Do you hate the idea of squeezing a bulky high chair into your kitchen? Or maybe you just want a portable high chair for your baby to take out to eat or to grandma’s. Whatever the reason, hook-on high chairs are the perfect solution. You can think of them as a combination of a dining booster seat and high chair, so they’re ideal for not only babies but also for toddlers who are ready to join the big table with their family. A hook on chair works by actually clipping onto the table itself, supporting the baby’s weight via a clamp system.
If you’re not familiar with hook on high chairs, then you probably have some questions about the clever products. We’ve got you covered with our complete buyer’s guide. After getting familiar, our reviews will help you find the best hook on high chair for your little tot.
So, let’s get started!
- Important Aspects of Hook On High Chairs
- Top 10 Best Hook On High Chairs 2023
- 1. Best Overall Hook On High Chair: Inglesina Fast Table Chair
- 2. Easiest to Use Hook On High Chair: Chicco QuickSeat Hook On Chair
- 3. Best Premium Hook On High Chair: Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair
- 4. Anten Hook On High Chair
- 5. Best Budget Hook On High Chair: TC Bunny Hook On Chair
- 6. Toogel Hook On Chair
- 7. Most Portable High Chair: Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On High Chair
- 8. Best High-Backrest Hook On Chair: Chicco Caddy Hook On Chair
- 9. Best Hook On Chair for Thick Tables: Guzzie + Guss Perch Clip-On Table Chair
- 10. Costzon Hook On Chair
- Complete Guide to Buying the Best Hook On High Chairs for 2022
- Final Thoughts on Hook On High Chairs
Important Aspects of Hook On High Chairs
When it comes to hook on high chairs, you need one that’s slim, lightweight, and secure. Depending on whether you want to use it in your kitchen, take it along with you, or both, there are specific details that you should look for. We’ve broken down all the crucial aspects of high chairs in our reviews.
Age Range
Hook on high chairs are restricted by weight and size limits: since they’re limited by the strength of the chair’s clamp and the table they sit on, close attention must be paid to stay within restrictions. Make sure you pay close attention to the age, weight, and size limits of each chair that we have listed below.
Safety
If the thought of your little one hovering in a chair on the edge of a table makes you nervous, we completely understand. That’s why we made sure to include the safety features of each of the high chairs on our list. At a minimum, each chair should secure easily and tightly to the table and have a harness to keep your baby secure. We have each of the safety features detailed below in our complete buyer’s guide.
Portability
Hook on high chairs are perfect to use when you go out to eat with your baby. No more having to use the questionably clean (and definitely uncomfortable) restaurant high chairs. You can simply clip your baby’s own high chair onto the edge of the table.
To tote these chairs along with you, though, it’s best if they have features that make them portable. We’ve made special note of the most portable chairs, like the Inglesina Fast Table Chair, that fold flat and include a carrying bag.
Extras
Are you looking for a colorful high chair? Or maybe one with a handy pocket to store bibs and other baby dining essentials? Sometimes, the right extra feature makes it easier to decide which chair might be best for you and your family. So we’ve included all the best extras in our reviews.
We’ve also included the maximum table thickness each chair can attach to, the chair’s weight, and the maximum weight limit as a quick reference for you. Now, on to the reviews!
Top 10 Best Hook On High Chairs 2023
1. Best Overall Hook On High Chair: Inglesina Fast Table Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.8 to 3.3 inches
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Weight Limit: 37 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
If you are looking for a colorful hook on high chair, then the Inglesina Fast Table Chair is the one for you. It comes in nine different colors, including lime, orange, red, fuchsia, light blue, navy, black, cream, and dark green. You should know, though, that most of the color choices other than black cost more, and black is best at hiding baby food messes before you get a chance to wash it. The chair’s fabric is also washable, which is ideal for messy babies!
Safety
The chair makes it easy for you to secure it, with padded handles that go beneath your table’s edge. All you have to do is twist them until they’re tight against the bottom of the table. The arms of the high chair are also made not to scratch or damage your table.The three-point harness is an added safety measure to ensure your littlest baby doesn’t slip over the side.
