Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair Review: The One Chair to Rule Them All?

As parents, we live in a world of fleeting stages. The sleepy newborn phase melts into the wobbly sitting phase, which rockets into the chaotic “I-can-feed-myself-and-throw-spaghetti-on-the-dog” phase. Each stage comes with its own gear, and before you know it, your home is a museum of barely-used baby equipment. The high chair is the centerpiece of this culinary chaos. We knew we needed more than just a place for our baby to sit; we needed a command center for mealtime, a durable throne that could withstand a barrage of pureed sweet potatoes, and, ideally, something that wouldn’t become obsolete in twelve months. The thought of buying an infant recliner, then a high chair, then a booster seat felt not only expensive but incredibly wasteful. We were looking for a single, elegant solution—a long-term investment that could adapt as quickly as our child was growing.

What to Consider Before Buying a Baby High Chair

A baby high chair is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a key solution for creating a safe, structured, and inclusive mealtime environment. For babies just starting solids, it provides the necessary support and positioning for safe swallowing. For toddlers, it offers a designated space to learn self-feeding skills and participate in family meals at the table. The primary benefits are safety, convenience, and fostering positive eating habits. A good high chair keeps a wriggly baby secure, makes cleanup manageable for exhausted parents, and brings the youngest family member to the table, promoting social development from day one.

The ideal customer for a multi-stage high chair like the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair is a forward-thinking parent who values longevity and versatility. If you’re looking to make a single purchase that will serve your child from their first spoonfuls of rice cereal to their days of helping you in the kitchen, this type of product is designed for you. It’s for families who appreciate gear that grows with their child, reducing clutter and providing excellent long-term value. However, it might not be the best fit for those living in very compact spaces who might prefer a travel-friendly, hook-on chair, or for families on a tight budget who only need a basic high chair for a shorter period. For them, a simpler, non-convertible model or a portable booster might be a more suitable choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure the area where you plan to use and store the high chair. Consider the footprint when the legs are fully extended. Some convertible high chairs can be bulky, so check the folded dimensions to ensure it will fit in your pantry or a corner when not in use. The ability for a chair to self-stand when folded is a significant space-saving feature.
• Versatility & Longevity: Evaluate the chair’s “growing stages.” Does it genuinely offer distinct, useful configurations for different ages, or are the stages merely minor adjustments? A truly versatile chair should transition seamlessly from an infant recliner to a full-size high chair, a toddler booster, and perhaps even a youth stool, maximizing its lifespan and value. Think about whether you’ll actually use these features, like having a separate booster and stool for two children.
• Materials & Durability: The materials dictate both the chair’s longevity and how easy it is to clean. Hard plastics are durable and easy to wipe down, but check for nooks and crannies where food can get trapped. Seat pads should be made of a non-porous, wipeable material rather than cloth, which can stain and require frequent machine washing. Look for a sturdy frame, whether metal or plastic, that feels stable and doesn’t wobble.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: In the daily reality of parenting, convenience is king. How easy is it to get your child in and out? Is the harness system secure yet simple to buckle? Can you remove the tray with one hand while holding your baby? A dishwasher-safe tray insert is a non-negotiable feature for many parents, as it dramatically simplifies the post-meal cleanup routine.

While the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Sleek Design Meets Thoughtful Engineering

Unboxing the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair was a pleasant surprise. Often, baby gear assembly can feel like an exercise in frustration, but Graco has streamlined the process significantly. We had it clicked together and standing in our kitchen in under 15 minutes, and as one user happily noted, we barely needed to glance at the manual. The first thing that struck us was the aesthetic. In the “Misty” colorway, it presents a modern, clean look that blends into our home decor rather than screaming “baby item.” The faux wood grain finish on the legs is a tasteful touch that elevates it above the purely utilitarian plastic models that dominate the market. It felt substantial and sturdy, not at all flimsy, though a bit on the heavy side. This weight, we found, translates to a reassuring sense of stability. The materials on the seat pad are smooth and have a rubberized, non-absorbent feel, which immediately signaled to us that cleanup might be less of a chore than with the fabric-covered chairs of the past. It felt like a product designed by people who have actually cleaned up after a toddler’s meal.

A Deep Dive into the Graco EveryStep’s Performance

After weeks of rigorous testing, which involved everything from pureed carrots and bottle feedings to toddler-led spaghetti exploration, we’ve come to understand the intricate strengths and minor weaknesses of this high chair. It’s not just about how it looks, but how it functions in the beautiful chaos of daily family life.

The Magic of 6-in-1: Is It True Versatility?

