Picture this: mealtime with your little one, where the chair is your ally, not your enemy. The Mockingbird High Chair is that game-changer. It’s sleek, intuitive, and designed with parents like you and me in mind.
From its easy-to-clean surfaces to its ability to grow with your child, this high chair makes feeding time less chaotic and more enjoyable. Trust me, after wrestling with other high chairs, I can say this one’s worth every penny.
If you’re ready to simplify mealtimes and add a touch of style to your kitchen, the Mockingbird High Chair is calling your name.
My Experience With The Mockingbird High Chair
When I first unboxed the Mockingbird High Chair, I was skeptical.
I’d been burned before by high chairs that promised the world but delivered frustration.
My toddler, a whirlwind of energy and mashed avocado, had turned every mealtime into a cleanup marathon with our old chair.
So, when the Mockingbird arrived, I was ready to put it through its paces.
Right out of the box, I noticed the quality. The FSC-certified beechwood frame felt sturdy yet lightweight, and the sleek, minimalist design didn’t scream “baby gear” like so many others. Assembly took me about 25 minutes, and I’m no handyman.
The instructions were clear, and all the hardware was included, so I didn’t have to rummage through my toolbox. Once it was together, I slid it into our kitchen, and its compact footprint was a pleasant surprise. Unlike our old chair, which seemed to take up half the room, this one tucked neatly under the table.
The first real test came at dinner. My 10-month-old daughter, notorious for turning peas into projectiles, was strapped in with the 5-point harness. The magnetic buckle was a revelation—snapping together effortlessly even as she wiggled like a fish.
I adjusted the footrest to support her tiny feet, and she sat upright, happily smearing sweet potato across the tray. The tray itself was a dream, with three adjustable depths to keep food within her reach (and off her lap).
After the meal, I popped the tray liner into the dishwasher and wiped the silicone-coated straps clean in seconds. No scrubbing, no cursing under my breath—just done.
Over the next few weeks, I used it for both my toddler and our 3-year-old foster son, switching between high chair and child chair modes. The tool-free conversion was as simple as pressing two buttons and sliding the seat off.
My older kid loved climbing into the child chair himself, and I loved that it could hold up to 150 pounds, meaning we’d use it for years. The Mockingbird High Chair didn’t just survive our chaotic mealtimes; it thrived, making me wonder why I’d settled for less before.
Pros of The Mockingbird High Chair
- Effortless Cleaning
Let’s be real: mealtime with a baby is a mess-fest.
Food ends up everywhere—smeared on straps, wedged in crevices, you name it.
The Mockingbird High Chair laughs in the face of this chaos.
Its silicone-coated straps are a game-changer, wiping clean with a damp cloth even after my kid decided to “paint” with yogurt.
Unlike nylon straps that soak up stains like a sponge, these stay pristine. The tray liner pops off and goes straight into the dishwasher, and the seat’s smooth, crevice-free design means no hidden food traps. I timed it: a full cleanup took me under five minutes, even on spaghetti night.
- Long-Term Versatility
This isn’t just a high chair; it’s a long-term investment. The 2-in-1 design transforms from a high chair for babies up to 35 pounds to a child chair that supports up to 150 pounds. Switching modes is a breeze—no tools, just a quick slide of the seat.
My 3-year-old loves using it as a “big kid” chair at the table, and I can see it lasting through multiple kids. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about having one less piece of baby gear to replace as your family grows.
- Intuitive Design
The Mockingbird High Chair feels like it was designed by someone who’s actually parented. The magnetic buckle clicks into place without a struggle, even with a squirming baby. The tray adjusts to three positions, so you can bring it closer to your child to minimize spills.
The footrest slides up or down with a simple knob, no Allen wrench required. I’ve had grandparents over who figured it out without me explaining, which is a small miracle. Every feature feels thoughtful, like the strap holders that keep harnesses out of the way during cleaning.
- Compact and Stylish
Space is tight in my kitchen, so the Mockingbird’s small footprint (24 x 16.5 inches) is a lifesaver. It tucks under our dining table, reducing toe-stubbing incidents (a real hazard with our old chair). The sleek, modern design in neutral tones blends with our decor, not screaming “baby zone.”