Portability
The Inglesina Fast Table Chair folds together quickly and neatly so you can carry your baby’s own chair with you wherever you go. The chair comes with a carry bag so you can fold it up and put it in your diaper bag.
Extras
The chair comes with a convenient storage pocket on the back where you can put your baby’s plate or cutlery, and then you’ll have everything you need. Your baby will also appreciate the padding on the chair and arms to keep them comfy while they eat.
There’s also a tray made for this chair to keep your table clean, but you have to buy it separately. Your other option is to buy this version of the Inglesina Fast Table Chair that includes the tray. It’s slightly more expensive, but if the tray is important to you, then it’s cheaper than buying a tray separately.
Verdict
The Inglesina Fast Table Chair is portable, washable, and it comes in a wide variety of fun colors. It’s also comfortable for your baby and doesn’t leave marks on your table. The tray is not included, though, so it’s an extra expense.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Carry bag included
- Doesn’t leave scratches or marks on your table
- Many color choices
- Collapsible and portable
Cons
- Tray is not included
2. Easiest to Use Hook On High Chair: Chicco QuickSeat Hook On Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.5 to 1.5 inches
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
- Weight Limit: 37 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
The one-pull fastener on the Chicco QuickSeat Hook On Chair helps you attach the high chair to a tabletop in one easy step. All you have to do is pull the strap—just like the ones that tighten car seats. The chair’s fabric cover snaps on and off easily, so you can throw it in the washing machine as soon as it gets dirty.
Safety
Along with the one-pull fastener, the release for the chair is easy to use, too. You simply squeeze two buttons together on the back of the chair. Like other hook on high chairs, you should never secure the Chicco QuickSeat to unstable, flimsy, or glass tables. This chair also includes a three-point harness to help keep your wiggle worm safe and secure.
Portability
The Chicco QuickSeat Hook On Chair, at 9.5 pounds, isn’t as easy to tote around as the Inglesina Fast Table Chair. It also doesn’t fold as compactly as the Inglesina does, so you’ll have to cart a bulky seat around when you go out to eat.
The Chicco Quick Seat does have a convenient strap that allows you to carry it with one hand when it’s folded, which is helpful.
Extras
The high chair includes a snap-on tray, which makes clean-up even faster because then you can just rinse the tray in the sink. No need to clean off your table or countertop, either. The tray is also dishwasher-safe, and it has a cup holder to keep your baby’s sippy cup secure.
Although this chair comes in three different colors, including graphite (black), isle (teal, and poetic (gray), we recommend black as the best color to hide messes!
Verdict
The Chicco QuickSeat Hook On Chair excels in securing to your table or countertop quickly and easily with the pull of a strap. However, the chair doesn’t fold very compactly, and you can’t use it on any thick tables or counters.
Pros
- Fast and easy to attach to a table or countertop
- Includes a snap-on tray
- Foldable and includes carry strap
- Seat cover is machine washable
Cons
- Doesn’t fold compactly
- Only fits tables up to 1.5 inches thick
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.8 to 3.75 inches
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Weight Limit: 37 pounds
- Age Range: 3 months-36 months
If you need a hook on high chair with a slim profile and extreme portability, then Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair is the best one for you. It also fits just about any table or countertop with its lobster-claw clamps.
The chair’s cover isn’t machine washable, but it’s durable and cleans up easily with a wipe-down.
Safety
The whole high chair, including the clamps, is made of aluminum that’s lightweight and very strong. The clamps are easy to use—you simply twist the handles on the bottom until the chair is secure.
It’s important to know that this high chair has really small leg holes. Slim leg holes don’t sound like a safety concern, but they are if you have a chunky baby with thick thighs. If your baby should choke, and you needed to get them out of their chair quickly, it would be difficult.
The chair also has a safety harness with shoulder straps to make sure your baby can’t climb out easily.
Portability
Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair is lightweight and compact already, but it also folds flat and fits inside the included carry bag. The best part is you can put the whole thing in your diaper bag or stroller gear basket.
