Is your baby starting you be at an age when they get frustrated with tummy time and want to start seeing the world from a different perspective? Do they enjoy being in a seated position instead of lying down the whole time? If so, it’s time to think about a baby seat for sitting up.
While this can be quite an exciting time for your baby (and for the parents), it can also be quite tricky: while your baby is happy when in a seated position, they might not be ready yet to sit by themselves unattended and, as parents, we can’t always be there to hold them!
To help, I’ve looked at the baby sit up chairs on the market and come up with my top ten best baby seats for sitting up to help keep your baby happy and supported so you have your hands free.
How to Choose a Baby Chair for Sitting Up
First things first, before going through the list of seats to help baby sit up, there’s a few things that you should consider when choosing one for your family. Not all baby chairs are the same and, depending on how you want to use it or on your child’s age, you should be looking at different options.
Here’s a few questions you should ask yourself:
1) Is it Easy to Store?
It is so easy to have so many things that start piling up at home when you have kids and, if you have limited space at home, this is quite an important thing to consider. How easy is the baby seat or chair to store?
If it’s a bulky high chair, can you easily fold it and store it away when you are not using it? Or if it’s an exersaucer (which can’t usually be packed away), do you have enough space in your lounge for it?
2) Is it Portable?
Are you going to be travelling with your baby chair or is it something that you just wish to have at home. If you want to take it with you wherever you go, make sure to look into something that is compact and portable, so that you can easily pack it away in the boot of the car.
The same applies to your home, and whether you want to be able to carry the seat around the house or not. You can take a baby floor seat or a baby bouncer with you in every room, but I doubt you can or want to carry a baby high chair or an exersaucer from one room to another.
3) Is it Safe?
This is quite important: always make sure to look into the safety precautions and age limits for whichever baby seat you intend to buy. For high chairs, for example, make sure to buy one with a 5-point harness if you have a very wriggly child, and don’t put a 6 month old in a baby bouncer unless you want them to flip over and hurt themselves.
I am going to give you some guidelines here on what baby seat is safe for what age/weight, but remember to use your own judgement as well, as not all children reach the same developmental milestones at the same time.
4) How do you want to use the Baby Chair?
Do you just want a chair to help baby sit up, or do you also want to use it to feed your baby? Or both?
If you want to use it feed your child, lots of baby seats come with a handy feeding tray. Plus the tray will help when baby starts to eat on his own.
At the same time, if you just want something for baby to sit on and possibly entertain him while you do some chores around the house, then there’s other seats that come with toys attached for baby to play with.
5) Is it Easy to Clean?
Last but not least, make sure that whatever you buy is easy to clean, particularly if it’s a baby chair that you are going to be using for meals and snacks as well! They can get so messy – you really want something that is made of plastic that you can easily wipe, or something with parts that can be taken off and washed!
Most baby seats are easy to clean. However, I personally could never stand the idea of having a high chair with cushions that constantly get dirty for example! But that might be just me …. 🙂
When is Baby Ready to Sit Up in a Chair?
Another important thing to understand is when your baby is actually ready to sit up in a chair. The answer to this question varies greatly depending on the type of baby chair you are using and on your baby’s development.
Let’s start by saying that a baby may begin sitting up with some help by 4–6 months of age, and at 6 months, they may not need assistance. By 9 months, they should be able to get into a sitting position without any support. However, different babies develop at different rates and some may get there earlier or later than others.
That said, some baby chairs for sitting up are specific for infants: these provide support for your little one’s heads, as they are not able to sit up independently yet. A baby bouncer is a classic example.
Other baby chairs, on the other hand, require your baby to be strong and old enough to be able to sit on their own, as they provide no head support. These can be quite dangerous to use if your baby is not old enough to sit in them.
High chairs, for example, can be used by 6 months of age. However, it is recommended that you wait until about 8-9 months before transitioning them to one, as by that age, they can definitely sit up on their own and it’s going to be much safer.
Again, I will give you some guidance on recommended weight and age for each of the baby chairs listed below.
Related: When can Baby sit in a High Chair?
The Best Baby Sit Up Chairs
After reviewing the various models on the market, here’s my list of best baby chairs for sitting up. To make it easier, I have group these in different types of chairs, so that you can choose the best one for your needs and baby’s age.
