I love the Phil & Teds Poppy high chair ($99). In fact, it very quickly became my go-to high chair… thus I bring you my Phil & Teds Poppy High Chair review.
This high chair meets all my requirements: no fabrics, it’s portable, it’s easy to clean, it passes the longevity test, has a two-step adjustable height, and has a simple aesthetic. It’s also got a nice solid foot rest, a feature which some models are sorely lacking. Here’s more:
1. Does not contain fabrics – check!
The last thing you want on a high chair is fabric: terrible idea! The Poppy has an “aerocore” seat that’s soft and spongy, so it’s comfy, but still waterproof and easy to clean. (It’s also dishwasher safe — it slides in like a plate.)
2. Easy to assemble, store, and take down – check!
Just pop the metal legs on or off to set up or take down. To store, simply remove one pair of legs for a slim fold.
3. Easy to clean – check!
The tray and seat are really easy to wipe down. The tray is very easy to remove and wash at the sink — which I much prefer to washing in the dishwasher because it takes up the entire lower rack. The only caveat is that the seat will stain if your kid spills tomato sauce or any other stain-ey liquids on it. Eh, oh well.
4. Will last for several years/through several stages (see below) – check!
The Poppy makes a really cute kid’s chair (remove the straps and lower it) and I look forward to using it for just that. These are all the built-in seating options (the image depicts the older version, which had a full-coverage seat cover — note that in the new design the seat cover is just under the tush):
To convert the Poppy to a booster or floor seat chair (see below), you’ll need to purchase the Poppy Modes Kit (2020), sold separately for ~$15.
5. Can be used in a high and low position (I’ll explain) – check!
So, my kids sit at a low “kids table.” Okay, okay, we ALL sit at the kids table (which is quite funny to see grown adults on tiny little kids’ chairs), because we are too lazy to walk into the dining room (sue me).
It’s REALLY hard to find high chairs that have a low height setting. In fact, this was my biggest stumbling block in finding a high chair.
6. Looks good – check!
This high chair isn’t plasticky and cheap looking, like many of them are. In fact, the Poppy is more reminiscent of Boon and some of the other super modern product designers.
Watch out for:
Again, the only two things to look out for is that the seat can stain if you’re not careful and the tray can pinch your baby’s thighs when putting it on. I’ve done this a few times when I was in a hurry and it pinched her pretty good – I have since learned how to do it properly, but just be careful.
Outside of those two complaints, this chair will take up residence in our High Chair Buyer’s Guide.
We just bought this for my 5 month old and love it! It goes with our modern kitchen and isnt obnoxious and baby-ish. My only complaint, thus far is the legs are super wide, and we have tripped a few times- just need to get use to it, I suppose. Highly recommend, especially for the price point.
Wow! I didn’t realize that you can convert this chair to a low chair! We got a great deal on this chair as it was the last one at a Buy Buy Baby Store closest to us. It was pretty much sold as is and didn’t include a box or an instruction manual. Now I love it even more!
Did any of you have trouble getting your child in or out or struggle with the shoulder straps? I really like this chair, but would hate to deal with straps always slipping off! Also, was the footrest always comfortable?
Thanks for your help!
We love this chair. It’s worked really well for all possible ways over the last year. The problem I have with this chair is that it’s legs are wide. If I’m not too careful, I have tripped on it. It’s just out too far for me to predict while walking where it’s leg is.
Love the Chair. Can the foam seat be washed in either a dishwasher or laundry machine washer?
We have this chair and have loved the look. Our baby has been super comfortable in it from the get-go. Love that you can put the entire seat and tray in the dishwasher. Unfortunately, as mentioned, the tripping hazard is real. Everyone does it and especially the grandparents which is nerve-wracking!
Within 1 year the tray cracked where it connects and latches to the chair. The plastic is thin only in that area, as your child leans forward on the tray it will eventually crack. The company refused to replace it with the receipt showing it was purchased within a year from them on amazon. They stated the “item was damaged during use.” Unfortunately they do not back up their products as they should. Such a shame because I really liked the chair. I am paying the $30 for a new tray hoping it doesn’t break again but definitely shouldn’t have to.