrest adjust independently in height and angle to precisely fit your growing child. This allows use from infancy into the school years.

While expensive, the Stokke Tripp Trapp is the best for longevity and an heirloom-quality investment. The natural materials and effortless styling blend beautifully into homes. It’s my top choice for an ergonomic wooden high chair.

OXO Tot Sprout – Most Affordable Adjustable Chair

For an affordable plastic high chair, the OXO Tot Sprout is the best adjustable option without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

• Adjustable footrest, seat depth, and tray
• 5-point harness for security
• One-hand removable tray
• Compact folding with lockable wheels
• Machine washable seat cushion

This versatile chair accommodates babies as young as 6 months up through toddlerhood. The seat back adjusts to 3 positions so you can find the right recline angle.

The OXO Tot Sprout is the best budget-priced high chair with customization for growing kids. While plastic, it cleans up easily and folds away neatly. The simple design blends into modern homes.

For affordability and flexibility, the OXO Sprout is my top choice.

Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Convertible High Chair – Most Versatile Design

The ingenious Graco Blossom 6-in-1 is the best convertible Montessori high chair that transforms from infant to toddler use.

Key Features:

• Converts from newborn seat to youth chair
• Machine washable seat pad
• Adjustable tray and footrest
• Sturdy steel frame with front leg locks
• Holds child up to 60 lbs

This adaptable chair starts as an infant booster seat with body inserts and headrests. As your child grows, components adjust to support them as a toddler.

The Graco Blossom is the best for versatility and longevity. The wipe-clean seat pad and dishwasher-safe tray simplify cleaning messes. For value across all ages, this is my top convertible high chair pick.

Joovy Foodoo – Best Budget Fixed High Chair

If you want an affordable high chair without adjustability, the Joovy Foodoo is the best simple fixed option.

Key Features:

• Supportive contoured seat and backrest
• 8 height positions to fit tables
• Removable tray with cup holder
• Folds flat for storage
• Machine washable seat pad

While the Foodoo lacks some customization, its simple design provides ergonomic support. The tray adjusts to 8 heights for the right fit at your table. And it folds compactly when not in use.

The Joovy Foodoo is the best basic high chair for enabling kids to join the family table affordably. For a fixed chair without extras, it’s my top budget pick.

Transitioning from a High Chair to Toddler Chair

As your child grows, you’ll eventually need to transition from a traditional high chair to a toddler chair. Here’s what to look for when making this important switch.

Signs your child is ready for a toddler chair

How do you know when your child is ready to move out of a high chair? Key signs include:

• They can get in and out of the chair independently
• They sit well without needing extra support
• They no longer fit comfortably in the high chair

Generally, children around 2 years old may be ready for a toddler chair. But every child develops differently, so base the timing on your child’s skills.

Toddler chair features to look for

Seeking the right toddler chair? Prioritize these features:

• Sturdy construction that won’t tip easily
• Footrest for dangling legs
• Security straps or crotch posts for safety
• Comfortable, upright seat design
• Easy-to-clean and durable materials

The chair should provide posture support while enabling independence.

Tips for safely transitioning your child

When introducing a toddler chair, follow these safety tips:

• Let your child explore sitting in it and getting down while you are near
• Use straps or the crotch post each time for security
• Start with meals and build up time in the chair slowly
• Praise your child for good toddler chair behaviour

With patience, your child will adapt to their “big kid” chair for enjoyable, independent mealtimes!

Montessori High Chair Safety Tips

Using a Montessori-style high chair safely allows your child to reap the benefits of independent feeding. Follow these top safety practices to prevent injuries and make mealtimes worry-free.

Use harness until child can sit independently

Once your baby can sit up, use the high chair’s harness at all times. The harness should fit snugly without chafing.

Keep using the harness each meal until your toddler can get in and out of the chair steadily alone. Avoid relying on the tray to keep your child from slipping or standing. The harness ensures security.

Supervise child during all meals

Actively supervise your child during every meal in the high chair. Stay nearby to monitor your baby or toddler while they eat.