Here’s a list of the different types:
- Best Baby Bouncers
- Best Baby Floor Seats
- Best High Chairs
- Best Booster Seats
- Best Hook-On Chairs
- Best Exercausers
| Chair Type | Age Limits | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Bouncers | From newborn or 3-6 months until when baby can sit on his own (6-7 months), or even later than that | 25-30 Pounds |
| Baby Floor Seats | From about 3 to 9 months, or until bay can sit on his own | 25-30 Pounds |
| High Chairs | From around 6 months, until they reach the weight limit of the chair (up to 3 years of age) | 40-60 Pounds |
| Booster Seats | From 18-24 months until about 5 years old | 30-50 Pounds |
| Hook On Chairs | From around 6 months, until they reach the weight limit of the chair | 30-40 Pounds |
| Exercausers | From around 4 months, until they reach the weight limit of the chair | 25-30 Pounds |
Best Baby Bouncers
Bouncer seats are great for parents with little babies that can’t sit up on their own yet (they provide full neck support) and want to be able to put baby down for a short time while doing something else. They are particularly perfect to soothe crying babies thanks to their rocking motion. Most of them comes with different reclining positions, so that you can either lay or sit your baby in it.
Related: 18 Tips on how to Soothe a Crying Baby
Features
Baby bouncers have angled seats with a stationary frame and they include restraints or straps to make sure baby doesn’t fall off. Thy are called “bouncers” because the seat moves with baby moving: some even have built-in vibration or rock back and forth thanks to a built-in battery.
Some models also come with music or toy bars at the front to keep baby entertained. But the greatest thing is that they are extremely lightweight and can be easily transported from one place to another around the house.
Safety Precautions
While a baby bouncer can be your biggest ally when wanting to take a break or do some house chores, you need to use it carefully so that it doesn’t become a danger to your child:
- Always use in on the floor and never on an elevated surface such as the kitchen counter, particularly if the surface is soft like a bed, as it’s easier for the bouncer to tip over.
- Always use restraints and adjust them so that baby can’t crawl out, but also make sure they are not too tight, otherwise they can suffocate your baby.
- Never let your child sleep in a baby bouncer unattended! Their larger head size and smaller neck muscles make it very easy for their head to flop forward and obstruct their airways, leading to suffocation.
- Don’t let your child lie or sit in a baby bouncer for more than 20 minutes at the time. Experts recommend this as long periods in reclining seats that prop your baby in a sitting position can delay their ability to sit on their own.
- You should also not use a baby bouncer when the weight of the baby becomes more than the weight of the bouncer. Even though most bouncer have a weight limit of 25-30 pounds, if your baby is too heavy, it can shake the bouncer and there is a higher risk of baby falling off and getting injured.
Age Recommendations
The age during which your baby can sit in a baby bouncer highly depends on the model. However, on average, bouncer seats can be used from an age of 3-6 months until your baby starts sitting on its own. This can be as early as 5 months, or can take up to 8-9 months for your baby.
That said, many bouncers can be used for little newborns as well. Just make sure that baby fits comfortable in it. We found that, with our second daughter who was very tiny as a newborn, we couldn’t really use one until she was a bit older.
Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
| Price | $$$$ – $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Max Weight | 39.68 lb / 18 Kgs |
The No products found. is the perfect solution if you are looking for something that will last from when your baby is little until they are a toddler (you can use it up to 40 lb/18 kg). In fact, this bouncer / rocker transforms from a comfortable and reclining seat to a sturdy baby chair for sitting up.
I love the fact that it comes in so many different colors and patterns, and it has some hanging toys for baby to look at. Don’t expect a very small baby to be able to play and reach for the toys though: they are just there to provide some distraction while you are doing something else around the house!
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅It grows with your baby and transforms from a bouncer / rocker to a sturdy chair ✅Removable toy bar to keep baby entertained ✅Removable seat pad so you can wash it ✅Vibration included | ❌It doesn’t play music ❌You need to push it for it to rock |
Baby Björn Bouncer Balance Soft
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Max Weight | 28 lbs / 12.7 Kgs |
The Baby Björn Bouncer Balance Soft is another great option if you want a bouncer that transitions to a chair helps baby sit up. In fact, once your child is able to stand and sit on their own, it can be turned into a chair and used until the age of 2 (max weight recommendations of 28 lbs / 12.7 Kgs).
