Transitional-style chair – can be used from birth with a baby bouncer attachment, from six months with a baby set, and indefinitely as a chair after three years or 15kg But in addition to these expected functions, the seat can also be switched into booster mode so that it can be used as a portable seat for dinners out or trips to see the family. This means that you could take it in the car if you were travelling somewhere without a highchair and use it on the move. It also transforms rather cleverly into a toddler seat and play table when they’ve totally outgrown it.

The chair can be folded down to an utlra compact size, with the tray being easily fastened to the high chairs rear legs for storage even when folded. We spend hours researching, speaking to parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist. It’s a good idea to read up on their specs before choosing one to make sure you’ll be able to use it safely. It’s helpful when travel chairs collapse to a portable size and many come with their own carry cases or shoulder straps to help with this.

10. Best lightweight highchair: Joie Mimzy Snacker

They are also, of course, the most expensive – and be aware that, in this group in particular, you’ll need to pay extra for everything except the chair frame itself (including newborn accessories, baby seats, trays and even safety harnesses), so make sure this is included in your budget. Can’t be used without an adult dining chair to hold it – not convenient for everyone’s dining situation Then, depending on the size and independence of your child, you may want to switch to a booster seat on an adult chair. Many multifunctional and transitional highchairs adjust in height, so you can bring the chair right up to the table. How much does a highchair cost?

For this category, Rachel partnered with Katrĩna, who has a nine-month-old baby and a 33-month-old toddler to juggle at mealtimes, so was able to put all our products through their paces over the course of three months. As reliable as it is ubiquitous, in our extensive tests the IKEA Antilop excelled, living up to its reputation as the king of all highchairs. While it may not look like anything special, our Mumsnet users rave about this highchair for being budget-friendly, functional and easy to clean up after mealtimes. Three available modes, with all accessories included in the price: newborn bouncer with toy bar, weaning high chair and toddler seat Big gap between tray and the baby, even in its closest setting – a little inconvenient for mealtimes There’s plenty of good, handy features in its design such as an easy-to-use five-point harness, padded seat, and a tray table that slides on and off with ease. You can take the seat out to give it a good clean after particularly messy mealtimes and throw the tray in the dishwasher. There’s also an integrated crotch post and step to support baby’s feet while they eat.

7. Best high chair for versatility: Oribel Cocoon

Inspired by Scandinavian design, this Juice Highchair from Mamas & Papas comes in pastel green, cream or dark grey. The sturdy seat is wipe clean as well as comfortable, thanks to a cushioned inner. We had the Oribel Cocoon. It was brilliant, so sturdy, height adjustable and it will recline if you need to keep your baby out of the way of the dogs while you cook and they nap or something." hubbletelescope Our verdict Type: Aluminium high chair which clips onto tables| Materials: Aluminium; rubber; fabric | Suitable from: 6 months+ | Harness: Yes | Wheels?: No What we love

Lauren: Comfortable for my child, padded seat. Easy to clean. Very logical design to fold away/put up again. Easy to adjust the position. Easy to adapt to the baby recliner/add on the baby toy bar. Love the inclusivity of all baby ages, to get them to the table for family mealtimes. Acceptable price for such a good piece of equipment with such a good age range. Another Stokke chair to feature on our list, the Steps is a stylish highchair that can be used from birth. There's no doubt about it, it's a pricey piece of baby equipment but for the price tag you get a good quality high chair that your child will get plenty of use out of. Type: Freestanding highchair which converts into a toddler chair | Materials: Not stated | Suitable from: 6 months+ | Harness: Yes | Wheels?: No What we love

8. Best highchair for small spaces: Chicco Polly Magic Relax

Aishwarya: This is a great high chair. It folds easily for storage. It is easy to clean. Son very happy in it which leaves me hands free to do chores around the kitchen. It's easy to assemble and stow away if needed. The tray is a good size and again super easy to clean. Overall it's a comfortable, safe, easy to clean place for my child to eat.