Extras
The chair includes a small tray, and the tray is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up. Even though the high chair is compact, it has plenty of padding to keep your baby comfy. The shoulder straps are also padded, so they don’t dig into your baby’s soft skin.
It comes in three different colors: black, red, and apple (light green).
Verdict
Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair is ideal for toting along with you to restaurants. It’s lightweight, compact, and folds flat enough to keep it in your diaper bag. The leg holes are too small, though, which can become a safety concern for babies when you need to quickly get them out of their chair. Because of the lobster-claw clamps, the table doesn’t attach well to round or beveled tables.
Pros
- Includes dishwasher-safe tray
- Folds flat and includes travel bag
- Durable, easy-to-clean fabric
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Leg holes are very small
- Doesn’t work well on round or beveled tables
4. Anten Hook On High Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.8 to 3.35 inches
- Weight: 4.87 pounds
- Weight Limit: 33 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
The Anten Hook On High Chair is similar to the Inglesina Fast Table Chair but at a slightly lower price point. It has the same screw-tight mechanism to attach the high chair to your table or countertop, and the rubber clamps won’t scratch or damage the surface. The chair’s cover comes off easily, and it’s machine-washable, so you can throw it into the wash as soon as it gets too dirty to look at.
Safety
The high chair is well made with stainless steel clamps covered in rubber and an aluminum alloy frame. Though it’s strongly made, it can only hold babies up to 33 pounds instead of other chairs that can hold up to 40 pounds.
The chair includes a five-point safety harness that secures both your baby’s waist and legs, so it’s harder for them to climb out.
Portability
The Anten Hook On High Chair is lightweight at only 4.87 pounds, so it’s only slightly heavier than the Inglesina Fast Table Chair. It folds into a more compact size, but it’s still bulky. At the back of the seat, there’s a hidden carry bag that the chair folds into. You can carry the whole thing over your shoulder, but it’s too big to fit into a diaper bag.
Extras
This chair has storage pockets on the back of the seat, which is always a useful feature. You can store baby bibs or other dining essentials, so you don’t have to dig around in your kitchen drawers when you need them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include a tray, and there isn’t an option to buy one separately. The chair also only has two color choices: black or blue.
Verdict
The Anten Hook On High Chair installs quickly and easily to your countertop or table without damaging it. It also folds into a hidden carrying bag to tote it with you when you go out to eat. However, the chair doesn’t include a tray or even an option to buy one, and it has a lower weight limit than other high chairs.
Pros
- Includes five-point safety harness
- Machine-washable fabric
- Folds compacts into carrying bag
- Lightweight
Cons
- A tray isn’t available
- Lower weight limit
5. Best Budget Hook On High Chair: TC Bunny Hook On Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.8 to 3.3 inches
- Weight: 4.12 pounds
- Weight Limit: 33 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
The TC Bunny Hook On Chair has fabric that cleans up easily, with just a wipe of a wet towel. You can also wash it in your washing machine when it gets filthy (which doesn’t take long with babies!). This fabric isn’t fully waterproof, so we recommend wiping it down after every meal.
Safety
The frame of this high chair is made of stainless steel, and the clamps are also stainless steel with non-slip grips. The chair’s clamps twist on smoothly and won’t damage your tabletop. Stainless steel makes the chair strong and durable, but the weight limit is 33 pounds, which is a few pounds less than other high chairs.
The chair includes a safety harness with shoulder straps to make it a challenge for your baby to wiggle their way out.
Portability
The TC Bunny Hook On Chair weighs only a little more than Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair, so it’s very portable. It folds down into a compact size that fits into the included carrying bag. You won’t be able to fit it into your diaper bag like Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair, but you can carry it easily in its own bag.
Extras
This chair has a storage pocket on the back of the seat, and inside the pocket is a carrying bag that’s sewn in. That way, when you fold it up for traveling, you can just pull out the carrying bag without fear of losing it. It also includes a tray with two built-in cup holders. The chair comes in several colors, including black, gray, and denim.
Verdict
The TC Bunny Hook On Chair has a machine-washable cover that’s easy to wipe down. However, you need to remove the inner cushion before washing the cover, or it’ll fall apart. Even though the fabric is supposed to be waterproof, it gets dirty quickly, so you’ll have to wash it frequently.