What’s quite interesting about this bouncer is the fact that baby can make it rock very easily by simply moving in it, so you don’t need battery power or your hands/feet to constantly rock it. I don’t know how many hours I have spent rocking my daughter in her bouncer with my feet while trying to watch some tv on the couch 🙂
What I also love about it is the fact that it’s one of the lightest bouncers around and it folds completely flat, so it’s perfect to store away or to take on vacation with you.
One warning: even though the bouncer is advertised for up to 2 years, the weight limit is 12.7 Kgs! So, depending on your child’s weight, they might outgrow this bouncer well before 2 years old.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅It grows with your baby and transforms from a bouncer to a chair ✅Removable fabric so you can wash it ✅3 different positions (play, rest and transport mode) ✅It can be turned flat if you want to store it or transport it somewhere else ✅Lightweight | ❌No music or vibration ❌Expensive |
Ingenuity Boutique Collection Rocking Seat
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 24.2 lbs / 11 Kgs |
The Ingenuity Boutique Collection Rocking Seat is a bouncer or rocker that can convert to a stationary seat. It doesn’t really become a toddler seat like the two options above (note the lower weight limit), but still becomes a nice and comfy baby chair for sitting up while providing head and neck support.
What I love about this baby seat, other than the fact that it has all the extra features such as vibration, music or a toy bar, is the fact that it has a 5-point (instead of the more standard 3-point) harness to make sure baby doesn’t fall forward and out the bouncer. This is super handy if you have a very wriggly child that climbs out of everything!
Note that the straps can not be adjusted and are a bit tight, so maybe this is not the best option if you have a bit of a chubby baby.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Can convert to a stationary seat ✅Removable seat pad so you can wash it ✅3 different recline positions ✅Vibration and music included ✅Removable head rest for smaller babies ✅5-point harness ✅Toy bar | ❌Straps do not adjust ❌The toy bar is quite flimsy ❌Not the best quality – many report the vibration stopped working after a few weeks |
Best Baby Floor Seats
Baby Floor Seats or Sit Up Seats are chairs that help baby sit up with less support compared to a bouncer (no head or neck support). That means that you can use them when baby starts showing signs that they can sit up and hold their weight on their own, but they still need a little help so they don’t fall over every three seconds.
They can be your transition chair from a baby bouncer to a high chair!
Features
Baby floor seats are exactly what the name implies: floor seats!
Some of them include restraints or straps to make sure baby doesn’t fall off, and some have toys attached or a little feeding tray to keep baby occupied for a little while. Some even convert to a newborn seat or to a booster seat.
Safety Precautions
Similarly to the bouncer, make sure that you use a baby floor seat only on the floor and never on an elevated surface, just in case baby falls over. Also use the restraints (if provided) and adjust them so that baby can’t crawl out.
Another important thing with a baby floor seat is to understand that, even though they help baby sit up, they can be counter productive in teaching them how to sit independently. In fact, these chairs tend to restrict baby’s movements, which are necessary for them to build the muscle strength to be able to sit up on their own. For this reason, it is best not to leave your baby in them for more than 15 minutes at the time.
Age Recommendations
Similarly to a bouncer, baby floor seats can be used as baby chairs for sitting up from around 3 months to 9 months of age, or as soon as your baby can hold themselves up independently. However, according to Healthline, it’s probably best to wait until your baby is 6-8 months and closer to being able to sit on their own, so that they don’t stop practicing holding themselves up by relying solely on the chair.
If you are very eager to put your baby in a baby floor seat from a very young age, just remember to stick to the 15 minute rule as much as possible!
Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat
| Price | $$$$ – $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 25 lbs / 11.3 Kgs |
The Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat is a great baby floor seat, with a couple of hanging toys at the front to grab baby’s attention (and likely end up in their mounth!) and so many colors and styles to choose from. What I love about this baby floor seat is that it folds nice and flat, so perfect if you want to store it away or take with you when travelling.
With an extra $20 or so, you can even get a version with a tray, so that you can start feeding baby in it as well (or baby can learn how to feed himself!).
The downside of this item is that the seat design doesn’t allow for older babies, or babies that are taller or chubbier than average, to come out very easily. Lots of parents complain that they struggle getting baby out. So, if you have a baby in the highest weight percentile, don’t expect this to last very long!
