Best Hook-On High Chairs

Buying guide for Best hook-on high chairs

Babies may be small, but modern baby gear can take over a home. The toys, strollers, swings, and carriers can make your house look like a preschool. However, if you want to save space or need a portable feeding option, a hook-on high chair might be the perfect addition to your baby-gear collection. These handy chairs attach to the table or countertop, saving floor space and putting your baby in the middle of the action.

Hook-on high chairs can be foldable, and some models include a carrying case. If you live in a small apartment, travel frequently, or want a high chair that’s easy to take to Grandma’s house, a hook-on model is the way to go.

Washable fabrics, back pockets, and a few models that convert for extended use make these high chairs a great option for many families. You’ll have to consider your table type and your baby’s size before choosing one, but there are plenty of options to make feeding time simple and easy. Our guide has plenty of information, as well as several recommendations.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) independently tests children's products, including hook-on high chairs. Products must meet federal regulations plus those set by ASTM International. If a hook-on high chair doesn't have a JPMA certification, that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe — it still must meet federal safety regulations. JPMA certification means that it’s met extra standards.

Key considerations

Table

Your first consideration doesn’t have anything to do with the high chair at all. It’s the table or counter to which you’ll attach the high chair. Measure the thickness of your tabletop. Hook-on high chairs can typically fit a table that’s two inches thick, but there are some models that can fit a five-inch-thick tabletop. If you want to use the high chair while traveling, a model that fits a wider range of table thicknesses will give you greater flexibility.

Weight limit

Hook-on high chairs have a lower maximum weight limit than standalone high chairs, usually between 33 and 37 pounds, but some models may be less.

Portability

Hook-on high chairs are far more portable than your average high chair; however, some models are more portable than others. Removable covers and foldable frames increase portability. Some models fold down small enough to fit inside a diaper bag, albeit a large one. Others may not fold down much smaller than they are when fully attached to a table. Portability is also enhanced by a carrying bag to keep everything together.

Hook-on high chair features

Removable seat/cover

Food gets squished into every crack and crevice of a high chair. Models with a removable fabric cover or seat will be far easier to clean. In some cases, you can lay the fabric flat after it's been removed to scrub those hard-to-reach areas. However, your best option will always be a high chair with machine washable fabric. Not all hook-on high chair covers can be cleaned in a washing machine, so check carefully if that’s a feature you want.

Arms

Hook-on high chairs have different types of arms. Some have four anchors that reach far beneath the table, while others have a simpler design with two anchors or clamps that hold the high chair in place. However, different arm styles can fit different table types. Not all hook-on high chairs fit glass tabletops, tables with a lip, or round tables, for example. If your table falls into one of these categories or it has a thick tabletop, definitely check the specifications of the high chair before buying.

You also want an arm style that protects the surface of your table. Rubberized grips on both the arms and anchors should prevent scratches on the top or bottom of your table.

Harness

Hook-on high chairs have either a three-point or five-point harness. Those extra anchor points can make a big difference, especially if your baby is a climber. Three-point harnesses have an anchor point on either side and in the center. A five-point harness has these same anchor points plus two more over the shoulders. While both designs meet safety regulations, a five-point harness is more secure.

Convertible

Babies grow fast, so any gear that gives you some extra mileage gets a gold star. Some hook-on high chairs can convert into a booster seat that your child can use well into the toddler years. If a convertible model also comes with a tray, you can use the high chair attached to the table, strapped to a dining chair with the tray on, or as a booster seat with your child seated at the table without the tray.

Style and color

Style and color don’t affect the quality or use of the high chair, but they might make a difference to you.

• Pockets: Some models look similar to a hiking backpack with nylon fabric and storage pockets on the back of the seat. The pockets are perfect for holding your baby’s utensils and a few wipes. You'll have everything with you no matter where you take the high chair.

• Tray: Some models come with a tray, while others don’t. Some styles have a sleek tray that complements a modern home. A tray can be nice because it protects your tabletop. It may also be used when the high chair functions as a booster seat that’s attached to a dining chair rather than a tabletop. Keep an eye out for a high chair with a tray that’s dishwasher safe. Cleaning is so much easier when it’s done by machine.

• Color: You’ll also get to decide on a color, though not all models offer color choices.

Carrying bag

A carrying bag keeps everything together — seat, tray, utensils. Whether you're stowing the high chair away after dinner or bringing it along to a friend’s house, a carrying bag makes transportation much easier.

Hook-on high chair prices

Hook-on high chairs range in price from $40 to $100. At the lower end of the price range, the designs are more basic, though the high chairs may still have machine washable fabric and storage pockets. High chairs that fold down to a compact size, include a carrying bag, or convert into different configurations cost more.

Tips

• Never use a hook-on high chair on a folding table, camp table, or table with a table cloth/mat. Check the specifications of the high chair you’re considering because some models can’t be used with glass tabletops.

• Check the clearance. Some hook-on high chairs have anchors/clamps that need up to 12 inches of clearance beneath the table.

• Read through the owner’s manual before using the chair. It will include information about maximum weight limits, cleaning instructions, and how to properly attach the high chair to a table.

Children have a talent for getting food into every crease and crevice. Along with washing the fabric, you'll need to clean the seams of the frame, too. The more the frame is covered by fabric, the more the work can be done by a washing machine.

FAQ

Q. Do hook-on high chairs work on round tables?

A. You’ll need to check the specs carefully on this one. Some models can hook onto round tables while others can’t. It depends on the anchor type and size, arm design, and overall size of the high chair.

Q. Are hook-on high chairs small enough to fit in a diaper bag?

A. While not all models can fold down into a diaper bag, some can. Of course, your diaper bag needs be slightly larger than average. However, there’s a definite advantage to taking along your own high chair. Whether you’re at a restaurant or a picnic table in the park, you can feed your baby without too much of a hassle.

Q. Do I need to worry about legroom with a hook-on high chair?

A. Legroom can be an issue, especially if your baby is on the larger side. Hook-on high chairs do have limited legroom based on the seat depth, clamp design, and table thickness. There are models with adjustable anchors that let you raise or lower the seat, but they only go so far. A shallow seat can make it difficult to get your baby in and out of the high chair. While deeper seats may add some bulk, they’re a good option if your baby needs some extra legroom.