Convertible High Chairs

Many high chairs can accommodate children's growth and developmental stages from infancy through toddlerhood and beyond with convertible designs and sophisticated ergonomics.  There aren't a lot of reviews for convertible high chairs, but we found two high chairs that stand out with experts and owners alike, in spite of a big difference in price.

Safety for each developmental stage

The Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Seating System (*Est. $180) has a modular design that enables it to function as a full high chair, a chair-attached infant booster seat, a toddler booster seat and a youth chair -- and even seat two children at the same time. The Bloom Fresco Chrome (*Est. $500) is one of the most versatile high chairs for young children, functioning as a newborn cradle, a high chair and a toddler chair. Both of these high chairs come with all the safety features required to support children safely from the newborn stage to school age.

The Graco Blossom supports newborns and small babies with an insert pillow and three-position seat recline. The Bloom Fresco Chrome functions as a fully reclined cradle for small babies and supports them in three reclined positions as they gain head strength. Both high chairs have five-point harnesses with two height positions and passive-restraint support between the legs. The Blossom has a passive-restraint pommel, while the Fresco has a T-bar shaped restraint that also provides an arm rest. While the Blossom has a traditional look with a sturdy Z-shaped base, the Fresco has a stable pedestal base,

The wooden Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair, Keekaroo Height Right Chair and Svan Signet -- which also can be considered convertible high chairs -- are fully reviewed in the section on wooden high chairs.

Easy to clean and maneuver

Both the Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Seating System and Bloom Fresco Chrome receive positive reviews for ease of use and cleaning. The Blossom has good-sized wheels that lock securely, a frame and seat that parents say wipe clean easily, harness straps that can be removed for cleaning and a large, one-hand removable food tray with a removable feeding insert. While parents and reviewers do note that the relatively large base does not fold up (inconvenient when you need to store it), the removable infant booster and toddler booster are handy options when parents hit the road.

The Bloom Fresco Chrome offers the bells and whistles you would expect at its much higher price. The pedestal has a pneumatic-assisted seat height adjustment that lifts effortlessly to a 30- or 36-inch tray height. The chair rolls and locks easily on concealed wheels and offers 360-degree rotation that enables the baby to face any direction. The Fresco is described as relatively easy to clean. The seat's smooth surface wipes clean, and the seat pads can be wiped down and washed in the laundry. There are two trays: a larger one that is good for full meals, and a smaller tray for snacks.

Made to accommodate more children and stages

While they differ dramatically in appearance, the Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Seating System and the Bloom Fresco Chrome both offer a level of versatility that is not seen in other high chairs. The well-padded Blossom resembles a cross between a car seat and a high chair. Its modular design allows you to seat two children using different components of the system at the same time. By contrast, the Bloom Fresco's sleek, European design would not be out of place in an Eero Saarinen building. Its scoop-shaped seat can be transformed from a baby cradle to a high chair or to a child seat without tools or elbow grease.

The Blossom system includes an adjustable base with six height positions that holds an infant feeding seat and a booster seat. The infant seat offers ample padding for babies, a three-position recline and a tray table. The entire infant seat can be detached from the base and attached to a regular chair, freeing up the base for use as a toddler chair. The Blossom's booster seat can be used to seat an older child at the table while the infant feeding seat is used with the base as a complete high chair.

The best convertible high chairs have warranty coverage

The Blossom carries a one year warranty and the Fresco carries a two year warranty. Parents and reviewers report that Bloom provides excellent customer service.

The Blossom 4-in-1 Seating System is the top pick in convertible high chairs

The Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Seating System is our top pick in convertible high chairs. It's priced similarly to most free-standing metal and plastic framed high chairs, but its usability and functionality far exceed its price. The Blossom is sold as the only feeding chair you will ever need, and most parents and reviewers agree. Thanks to its modular design, the Graco Blossom can serve a baby and a toddler -- or a toddler and a school age child -- at the same time, making this seat a great choice for parents who plan to have two kids or who want to make one investment in a feeding seat for their child.