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Attached toys at the front ✅Folds flat for easy storage or travel ✅Removable seat pad so you can wash it | ❌Will not last very long if you have a tall or chubby baby |
Summer Infant 3-Stage Deluxe SuperSeat
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 33 lbs / 15 Kgs |
The Summer Infant 3-Stage Deluxe SuperSeat has got an amazing and unique design, so definitely deserves a spot as one of the best baby chairs for sitting up.
It can be set up in 3 separate ways: as a soft foam support seat, as an activity set (with tray and toys), or as a booster seat. This, coupled with the maximum weight that goes up to 33 lbs, means you really get a good use out of this one! The seat also includes a three-point harness so that baby can’t fall forward.
What I really love about it is the detachable and rotating tray with the cup holders and toys: perfect to keep baby entertained and for them to start having some snacks on their own. Not to mention the very affordable price. However, the cheap price comes with some downsides: the tray can be quite flimsy and lots of parents complain is not as easy to rotate.
I have also seen a few complaints that it’s not as easy to put your baby in or take them out with the tray on. This is an issue similar to the Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat and, unfortunately, it’s because the design of a baby floor seat with a tray doesn’t work very well with taller or chubbier babies.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Removable and rotating tray with cup holders and toys ✅Removable toy bar ✅Can be used as a simple support seat, an activity set, or as a booster seat ✅3-point harness | ❌The tray can be quite flimsy ❌You won’t be able to use the tray for very long if you have a tall or chubby baby |
Bumbo Foam Floor Seat
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Max Weight | 25 lbs / 11.3 Kgs |
The Bumbo Foam Floor Seat is often seen as the definition of a baby floor seat. However, it’s just one of the different options and still a good chair to help baby sit up.
The design is very simple and it’s made of a material (low-density foam) that it’s super easy to wipe and clean. It’s also very lightweight, so that can be transported very easily around the house or when going out, and it has a 3-point harness for safety.
What I love about it is it’s simplicity: only one piece to worry about and super easy to keep clean. If you want, you can also spend and extra $10 and get one with a tray, but I would personally buy a high chair or booster seat instead when baby is older and ready to transition to one.
The downside of the bumbo chair is that the holes for the leg don’t give much room for chubbier or older babies, who might struggle to fit in nicely!
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅3-point harness ✅Very lightweight and compact ✅Super easy to clean ✅It comes in many different colors to choose from | ❌Leg holes too small for bigger babies ❌Nothing attached to it to entertain baby |
Best High Chairs
High chairs are designed for parents to feed their baby in them, so they have a tray that’s aligned to tables’ heights. While they are definitely handy that way, and usually become a priority when baby hits the 4 to 6 month mark, they are also perfect chairs for baby to sit in while you do other things around the house.
Features
There are many different types of high chairs on the market, with many different features: from wooden to plastic high chairs, with padded seats or without, with wheels or that fold flat for easier storage, with adjustable or removable tray, etc. Some are obviously more expensive than other but, ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what features will work best for your home and family dynamics.
I have listed below here what I personally consider to be the best high chairs for portability (if you can move it around easily), for travel, and best overall for the number of features.
Safety Precautions
Considering that your baby is a bit older when sitting on a high chair compared to a bouncer or a floor seat, you need to remember that he or she is also a lot more mobile! So, you really need to be extra careful when using a high chair that your baby doesn’t fall off.
- The strap always needs to be on. There’s nothing worse than forgetting about it and seeing your toddler standing on it when you turn around (been there, done that!).
- Never leave your baby unattended on a high chair in general.
- Always remember to lock the wheels (if your high chair has wheel) when baby is in it.
Age Recommendations
There’s a lot of information here on when it is safe to start using a high chair for your baby to sit it in, as it really depends on your baby’s development. However, as a general guideline, babies can start using a high chair for sitting up from around 6 months or when they can start sitting independently without extra help or support.
They can then keep using it until they exceed the weight limit of the high chair, when they don’t fit in it anymore, or when they become to hard to contain in it! In simple terms: it really depends on the type of high chair you got and on your baby’s determination to get out of it 🙂
My first daughter set happily in a high chair until she was almost three: she had no desire to climb out. Whereas with my second daughter we had to transition her to a booster seat when she was already 1.5 years old: she figured out straight away how to get out of the strap (it was a 5-point harness!) and would try and climb out every time.