Pros
- Includes a dining tray
- 5-point safety harness
- Machine washable
- Includes carrying bag and storage pocket
Cons
- Remove the inner cushion before washing, or it’ll fall apart
- Fabric isn’t waterproof
6. Toogel Hook On Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.79 to 3.15 inches
- Weight: 3.35 pounds
- Weight Limit: 37 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
The Toogel Hook On Chair is similar to the Anten High Chair, but it has a different way of attaching to your table. It uses a traditional workshop-style clamp with a round coupling that you twist to attach the chair.
The Toogel high chair is very easy to clean, with no tight crevices for food to get stuck. The cover removes quickly and is machine-washable. However, the fabric just doesn’t hold up as well as some of the other high chairs on our list. It quickly becomes worn and frayed.
Safety
Like Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair, this isn’t the best chair for babies with adorable chunky thighs. The leg holes are too small, and that presents a safety risk when you need to get your baby out of the chair and quickly.
The clamps are made of stainless steel for strength and durability, and they’re covered with a non-slip grip to hold fast. The harness is one that just goes around your baby’s waist, so it’s not as safe as the ones that have shoulder straps, too.
Portability
The chair folds down and includes a carrying bag, but it’s not very compact. It’s about the same size as the TC Bunny Hook On High Chair, and it’s a nice for storing in your trunk any time you need it at a restaurant.
Extras
The Toogel chair doesn’t include a tray, but it does have a small storage pocket on the back. The pocket is a great place to keep a bib for your baby. It comes in a few different colors, such as blue, dark green, and gray.
Verdict
The Toogel Hook On Chair is a good option if you want a hook on chair with a lower price point, and you have a smaller baby. The leg holes are too small for bigger babies and toddlers. It also doesn’t come with a dining tray or an option to buy one.
Pros
- Machine-washable fabric
- Collapsible and comes with a carrying bag
- Includes a storage pocket
- Easy to secure to a tabletop or counter
Cons
- A tray isn’t available
- Leg holes are too small
7. Most Portable High Chair: Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On High Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.8 to 2 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Weight Limit: 33 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
Love to go camping but hate dragging along bulky baby gear? The Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On Chair is perfect for your next trip. The fabric is water-resistant and machine-washable, and the support frame is made of lightweight aluminum.
The clamps are easy to use and made to fit tables up to 2 inches thick. This means the pod works well on picnic tables, but it won’t work with any table that has a lip around the edge. The clamps on this chair are similar to the ones on the Toogel Hook On Chair, only the pod has anti-slip grips on the chair’s arms but not the underside. The lack of anti-slip grips could damage the bottom of your table or countertop.
Safety
The high chair is made out of aluminum that’s strong and lightweight, but it can only hold babies up to 33 pounds. It also includes a safety harness that goes around your baby’s waist and thighs.
Portability
At a little over 2 pounds, this high chair is the lightest on our list. It folds completely flat and will fit easily in a backpack or diaper bag. The light weight makes it flimsier than some of the other chairs on our list, however.
Extras
The pod includes a carrying bag, but it doesn’t have a dining tray. It also lacks any storage pockets, so if these two features are important to you, you may want to consider other chairs on our list. It comes in three different colors, though: flint (dark gray), chili (red), and lime (green).
Verdict
If you want a hook on high chair that’s ideal for backpacking, camping, and travel, then the Mountain Buggy Pod is a great option. It’s the lightest weight hook on chair we’ve found, and it folds completely flat. It doesn’t fit as many tables as others on the list because it only fits a max thickness of 2 inches. It also doesn’t include many extras like a dining tray or a storage pocket.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Folds completely flat
- Machine washable
- Padded back support
Cons
- Only fits tables up to 2 inches thick
- No tray or storage pocket
8. Best High-Backrest Hook On Chair: Chicco Caddy Hook On Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.8 to 1.5 inches
- Weight: 5.87 pounds
- Weight Limit: 33 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
The Chicco Caddy is similar to the Chicco QuickSeat only it’s at a lower price point and doesn’t weigh as much. It has a higher back, which is more comfortable for little ones. It also doesn’t have the quick fastening strap of the Chicco QuickSeat. Instead, it has clamps like the Mountain Buggy Pod Chair.