It’s not just functional; it’s a piece of furniture I don’t mind looking at every day. The Y-shaped frame adds stability without sprawling legs, making it ideal for smaller homes.
- Safety First
Safety is non-negotiable, and Mockingbird delivers. The 5-point harness keeps your child secure, with adjustable straps that grow with them. The chair meets or exceeds standards from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ASTM International, and the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
All materials—beechwood frame, BPA-free plastic tray, and food-grade silicone straps—are tested for harmful substances like lead and phthalates. I feel confident knowing my kids are safe, whether they’re 6 months or 6 years old.
Cons of The Mockingbird High Chair
- Limited Color Options
I love the Mockingbird’s clean, neutral aesthetic, but it’s currently only available in a white colorway, with a few new shades recently added.
If you’re hoping for a bold pop of color or a specific wood tone to match your dining set, you might feel limited.
My kitchen is all earth tones, so the white works, but I’d have loved a walnut or black option to tie it all together.
It’s a minor gripe, but for style-conscious parents, more variety would be a nice touch.
- Non-Foldable Design
If you’re short on space and like to stow gear away, the Mockingbird might frustrate you. It doesn’t fold, which means it’s always out in the open. While its compact footprint helps, I sometimes wish I could collapse it for storage when we have guests over.
The trade-off is fewer crevices for crumbs, but if folding is a must, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
- Footrest Depth Concerns
For baby-led weaning (BLW) enthusiasts like me, the footrest is a sticking point. It’s adjustable in high chair mode, which is great for positioning your baby’s feet flat to support proper posture. But it’s a bit shallow, and my 6-month-old’s feet only partially rested on it, with her toes dangling off.
This could affect stability for some babies during BLW, where a firm footrest is key to preventing choking. In child chair mode, the footrest isn’t adjustable, which might be an issue for taller kids. Mockingbird could fix this with a deeper, more adjustable footrest in future models.
- Tray Removal Challenges
Most of the time, the tray slides on and off smoothly, but I’ve had moments where it required a bit more muscle than I’d like, especially one-handed. If you’re rushing to get a choking baby out, this could feel like a hurdle.
I practiced and got the hang of it, but it’s not as effortless as the rest of the chair’s features. Some parents online echoed this, though others found it fine, so it might depend on your dexterity.
Maintenance Tips For The Mockingbird High Chair
- Daily Wipe-Downs
Keeping the Mockingbird High Chair clean is a breeze, but consistency is key. After every meal, grab a damp cloth or baby wipe and give the seat, tray, and silicone straps a quick once-over. The smooth surfaces mean food doesn’t stick, but sticky residues like jam can build up if you skip this step.
I keep a stack of wipes nearby for instant cleanups, and it’s become second nature. For tougher messes, a mild dish soap works wonders without damaging the materials.
- Dishwasher for Tray Liner
The tray liner is your best friend. Pop it off after meals and toss it in the dishwasher for a deep clean. I do this every few days, especially after messy meals like pasta with red sauce.
Make sure to place it on the top rack to avoid warping, and check that it’s secure before running the cycle. If you don’t have a dishwasher, a soak in warm, soapy water does the trick, followed by a thorough rinse.
- Machine-Washable Straps
The silicone-coated straps are a dream, but for a deeper clean, you can remove them and toss them in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent, then air-dry to maintain their shape.
I do this once a month or after particularly chaotic meals (think blueberry puree explosions). Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals, as they could degrade the food-grade silicone over time.
- Check for Wear and Tear
Every few months, give the chair a quick inspection. Tighten any loose screws on the frame, especially if your kid is a climber like mine. Check the harness for fraying, though the silicone coating makes this unlikely.
The beechwood frame is durable, but avoid exposing it to excessive moisture to prevent warping. I keep a small screwdriver handy for quick adjustments, ensuring the chair stays as sturdy as day one.
- Storing Properly
Since the Mockingbird doesn’t fold, store it in a dry, cool place when not in use to protect the wood and plastic components. If you’re moving it between rooms, lift it by the frame, not the tray, to avoid stressing the joints.
I’ve found that sliding it under the dining table when not in use keeps it out of the way without needing to disassemble anything.