Watch for unsafe behaviours like standing up, flailing limbs, or playing with the tray. Your presence helps prevent dangerous movements and redirects them calmly.

Ensure tray is securely attached

Before each use, confirm the tray locks securely to the high chair. Try rotating or moving the tray to test the attachment.

A loose tray could detach, allowing your child to fall. Always check the lock and stability so your child can grip the tray safely.

Check for product recalls and follow guidelines

Research your high chair model online to check for any recall notices related to safety issues. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions.

Regularly inspect the chair for damage or missing parts needing repair or replacement. Up-to-date products used properly help avoid high chair injuries.

By taking these important safety precautions, you can ensure your child enjoys all the developmental benefits of self-feeding in their Montessori chair safely. Supervision and common-sense care give your child independence with peace of mind.

how to adjust stokke tripp trapp?

The Stokke Tripp Trapp is an ergonomic high chair that can be adjusted as your child grows. Here are some tips for adjusting the chair:

Adjusting the Seat Height

• To raise the seat, lift it up and move the rods on the inside of the chair legs to the desired height.
• To lower the seat, press the button on the back of the chair and slide the seat down.
• The seat can be adjusted to 5 different heights as your child grows.

Adjusting the Footrest

• The footrest height can also be adjusted by moving the rods. Make sure the footrest allows your child’s feet to rest flat.
• For babies, you may want to remove the footrest entirely so their legs can bend comfortably.

Adding the Baby Set

• The Stokke Tripp Trapp can be used for babies with the baby set accessory.
• The baby set includes a baby seat that provides extra support and a soft restraint to keep the baby secure.
• The tray that comes with the baby set can also be added for meals or activities.

Tightening the Harness

• The 5-point harness on the seat back should be tightened so your child sits snugly against the seat back.
• Adjust the straps by pulling the slider where the straps come together.
• For older kids, the straps can be removed entirely.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to help explain how to adjust the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair.

Cleaning and Maintenance of a Montessori High Chair

Keeping your Montessori high chair clean is essential for your child’s health and safety. Follow these tips to properly care for and maintain your high chair.

Clean after every use

After each mealtime, remove any uneaten food from the tray and seat. Use a damp cloth to wipe up crumbs, drips, or spills.

This quick cleaning prevents messes from crusting on and avoids attracting bugs. It takes just a minute after each use.

Wash removable parts by hand or dishwasher

Detach the tray, seat pad, and footrest and thoroughly wash these parts. You can hand wash in hot, soapy water. Or place them safely in the dishwasher.

Let all removable pieces air dry completely before reattaching them to the chair for the next use.

Wipe down chair with damp cloth

Use a clean damp cloth or spray cleaner to wipe off the legs, base, and other chair sections. Pay attention to crevices where food can hide.

This keeps the overall chair clean for your baby or toddler. Sticky messes can cling to active little hands!

Periodically inspect for damage or wear

Regularly inspect the high chair for signs of damage – cracks, missing pieces, loose fasteners, or fraying.

Check that the tray and footrest adjust properly and lock securely. Ongoing maintenance ensures safety and extends the chair’s useful life.

By incorporating high chair cleaning into your regular routine, you can provide your child with a hygienic feeding experience while keeping your high chair like new. Consistent care is key!

FAQs: Montessori high chair

conclusion

After learning about the unique benefits of Montessori high chairs, I hope you feel confident embracing a purposeful design for your baby’s developmental feeding needs. By prioritizing posture, skill building, and independence, these chairs create meaningful mealtimes full of discovery.

Choose an adjustable, durable model that will support your child safely from infant to toddler years. Follow tips to ensure healthy transitions, proper cleaning, and injury-free use.

Most importantly, delight in your growing child’s blossoming capability at the table thanks to their Montessori chair! Mealtimes go by so fast – an ergonomic, supportive seat allows your child to make the most of them, gaining priceless developmental skills with each bite.

Let a Montessori chair foster engagement and success at family mealtimes.