Wooden Infant High Chair vs Plastic: Which Is Better?

When it comes to feeding time, every mom wants one thing — a safe, comfortable, and durable high chair for her little one. But with so many options out there, deciding between a wooden infant high chair vs plastic can be overwhelming.

As a mom and eco-conscious blogger, I always look for eco-friendly baby products that are safe for our babies and kind to the planet. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from safety and comfort to sustainability — so you can make the best choice for your family.

Why Are Baby High Chairs Important?

A high chair isn’t just about feeding convenience — it’s an essential part of your baby’s development. Around 6 months old, babies start sitting up and exploring solid foods. A well-designed high chair supports this stage by keeping them stable, comfortable, and safe.

A good chair also supports the 90-90-90 seating rule (hips, knees, and ankles bent at 90°), which promotes proper posture and reduces the risk of choking while eating.

Whether you’re feeding purees or letting your baby try baby-led weaning, a sturdy and ergonomic high chair makes a big difference.

Wooden Infant High Chair vs Plastic: Which Material Is Safer?

Let’s start with the big question — which is safer for your baby: wood or plastic?

Wooden high chairs are made from natural, renewable materials. When finished with non-toxic, water-based coatings, they’re free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PVC. This makes them one of the safest choices for babies — especially for families aiming to reduce exposure to toxins.

Plastic high chairs, on the other hand, are lighter and more affordable, but not all plastics are created equal. You should only choose models labeled BPA-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic. Even then, plastic can degrade over time and may release microplastics into the environment.

👉 If you’re curious about the differences in safety standards, check out my blog on non-toxic high chair vs regular high chair — it dives deeper into what makes a high chair truly safe.

Benefits of a Solid Wood High Chair

1. Safe and Chemical-Free
   Solid wood high chairs are often treated with eco-friendly finishes and don’t leach chemicals into your baby’s food or hands. For eco-minded moms, this makes them a natural winner.
2. Built to Last
   A well-made wooden high chair can last through several children — or even generations. Many moms call them “investment pieces” because they hold up beautifully over time.
3. Environmentally Friendly
   Wood is renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable. Choosing wood over plastic helps reduce landfill waste and supports sustainable forestry practices — a small but powerful step for our planet.
4. Timeless Style
   A wooden high chair adds warmth and beauty to your dining space. Brands like Stokke Tripp Trapp and Keekaroo Height Right are favorites among moms for their modern yet natural design.
5. Better Stability
   Wooden chairs tend to be heavier, making them more stable and less likely to tip over when your little one wiggles or leans.

Downsides of a Solid Wood High Chair

No product is perfect, even eco-friendly ones. Wooden chairs can be:

• Heavier to move around.
• Slightly harder to clean if food sticks in the joints or grain.
• Pricier upfront, though they usually last much longer than plastic options.

For moms who don’t mind wiping surfaces regularly and prefer sustainable living, these trade-offs are usually worth it.

Benefits of a Plastic High Chair

1. Lightweight and Portable
   Plastic high chairs are easy to move between rooms or even take outdoors.
2. Easy to Clean
   Most plastic models feature removable trays that can go right in the dishwasher — perfect for busy moms.
3. Affordable
   They’re often budget-friendly, making them accessible for new parents. The IKEA Antilop is one of the most popular examples, praised by moms for being simple, sturdy, and easy to clean.

Downsides of a Plastic High Chair

Despite their convenience, plastic high chairs have some drawbacks:

• They can crack, fade, or warp over time.
• Even BPA-free plastics can still release microplastics as they age.
• Once discarded, they don’t decompose, creating a long-term environmental impact.

If you want to reduce plastic waste, it’s worth considering a wooden infant high chair or at least a hybrid option with wood legs and a recyclable plastic seat.

Comfort and Design: What Moms Recommend

When it comes to comfort, both materials can work — but the design matters most.

• Wooden high chairs like the Stokke Tripp Trapp and Keekaroo Height Right are adjustable, ergonomic, and can grow with your child into toddlerhood and beyond.
• Plastic high chairs, like the Mockingbird or IKEA Antilop, are loved for simplicity and quick cleaning.

Many moms also recommend adding a high chair cushion for wooden high chairs to make it cozier, especially for younger babies.

Cleaning and Maintenance

How to clean a solid wood high chair:

1. Wipe after every meal with a damp cloth and mild, baby-safe soap.
2. Avoid soaking it in water.
3. Use a soft brush for corners or detailed parts.
4. Reapply natural oil or wax finishes every few months to keep the wood protected.

Plastic high chairs can usually be cleaned with warm soapy water or disinfecting wipes. Trays and straps are often removable, which helps during those messy spaghetti nights!

Eco-Friendliness Compared

If you care about sustainability (and I know most of us moms do!), this section is for you.

• Wooden high chairs are the clear eco-friendly choice. They come from renewable sources, and many brands like Stokke and Keekaroo use responsibly sourced materials.
• Plastic high chairs rely on petroleum and take hundreds of years to decompose, even when recycled.

By choosing wood, you’re not just making a safe choice for your baby — you’re also teaching them the value of caring for the environment from day one.

👉 If you want to explore more sustainable options for your nursery, check out my post on eco-friendly baby products.

Cost vs Value

Yes, wooden high chairs can be more expensive — but think of them as a long-term investment. A high-quality one can last for years, saving you from buying replacements.

Meanwhile, plastic high chairs may be cheaper but often need replacing after a year or two due to wear and tear.

When you look at the cost vs value, wood almost always wins for durability, resale potential, and eco-friendliness.

Which Suits Your Family Best?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Wooden High Chair	Plastic High Chair
Safety	Non-toxic, chemical-free	Must verify BPA-free
Durability	Long-lasting	Prone to cracks/fading
Eco-Friendly	Renewable, biodegradable	Non-biodegradable
Cleaning	Wipe and maintain	Quick and easy
Cost	Higher upfront	Budget-friendly
Comfort	Ergonomic, sturdy	Lightweight, portable

If you’re focused on creating a sustainable home, the wooden option is best. But if you need a temporary, lightweight, easy-to-clean solution, plastic might suit your current stage better.

Popular and Trusted Brands (Mom-Approved!)

Here are some of the most recommended high chairs by moms online and in real reviews:

• Stokke Tripp Trapp: Eco-friendly, adjustable, and grows with your child for years.
• Keekaroo Height Right: Durable wood, ergonomic, and easy to clean.
• Eddie Bauer Wooden High Chair: Vintage charm meets modern safety.
• Mockingbird High Chair: Stylish hybrid design combining wood and recyclable plastic.
• IKEA Antilop: Lightweight, affordable, and a favorite among minimalist moms.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When should a baby be in a high chair?
Usually around 6 months old — when they can sit upright with good head control.

At what age should you stop using a high chair?
Most families stop around 2–3 years old, though adjustable designs like the Stokke Tripp Trapp can last into teenage years!

Are wooden high chairs better than plastic?
For eco-friendliness, durability, and style — yes. Wooden chairs are safer for the planet and often sturdier for your child.

What’s the 90-90-90 rule for babies?
It means your baby’s hips, knees, and ankles should all be bent at 90°, ensuring proper support while sitting and eating.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a wooden infant high chair vs plastic really depends on your family’s priorities.

If you care most about sustainability, safety, and long-term value, a solid wood high chair is absolutely worth it. But if you want something lightweight, easy to clean, and affordable for short-term use, plastic still does the job.

As moms, every choice we make matters — not just for our babies but for the world they’ll grow up in. Choosing eco-friendly baby products is one simple yet powerful way to protect both.