The cover is easy to wipe clean, but it’s not machine-washable. We think you can get away with washing it on a delicate cycle, though, without a problem. It also only comes in two colors: nature (beige) and red.
Safety
The non-slip grips ensure the clamps fasten the chair tightly to your table or counter. The chair also has a three-point harness to keep your baby safe in their seat.
Portability
The Chicco Caddy is collapsible, but like the Chicco QuickSeat, it’s still bulky and heavier than many other high chairs on our list. It does have a carrying strap, though, so you can transport it easily.
Extras
The Caddy is a very basic model of Chicco hook on high chair, and it doesn’t include a dining tray, a storage pocket, or even a carrying bag. If you plan only to use your chair at home and don’t really care about any of those extras, then this is a less expensive option.
Verdict
If you like the Chicco brand for its comfort and safety, then this is a good basic option. It doesn’t have as many extras as the others on our list, but it’s at a lower price point than the Chicco QuickSeat.
Pros
- Collapsible
- Easy to secure to a table or counter
- High back for support
- Lots of room for chunky baby legs
Cons
- No extras
- Only fits tables up to 2 inches thick
9. Best Hook On Chair for Thick Tables: Guzzie + Guss Perch Clip-On Table Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.6 to 3.75 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Weight Limit: 37 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
The Guzzie + Guss Perch Clip-On Table Chair can fit more tables than any of the other chairs on our list, from the slimmest at 0.6 inches to the thickest at 3.75 inches. It will even attach to tables with a lip. The Perch also has the highest back of all of our options to give even the smallest babies a lot of support. The fabric is easy to remove and machine-washable, which always makes clean-up after a messy baby a breeze.
Safety
The high backrest helps keep your baby safe and secure, and the chair also has a five-point harness with shoulder straps. The whole chair is made out of durable stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about if it will hold your baby’s weight. It fits babies and toddlers up to 37 pounds.
Portability
The Guzzie + Guss chair folds compactly enough to pack it in a suitcase, and it comes with a travel bag. At only four pounds, the chair is lightweight enough to be easy to carry with you.
Extras
Aside from the carrying bag, the chair doesn’t include any other extras. However, you can buy a Guzzie + Guss silicone placemat separately. You can buy this chair in several different colors, including charcoal, aqua, black, and salt & pepper.
Verdict
If you have an extra thick table or one with a lip, then the Guzzie + Gus is your best option. It’s portable, washable, and the stainless steel frame with its high backrest makes it very safe and secure. Other than that, it doesn’t have many extras other than color choices and a carrying bag, and it’s one of the pricier options on the list.
Pros
- Fits almost any table
- High backrest
- Machine washable
- Folds compactly and includes carrying bag
Cons
- Doesn’t include tray or storage pocket
- Pricey
10. Costzon Hook On Chair
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Table Thickness: 0.8 to 2 inches
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Weight Limit: 33 pounds
- Age Range: 6 months-36 months
The Costzon Hook On Chair is another budget option with an inexpensive price point. Even though the frame is made of iron pipe, the chair is still lightweight.
Although it looks similar to the easy-to-clean TC Bunny Hook On High Chair, the Costzon isn’t the easiest chair to clean. Food gets stuck in crevices, and if you try to machine wash the cover, it quickly frays.
Safety
The Costzon chair has a sturdy frame with non-slip gripping on the armrests and clamps. The clamps are a little harder to tighten when you’re in a hurry—like in a restaurant. It also has a five-point safety harness with shoulder straps to keep your baby from falling.
Portability
The Costzon chair folds compactly, but it doesn’t include a carrying bag like some others on our list. It’s also one of the most lightweight options on our list.
Extras
There’s a storage pocket on the chair’s back, but it doesn’t have any other extras like a dining tray or carrying bag. There also isn’t an option to purchase a tray separately. It comes in different colors: green (which looks more like teal), dark blue, and gray.