Safety 1st 3-in-1 Grow & Go (Best for Portability)
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 55 lbs / 22.7 Kgs |
The Safety 1st 3-in-1 Grow & Go High Chair is a great option if you want something that can be easily moved around the house or stored away, and that comes at a relatively affordable price. In fact, it comes with 4 lockable wheels and a compact fold that stands on its own.
Other great features are the removable and dishwasher safe tray, the removable seat pad so that you can wash it, and a 5-point harness for safety. Not to mention it has 3 different recline options, so that you can also use it as an infant seat to heap baby sit up, before it becomes a proper upright high chair.
Note that some parents report it to be a bit flimsy, so possibly not the best quality overall, but still a good buy if it’s portability features are something you are looking for in a high chair.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅4 wheels ✅3 recline positions ✅Removable tray ✅Removable seat pad so you can wash it ✅5-point harness | ❌Can be a bit flimsy |
Primo PopUp Folding High Chair (Best for Travel)
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 35 lbs / 15.9 Kgs |
The Primo PopUp Folding High Chair is the best solution if you travel a lot and want something very compact that you can take with you every time. It folds down to just 4 inches thick and weighs only 20 lbs.
I also love the fact that it is very easy to clean and the removable tray is dishwasher safe. But don’t like the fact that it has a 3-point harness instead of 5.
Another issue with this high chair is that the tray can’t be moved and it leaves a big gap between the baby and the tray. This is not a biggy for older babies, but makes life harder for little ones. Lots of parents use an extra cushions on the back for smaller babies, but this is not ideal.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Super compact and lightweight ✅Easy to clean | ❌3-point harness ❌No wheels ❌Big gap between baby and tray |
Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair (Best Overall)
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Max Weight | 40 lbs / 18.1 Kgs (High Chair) 60 lbs / 27.2 Kgs (Booster) |
The graco blossom convertible high chair comes at a slightly higher price compared to other chairs but it can be a great investment if you can afford it.
First of all, it includes both a high chair and booster seat (with 6 different configurations in total) so that you can use it for much longer, or you can even use it for 2 different children at the same time. It also has 6 height adjustments (you can even feed baby over a kitchen counter) and 3 different recline positions to make it comfortable for younger babies as well.
The tray is removable and dishwasher safe, and the seat pad can also be removed to be washed. It has both front and read wheels, and a foot rest for baby’s feet.
What I love about it, other than the fact that you can use it for such a long time with one or more kids, is the fact that it has a 5-point harness: not all high chairs have it, but I think it’s one of the most important features to have if you want to minimize the chances of your baby getting out.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅6 different configuration, from infant seat to youth chair ✅6 height adjustments ✅3 recline positions ✅Removable tray ✅Removable seat pad so you can wash it ✅Wheels ✅5-point harness | ❌More expensive than other high chairs |
Best Booster Seats
Booster seats for eating (not to be confused with booster seats for cars) are chairs that help baby sit up at the table. They can either strap onto regular dining chairs or sit alone on the floor.
They are usually the next step for babies after a high chair, and finally allow your child to join you at the table for meals, sitting almost like an adult. However, they can also be used when travelling instead of a high chair, as they take up way less space compared to a high chair.
Features
Booster seats are all very standard: they have a strap that goes under the chair, and one that goes at the back of the chair to secure it, plus a 3-point harness to prevent baby from falling off. Some even have a removable tray at the front if you prefer baby to eat on the tray instead of the table.
Some booster seats are sturdier than others and are made for people that want to use them regularly at home. Whereas others are designed more for travel, being lightweight and foldable.
Some may be height adjustable (to make sure that your baby is always at the right height compared to the table) or include a reclined position for younger babies.
Safety Precautions
Booster seats can be quite dangerous for children, even more so than high chairs, as it’s easier for your baby to fall out. So, it’s even more important with booster seats that you follow these safety precautions.
- Make sure that the booster seat is installed correctly, with both straps around the chair. When you are in a rush, it’s so easy to just place the booster seat on the chair without securing it, but take the time to do it if you want to avoid any accident!
- Always secure your toddler in the seat at every meal, even if your toddler is not so keen on it. Slipping out could cause serious injuries.
