This solid-beechwood model is classic, elegant, and devoid of a single extraneous feature. (It's trayless—just pull it right up to the table.) When your child gets older, remove the support rail and the chair works as a booster.

Testers said: "You don't always need to strap your child down with a five-point safety harness—this lap belt is enough, provided you aren't leaving the room. I also love how the chair blends right into the dining room."

Ever the resource for thoughtful yet simple baby furniture, IKEA also gets a nod for its plastic high chair, which is inexpensive and brilliantly designed. And for those who don't have much square footage, the legs detach for quick stowing.

Testers said: "It's a minimalist's dream; the design is so spare. And since the seat is all one piece of plastic, there are no nooks and crannies to trap food."

Dishwasher-safe tray: No

Instead of reattaching legs at a new height or dealing with posts and rungs, you just step on the pneumatic-lift button to raise and lower the seat. The space-age design also features a seamless, waterproof seat pad and casters for smooth gliding on hard floors.

Testers said: "The chair is easy to clean and move around, and it's so well designed that very little food falls on the seat or the floor."

Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes

Like the company's strollers, this chair is sleek and lightweight (just 11 pounds). Plus, it's easily packable for a week at Grandma's: The body collapses to fit (with the detachable legs) inside an included duffel bag.

Testers said: "It has both a snack-size and a regular-size tray, which is nice, but taking the whole tray unit off takes two people. Still, it's impressive."

Dishwasher-safe tray: Yes

Whether your kid wants to sit at the countertop or the coffee table (yes, it can go that low), the Babylon's adjustment range is a convenient perk.

Testers said: "It's compact enough to tuck away. And it's no problem to clean, because the components snap off easily."

To adjust: Move the seat and footrest from rung to rung using the easy-to-turn pegs—and no tools.

Weight capacity: 200 pounds

The sturdiest of the bunch, this chair is made of solid beechwood and comes in 10 shades, from walnut to turquoise.

Testers said: "At first we were a little disconcerted by the lack of a tray. But since the chair pushes right up to the table, our son was comfortable eating with us like a big kid by the time he was 1."

To adjust: Just slide the pieces in and out of the slots. The lap belt and plastic front harness are removable.

Weight capacity: 300 pounds

The seat and footstool move along an open track, so you can pick the exact height you want instead of relying on a limited number of precut holes.

Testers said: "The design works with both modern and traditional decor. The chair also has a surprisingly small footprint."

To adjust: Loosen the bolts with the provided Allen key, move the components, then retighten.

Weight capacity: 250 pounds