Verdict
If you want an inexpensive, no-frills hook on chair, then the Costzon is a good choice. It’s not the best option for taking to restaurants, though, because it doesn’t fit tables with a lip or any table thicker than 2 inches.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Folds compactly
- Five-point safety harness with shoulder straps
Cons
- No extras
- Fabric frays easily
Complete Guide to Buying the Best Hook On High Chairs for 2022
If you’re looking to learn more about high chairs or if you have any more questions on hook on chairs, don’t worry. We’re here to help with a handy buying guide.
What Should You Look for in a Hook On High Chair?
The most important part of a hook on high chair is the part that secures the table to your table or countertop. Without it, all you have is a booster chair dangling in the air. There are different types of attachments on our list, like twist-tight couplings or Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair’s unique lobster-claw clamps. We’ll also break down all the essential aspects of hook on high chairs for you.
Safety
Like everything else baby-related, safety comes first. Any hook on high chair you choose should have several failsafes designed to keep your baby safe. The frame should be strong enough that it won’t bend, even slightly beyond maximum weight capacity.
The clamps that attach the chair to your table or countertop should also be a strong metal, ideally stainless steel. You should also be able to attach the chair without using a lot of force. You want even your baby’s grandparents to tighten it without trouble.
Non-slip gripping on the armrests and clamps is essential, too, especially with more slippery countertops. The high chair should also have a harness that you can adjust to fit your baby. The harness makes sure your baby doesn’t climb out of the high chair and fall!
The leg holes of the high chair are important, too, and not just for comfort. It’s difficult to remove a baby from the high chair if the leg holes are too small, and you might have to do so quickly if your baby is choking or you need to leave the table quickly. If you have a larger baby with larger thighs, then look for high chairs with bigger leg holes.
Portable
All the hook on high chairs on our list are portable by nature since they’re all much smaller than regular high chairs. They all are also collapsible. Some fold more compactly than others, however. The Mountain Buggy Pod Chair is one that’s exceptionally lightweight at only 2.2 pounds and folds into a slim enough package that you can slip it into your diaper bag.
Washable
Babies and toddlers are not known to be delicate eaters. More often than not, whatever they’re sitting in will be covered in food. Not only is it helpful for the hook on high chair’s cover to be machine-washable, but it’s also best if it’s easy to remove.
Table Thickness
We list the minimum and maximum table thickness that each hook on chair will fit on each of our reviews. You need to measure your table or counter before purchasing a hook on high chair so you can be sure it’ll attach. If you plan on using the chair when you dine out, then a chair like Guzzie + Guss Perch Clip-On Table Chair that fits lots of table thicknesses is best.
Most tables are less than 2 inches thick, but sometimes they have lips or edges that the chair’s clamps will have to squeeze past, so you have to add an inch or so for that. Most granite countertops are 1.25 inches thick, so all of the hook on chairs on our list will work with the most common dimension of counters.
Durability
In general, hook on high chairs aren’t as expensive as regular high chairs, but you still don’t want them to fall apart at the first opportunity. For one thing, it’s a safety hazard if the cover rips at the seams because then your baby can potentially fall through. One way to keep your high chair’s cover looking new is by handwashing or only washing on delicate. Be sure never to put any of the covers in the dryer, as doing so can cause the cover to shrink or show wear faster.
Colors
Some of the chairs, like the Inglesina Fast Table Chair, have lots of color choices. Bright colors are a lot of fun and add eye-catching interest to your kitchen or when you go out to eat. If you like to keep things clean, we recommend going with a dark color for the high chair cover. Dark colors will hide spilled baby food better than that bright aqua, but are definitely not as attractive. Decisions, decisions.
Included Extras
Depending on your needs, there may be certain extras that are really important to you. An included dining tray is probably the biggest one. It helps if your baby has their own eating space to make cleanup easier. When it comes to restaurants, it’s also more sanitary. Even if the hook on high chair on our list doesn’t come with a tray included, it may have one that you can buy separately. The Inglesina Fast Table Chair also has a special version that includes the tray.