- Never leave your child unattended no a booster seat! I have seen my daughters pushing themselves backwards so many times because they like to push their feet on the table. Sometime they even like to sway side to side (playing or doing god knows what) and they almost fell off so many times. I never leave them alone on a booster seat.
Age Recommendations
Booster seats are design for babies that can already sit up by themselves unassisted (which usually happens between 6 to 9 months). However, children that are too young and can’t sit nicely at the table yet might not be ready to transition to a booster seat until they are 18 to 24 months.
Also, if your baby is quite happy in a high chair, consider leaving them there as long as you can. Unless you are quite keen for your baby to join you at the dining table, I personally think babies in high chairs are so much easier to handle!
My oldest for example, transitioned to a booster seat when she was almost 3, whereas my youngest was ready for it at 18 months already. Particularly because, as I mentioned above, it was too dangerous to leave her on the high chair, as she constantly wanted to climb out.
Once babies transition to a booster seat, you can leave them there until they are about 5 years old.
Ingenuity SmartClean Toddler Booster Seat
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Max Weight | 33 lbs / 15 Kgs |
The Ingenuity Toddler Booster Seat is my number one choice when talking about booster seats. I have used one with both my daughters and absolutely love it.
The thing I love the most about it is that it’s extremely simple: it comes with a base and a removable foam insert that is both comfortable for baby and so easy to clean. It is also very lightweight, so we’ve taken it with us on so many family trips.
If I have to be very picky, the only thing that bothers me a little bit is the stain marks that I can’t wash off after almost 3 years of use on the side of the foam, where baby always touches it with her dirty hands.
If you prefer a version with a tray, you can also look into the Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 Seat.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lightweight ✅Super easy to clean ✅Choice of different colors | ❌ None! |
The First Years On-the-Go Booster Seat
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 50 lbs / 22.7 Kgs |
The First Years On-the-Go Booster Seat is the most perfect solution if you are travelling a lot. It comes in a super compact bag (11 x 9 x 12 inches) and it self-inflates when you need to use it to an adjustable height up to 4 inches.
One thing to note about this booster seat though is that it is not very safe to use until your baby is able to sit nicely by themselves without the risk of falling sideways and tipping the whole chair over. The manufacturer says it can’t be used from 9 months, but I would definitely wait until my baby is older to give it a go. And even then, never leave your child unattended in it.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Super compact for travel | ❌Not safe until baby is a bit older |
Fisher-Price SpaceSaver
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 40 lbs / 18.1 Kgs |
The Fisher-Price SpaceSaver has quite a unique design: you can use it as a baby chair for sitting up from when you little one is 4-6 months (with 3 recline positions), and then it transforms in a toddler booster seat from when your baby is a bit older. It also has 2 height adjustments, so you can fit it to the exact height you need.
It includes a removable tray for feeding and removable seat pad so that you can wash it. Just watch the tray as it can leave a small gap for fingers to get caught into.
One of the things I appreciate the most about this booster seat is the 5 -point harness for safety. I always get a bit nervous with just a 3-point harness, particularly when having a very wriggly child.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅2 height adjustments ✅3 recline positions for infants as well ✅Converts from baby high chair to toddler booster seat ✅Includes tray for feeding ✅5-point harness | ❌Tray design not the safest |
Best Hook-On Chairs
Hook-On Chairs are another type if seat to help baby sit up, and they work by hooking to a table of bench, so that baby can be at the right height next to you. We’ve been using one on our kitchen bench for several months with our kids, as the high chair was not tall enough, and so that they could keep us company while cooking and preparing meals.
Features
The type of chairs have “hooks” or “clip” that allow you to clip the seat to the table or bench. The clips can be adjusted to work with different thicknesses.
They are usually lightweight and very portable, so they can be a perfect solution for when you are travelling or simply going out to a restaurant. Some of them come with a tray, some don’t.
The types of chairs are also made of a fabric that is not as easy to wipe as with traditional high chairs or booster seats.
Safety Precautions
Obviously, always remember to use the safety straps when your baby is sitting in a hook on chair. But also be mindful that these chairs can’t be hooked on just any table: the table should be at least half-inch thick and should be very stable. Plus you can’t use them on glass-topped table as the class could shatter.
