Best High Chair Setup for Easy Cleanup When Starting Solids
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Starting solids is exciting… and messy. The first time I gave my baby a spoonful of purée, I was shocked by how much of it didn’t make it into their mouth. Within minutes, it was in their hair, under the tray, and somehow on the wall behind them. I quickly realized that mealtime cleanup can take longer than the meal itself unless you set yourself up for success.
After plenty of trial and error (and a few ruined bibs), I’ve found a simple, easy-to-clean setup that works—centered around a high chair that grows with your child and keeps mealtime from turning into a kitchen disaster.
1. Maxi-Cosi Moa 8-in-1 High Chair
I underestimated how quickly babies outgrow things—so “grow-with-me” products are the way to go. The Moa isn’t just a high chair for the first few months of solids; it’s the best high chair to transition into a booster seat, toddler chair, and even a little table for years of use.
It’s also designed with cleaning in mind. The inlay is machine washable and water-repellent (which helps with those sticky oatmeal mornings), and the whole thing comes apart easily for deep cleaning. That means I don’t have to scrub around awkward nooks with a toothbrush just to get out dried yogurt. My favorite part is the dishwasher-safe cover for the tray, it pops right off so you don’t even have to use a placemat.
This chair feels like an investment, but considering how long it lasts and how much time it saves on cleanup, it pays for itself quickly.
2. A big silicone bib
Skip the fabric bibs—they just mean more laundry and never seem to cover as much as you need. A large silicone bib with a deep pocket catches most of the mess before it hits the floor. They rinse clean in seconds, and you can keep a backup in your diaper bag for meals on the go.
3. Disposable, eco-friendly mats
Instead of wiping a reusable mat (just like I’d be wiping the floor), I use 100% biodegradable, compostable mats made from sustainably sourced materials. They’re guilt-free to toss after each meal, and you can fold a few into your diaper bag for restaurants or travel.
4. Silicone spoons for practice
Even if your baby can’t feed themselves yet, letting them practice with soft silicone spoons is worth it. It builds hand-eye coordination, gets them used to holding utensils, and keeps them entertained while you sneak in a few bites.
Yes, most of the food will still end up on their face (and yours), but it’s all part of the process—and practice now makes self-feeding smoother later.
5. Clean and reset after each meal
The fastest way to avoid dreaded mealtime chaos? Wipe everything down and reset it right after your baby’s done eating. I keep a stash of wipes and a small cleaning spray nearby so I can clear the tray, toss the bib in the sink, and swap out the mat in just a couple of minutes.
Doing this consistently means the high chair is always ready for the next round, and I don’t find myself scrambling when it’s suddenly lunchtime again.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Sustainable
Starting solids is supposed to be fun—it’s your baby’s first real experience with food, textures, and mealtime. But if you’re drowning in dishes and laundry, it’s easy to lose the joy in it. That’s why I’ve learned to keep our setup simple, minimal, and easy to clean.
The right high chair, a few smart tools, and a reset-after-meals routine have completely changed how I feel about feeding time. Instead of dreading the mess, I know it’s manageable—and I can actually enjoy watching my little one explore new foods.
Babies don’t stay babies for long, so the less time spent scrubbing oatmeal out of chair crevices, the more time you’ll have to sit back, laugh at the mess, and take it all in.