If you’re going to take the hook on high chair to restaurants or when you travel, then a carrying bag might be essential to you. Many chairs have a carrying bag, and some, like the TC Bunny Hook On Chair, have one sewed into a pocket, so you can’t lose it.
A storage pocket is another extra that makes your life easier. You can store bibs, spoons, or other baby dining essentials inside.
Are Hook On High Chairs Safe?
You may have seen someone with their baby in a hook on chair while you’re at a restaurant and thought to yourself, “Is that safe?” It’s a little anxiety-provoking to see a little one just dangling from the edge of a table for the first time, but if you follow the safety guidelines with these chairs, your baby is perfectly safe.
Follow the Instructions
Hook on high chairs are a lot like car seats in that you need to read the installation instructions before using them and follow them exactly. Thankfully. Most of the high chairs available are very easy to install. The Chicco QuickSeat Hook On Chair is especially simple; you just line it up and pull the strap to tighten the clamps.
Stay Within the Weight Limits
So we admit it: we’ve ignored weight limit guidelines for certain kid toys before. However, when your baby is dangling in the air, you don’t want the clamps to give way because your baby is over the weight limit. We’ve provided the weight limits for all the hook on chairs in our reviews), but it’s always a good idea to double-check before buying.
Use the Harness
All of the hook on high chairs on our list have some sort of safety harness. Some are ones that go around your baby’s waist and thighs, and others have ones that have shoulder straps, too, like a car seat. If you know your baby or toddler is an escape artist, you should consider a hook on high chair like TC Bunny Hook On High Chair that includes the shoulder straps. This way, you don’t have to worry about your baby wriggling out of the seat and falling.
Only Install on Certain Tables
Which tables can you install your hook on high chair? In general, you don’t want to attach the chair to any flimsy tables, so no card tables or folding tables. You also shouldn’t attach it to glass tables because the glass might break. Pedestal tables are off the list, too, since the weight of your baby on one side can throw the table off-center, possibly causing it to topple.
We’ve also given you all the table thicknesses that each hook on high chair can accommodate in our reviews. Some of the chairs will work with a table lip or edge, and others won’t. Always read the manufacturer’s guidelines before installing them.
Why Should You Get a Hook On High Chair?
Most people have high chairs for their babies, so what are the benefits of hook on chairs? For one, they take up far less room in your kitchen than a regular high chair. Since they hook onto your table or countertop, you don’t have another big, bulky baby item taking up space in your home.
Many people like using the hook on chairs for dining out at restaurants. The wooden high chairs provided at most restaurants are uncomfortable and questionably cleaned. With a hook on high chair, you can just attach your baby’s seat to the restaurant table.
The hook on high chairs are also great for travel. Whether it’s to have a high chair at grandma’s house or pack in your suitcase while you and your baby travel, the hook on high chair is extremely portable. If you’re into hiking and camping, then lightweight chairs like the Mountain Buggy Pod Chair are incredibly easy to carry in a backpack.
When Can Babies Sit in a Hook On High Chair?
Babies can sit in a hook on chair when they’re holding their heads up well and sitting more or less independently. This is usually around six months, but it depends on your baby. A good rule of thumb is if your baby is ready to sit in a regular high chair, they’re ready to sit in a hook on high chair. There are also hook on chairs with higher backrests, like the Guzzie + Guss Perch Clip-On Table Chair.
What Are the Age and Weight Limits for a Hook On High Chair?
When it comes to weight limits, you’ll need to carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for each chair. In general, the weight limit for hook on chairs is 37 pounds. Some of the chairs have a weight limit of 33 pounds, like the TC Bunny Hook On High Chair. Of course, it will depend on your baby or toddler’s weight, but in general, these chairs can be used from 6 months to 36 months.
Final Thoughts on Hook On High Chairs
Hook on high chairs are ideal for saving on space in your home, and they’re perfect for keeping your little one comfy when you dine out. We love how lightweight and portable they are, and you will, too.
We hope our reviews and buying guide have helped you find the perfect hook on high chair for your little one. Now they can feel like a big kid by joining you at the table!