Age Recommendations
Hook-on chairs, similarly to all other chairs for baby sitting up, can be used from the moment your baby is comfortable sitting up on their own, until they reach about 37 pounds / 16.8 Kgs (depending on the chair). This means they can’t be used as long as high chairs or booster seats.
Don’t make the mistake of putting your baby in it when they are still to young: this is particularly true for hook-on chairs, as they offer less support than the more rigid and traditional high chairs, which can be very tiring for a child who’s just learning how to sit up.
Chicco 360 Rotating Hook-On Booster Chair
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 37 lbs / 16.8 Kgs |
The Chicco 360 Rotating Hook-On Booster Chair deserves first spot for the best hook-on chair – I just love the innovative design! This seat rotates 360 degrees and locks in 6 different positions so that you can feed baby from whichever position feels more comfortable.
It also comes with a removable and dishwasher-safe tray, a machine-washable fabric (a big plus for these types of chairs) and a carry bag for travel.
The biggest downside, and reason why it doesn’t get 5 star, is the fact that it’s not the easiest chair to clean. The mechanism that allows it to rotate also has lots of hole where the food get stuck, and these has the potential to drive a lot of parents crazy.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Rotates 360 ✅Removable and dishwasher-safe tray ✅Machine washable fabric ✅Carry bag for travel | ❌Not very easy to clean |
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Max Weight | 37 lbs / 16.8 Kgs |
The Inglesina Fast Table Chair has a nice portable and collapsible design, as it can be flattened to fit in a travel-friendly carry bag. It also comes with a handy storage pocket at the back, perfect for storing wipes or some snacks for the road.
I love the fact that it comes in different colors and it also includes a feeding tray to avoid having al the food falling on the floor.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Portable with carry bag ✅Feeding tray included ✅Storage bag at the back | ❌The fabric is not so easy to clean |
Guzzie+Guss Perch Clip On Table Chair
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Weight | 37 lbs / 16.8 Kgs |
The Guzzie+Guss Perch Clip On Table Chair is one of my favorites because of the 5-point harness: this is a major plus if you have a very wriggly child. I feel like if I had this with my second daughter we could have used the hook-on chair for much longer, as she kept wanting to climb out.
This hook-on chair also folds flat and comes with a carry bag for travel. Plus you can add an optional placemat (sold separately) to catch all the food before it falls on the floor.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Very compact ✅5-point harness ✅Different colors to choose from | ❌Not the easiest to take on and off the table |
Best Exercausers
An exercauser is a stationary play center for your baby, consisting of a round base and lots of toys around it, as well as an elevated seat for them to sit it. So, I guess it can be seen as another type of baby chair for sitting up.
While it is very similar to a walker, a baby in an exercauser can’t move it around. It doesn’t have wheels and babies can just touch the bottom with their big toes.
Features
Exercausers come in many different forms and you can expect to spend anywhere betweer $50 to $200 for one, depending on the features they offer.
However, in general, they all have rotating seats, so that baby can spin around and pay with their favorite toys, and most of them come with an adjustable height. Some can be folded down flat for easier storage, and some have a seat that act as a jumper as well instead of something stationary.
Safety Precautions
Exercausers are relatively safe to use, particularly compared to a walker, as the chances of your baby tipping it over are minimizer. However, always make sure to follow these safety precautions:
- Lock the exercauser into correct position before placing baby in it to prevent it from collapsing
- Check it often for broken or loose parts that can pose a chocking hazard for your baby
- Do not position the exercauser near steps
Also, be aware that you shouldn’t leave your baby in an exercauser for too long: some experts recommend using it for only 15 minutes once a day. This is because babies sitting in an exercauser for too long tend to develop a poor posture and standing position, as well as a poor sense of balance control. All of this can delay their ability to start walking.
Age Recommendations
Like many other chairs listed above, exercausers can only be used from babies that are at least 4-6 months old and that can hold their head up on their own. They should then stop using it when they can walk by themselves, when they can climb out of it, or when they reach over 30 inches tall.
Evenflo Triple Fun Active Learning Center
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★✰ |
| Max Height | 30” / 76 cm |
We had the Evenflo Triple Fun Active Learning Center for both my daughters and they absolutely loved it. It has lots of toys all the way around and above baby’s head, plus 3 height adjustments so that it can be lifted as baby grows. The seat pad can be removed if you want to wash it.