Comparison of Mockingbird High Chair With Other High Chair Brands
- Mockingbird Vs. Stokke Tripp Trapp
I’ve used the Stokke Tripp Trapp, and it’s a classic for a reason.
Its wooden construction supports up to 242 pounds, outlasting Mockingbird’s 150-pound limit, and its Scandinavian aesthetic is timeless.
But cleaning it was a chore—nylon straps and crevices trapped food, and I spent ages scrubbing.
The Mockingbird’s silicone straps and dishwasher-safe tray liner make cleanup a breeze.
The Tripp Trapp requires an Allen wrench for adjustments, while Mockingbird’s tool-free design is far more user-friendly. At $379, the Tripp Trapp is pricier than Mockingbird’s $249, and its separate tray purchase adds cost.
Mockingbird’s smaller footprint also fits my kitchen better.
- Mockingbird Vs. Maxi-Cosi MOA High Chair
The Maxi-Cosi MOA High Chair is a modular wonder, transforming from a high chair to a booster, toddler chair, and stool, supporting up to 50 pounds.
Its eight configurations outshine Mockingbird’s two, but the MOA’s fabric seat and non-dishwasher-safe tray made cleaning tougher than Mockingbird’s silicone and dishwasher-friendly setup.
The MOA’s adjustments require more steps, while Mockingbird’s are intuitive.
Priced at $199, the MOA is cheaper, but its plastic-heavy build feels less premium than Mockingbird’s beechwood frame.
For long-term durability and ease, I prefer Mockingbird, especially for baby-led weaning families needing a solid footrest.
- Mockingbird Vs. Stokke Clikk High Chair
The Stokke Clikk High Chair is designed for quick assembly and portability, snapping together in under a minute and folding flat for storage—unlike the non-foldable Mockingbird.
Its tray is dishwasher-safe, but the fabric harness and crevices collect messes, unlike Mockingbird’s wipeable silicone straps.
The Clikk’s 33-pound weight limit is limiting compared to Mockingbird’s 150 pounds, and it lacks a convertible child chair mode.
At $189, it’s budget-friendly, but its footrest isn’t adjustable, which frustrated me for baby-led weaning.
Mockingbird’s versatility and longevity make it the better investment for growing families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The 90 90 90 rule is all about proper positioning for your baby during mealtime. It means their hips, knees, and ankles should each form a 90-degree angle. This posture—feet flat on the footrest, knees bent, and hips aligned—supports their core, improves stability, and reduces choking risks, especially for baby-led weaning. The Mockingbird High Chair’s adjustable footrest helps achieve this, though its shallow depth might not fully support larger babies’ feet.
The Mockingbird High Chair often tops parent reviews for its ease of cleaning, versatility, and sleek design. It’s frequently praised for its dishwasher-safe tray liner and silicone straps, outshining competitors like the Stokke Tripp Trapp, which is harder to clean. While the Tripp Trapp has a loyal following, Mockingbird’s affordability and intuitive features make it a favorite among modern parents.
Your baby can start using the Mockingbird High Chair at 6 months, when they’re ready for solids and can sit upright with support. The 5-point harness and adjustable footrest ensure they’re secure and properly positioned. Always check with your pediatrician to confirm your baby’s readiness for a high chair.
The Mockingbird High Chair is designed to resist staining. Its silicone-coated straps and BPA-free plastic tray wipe clean easily, and the dishwasher-safe tray liner handles tough messes like tomato sauce. I’ve left oatmeal to dry overnight, and it came off without a trace. The smooth seat design avoids crevices where stains could hide, making it one of the easiest chairs to keep pristine.
Conclusion: Your Mealtime MVP Awaits
After months of testing, I’m sold on the Mockingbird High Chair. It’s not perfect—more colors and a deeper footrest would be nice—but it’s the closest I’ve come to high chair nirvana. From its effortless cleanup to its ability to grow with your child, it’s a purchase you won’t regret.
If you’re tired of wrestling with clunky, hard-to-clean chairs, this is your solution. Make mealtimes a breeze and give your kitchen a stylish upgrade. Grab the Mockingbird High Chair—you’ll thank yourself every time you wipe it down in seconds.