What I love about this one is the fact that is can also used as a playmat for infants, or as an activity table for when baby starts walking or standing.
The only downside is that if you want all the musical toys to work it does require a lot of batteries! Also, it’s quite heavy if you want to move it – We really struggled to lift it up when we had to store it on the roof in between babies.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lots of toys ✅3 height adjustments ✅Removable seat pad ✅Can be used as an activity table as baby grows | ❌It requires a lot of batteries ❌It’s quite heavy (6 Kgs) |
Fisher-Price Jumperoo
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Max Weight & Height | 26.5 lbs / 12 Kgs 32” / 81.3 cm |
The Fisher-Price Jumperoo is very similar to the Evenflo Exercauser above: the seat rotates 360 degrees, lot of toys, 3 height adjustments, and a removable seat pad. The main difference is that this one is much lighter (half the weight!) and cheaper.
The downside is that it can only be used while your baby is little and only up to 12 Kgs.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lots of toys ✅3 height adjustments ✅Removable seat pad | ❌It requires a lot of batteries |
Skip Hop Baby Activity Center
| Price | $$$$ |
| Star Rating | ★★★★★ |
| Max Weight | 28 lbs / 12.7 Kgs |
The Skip Hop Baby Activity Center is another great seat to help baby sit up and I love its innovative design!
Similarly to the other exercausers, it has a rotting seats and quite a few toys. However, the toys are not fixed into position: they can be clipped on anywhere along the edge. Also, the feet can touch a little piano to play music, and babies have a little window that allows them to see their feet moving: this promotes spatial awareness, as well as teaching cause and effect.
What I also love about it, is that it transforms into an activity table when baby gets a bit older and starts walking around, and finally converts into a sturdy table when baby is old enough to use it for coloring, playing, and more.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Several height adjustments ✅Converts to an activity table and then normal table to play ✅Extra stimulation for the feet ✅Toys can be positioned anywhere along the edge | ❌None – maybe that it’s a bit more expensive than other exercausers |
How to Help Baby Sit Up
If you are eager for your baby to start sitting up independently in one of the baby chairs listed above, there are a few things that you can do to help them develop the necessary strength and skills:
- Encourage tummy time
- Practice assisted sitting (either on your lap or sitting on the floor between your legs)
- Use pillows around them for support
Just remember not to push your baby too much – they all get there eventually, some just earlier than others! Safety should always be the first priority, and sitting your baby in a chair too early could result in your baby getting hurt.
Summary
Here it is mama, my list of the best baby chairs for sitting up, depending on baby’s age and development. I hope I have inspired you to get the perfect one for your baby and for your home!
Unfortunately, there isn’t just one that will last for your baby from when they are 4 months until they are ready to sit by themselves on a normal chair. Bouncers, floor seats and exercausers are more suited for little babies that are just learning how to hold their head and body upright, whereas high chairs, hook-on chairs and booster seats are chairs for older babies that have already started sitting by themselves, but still require some help not to fall off.
So, it’s totally normal for parents to buy a combination of these as baby grows. I actually had all of them except the floor seat for my daughter and I used them all quite a bit.
If your baby is almost ready to sit by themselves, also check out these hip seat baby carriers: they are amazing and way less painful on your shoulders and back compared to normal carriers!
For more tips and information with regards to life with little kids, also check out these related articles:
- When can Baby sit in a High Chair? (A Detailed Guide!)
- 18 Pacifier Alternatives (for Babies & Toddlers!)
- 18 of the Best Tips on How to Soothe a Crying Baby
- How to Weigh Baby at Home (All Methods Explained!)
- 26 Baby Diaper Blowout Hacks & Tips (NO more Mess!)
- 30 Formula & Bottle Feeding Tips (to Make it Easier!)
- Baby Waking Up Multiple Times a Night: here’s what you need to know
Are you looking at buying a baby chair for sitting up and have some questions with regards to what’s written above in this article? Or have you got some extra tip or information to share? Then please let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
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A great guide. Makes me broody. So many more options since mine were babies. Thanks for linking up to #fortheloveofblog
Wow this is such a comprehensive round up! There are so many on the market it can be an overwhelming choice but this is a great way to cut through all the information. Thanks for sharing with #ForTheLoveofBlog!