The headline feature of the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair is its adaptability, and we can confirm it delivers on this promise exceptionally well. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; the transitions are intuitive and create genuinely useful new products. Stage 1 (Infant Highchair) utilizes the three recline positions, which we found perfect for our 4-month-old. It allowed him to be at the table with us, safely reclined for bottle feeding or just observing, long before he was ready for solids. Stage 2 (Full-Size Highchair) is the standard upright position for babies starting to self-feed. The transition is a simple lever pull. The real magic begins when your child grows. Stage 3 (Infant Booster) and Stage 4 (Toddler Booster) involve popping the entire seat off the frame with two simple buttons and strapping it to a dining chair. This was a game-changer for visits to grandparents’ houses—no need to lug the whole frame. As one user exclaimed, “The chair pops off so quickly and easily if you want to take it on the go outside. LOVE THAT.” But Graco takes it a step further. While the booster is in use, the leftover frame cleverly becomes Stage 5 (Youth Stool), a perfect perch for an older sibling. Finally, the booster seat’s base transforms into Stage 6 (Kids Step Stool), a sturdy platform for toddlers to reach the counter and “help” with cooking. This dual-use capability—accommodating two children at once—is a feature that provides immense long-term value, making the initial investment feel incredibly smart.

The Cleanup Battle: A Story of Wipes and Stains

For any parent, “easy to clean” are the three most beautiful words in the English language. The Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair makes a valiant effort here, with mostly successful results. The seat pad is a single, seamless piece of wipeable material. There’s no cloth cover to wrestle with or launder constantly. Most spills—yogurt, applesauce, milk—wipe away effortlessly with a damp cloth. The one-hand removable tray is a blessing, and the dishwasher-safe insert is the true hero of mealtime cleanup. We could simply pop it off, rinse it, and place it in the dishwasher. This is a massive win. However, the battlefield is not without its challenges. We, like other users, quickly discovered the kryptonite for the pristine white tray: carrots and tomato sauce. One user updated her review to note her frustration that “carrots have stained the white part of the tray and no amount of soap & hot water work to get it off.” We experienced the same faint orange tinge. While this is a common issue with light-colored plastics, it’s something to be aware of. The straps, while commendably easy to remove for a deep clean, also suffered the same fate. They wipe clean from a texture standpoint but can hold onto stains. Some users also pointed out that there are “so many nooks and crannies,” particularly around the base and height adjustment mechanism, that can collect crumbs and require a more detailed scrub-down. Overall, daily cleaning is a breeze, but maintaining its “like-new” appearance requires diligence.

Design, Comfort, and Ergonomics: A Mixed Bag

The chair’s design is a major selling point. It’s sleek, modern, and far less of an eyesore than many of its competitors. The four height positions are fantastic, allowing us to adjust it perfectly to our dining table or kitchen counter, making the baby feel truly part of the action. The 5-point harness is robust and keeps our little one secure, a feature another parent praised for their “wobbly” baby. However, we did encounter some of the ergonomic issues mentioned by a few discerning users. One parent noted, “The chair depth is really deep… our 13 month old… still isn’t long enough to bend her knees to let her legs hang.” We observed this as well. For smaller or younger babies, their legs tend to stick straight out rather than bend at the knee over the edge of the seat. The adjustable footrest helps, but it may not be perfectly positioned for every child at every stage. Similarly, the recline positions are great for infants, but some found the most upright position wasn’t a perfect 90 degrees, leaving the baby slightly reclined. This is a minor quibble for most, but for parents focused on perfect feeding posture, it’s worth noting. The debate over the tray distance was also present in user feedback, but we sided with the user who said, “you can adjust the tray and the closest setting its gets very close to the baby.” We found the three tray positions to be more than adequate for containing the mess and keeping food within easy reach.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our experience with the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair aligns closely with the broad consensus from other parents. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many calling it “phenomenal” and a “fantastic addition” to their homes. One parent, who had owned four previous high chairs, wished they “would have been able to get this one sooner,” citing the easy-to-clean straps as a “huge win.” The stylish aesthetic is another frequently praised aspect, with comments like “super stylish and not overly bulky” and “modern and sleek” appearing often. The easy assembly is another common point of celebration.

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, and the criticisms are consistent and valid. The most common complaint, which we also verified, is the staining of the white tray and straps from foods like carrots. One user even took a star off their review for this specific reason. Another point of contention is cleaning the frame’s “nooks and crannies.” A more serious concern came from a user who experienced long-term durability issues, stating that after three years, “The cover is falling apart and molding,” and they were unable to purchase a replacement. While this appears to be an outlier, it’s a critical reminder that even the best products have a lifespan and should be cared for properly.

How Does the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair Compare to Alternatives?

While the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair is a formidable contender, the market offers other excellent options that might better suit different needs, spaces, or budgets. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.

1. Chicco FastLock Hook-On High Chair

The Chicco FastLock represents a completely different approach to mealtime seating. Instead of a freestanding unit, it clamps directly onto most tables. Its primary advantage is its supreme portability and minimal footprint. This is the ideal choice for families with very limited kitchen space, frequent travelers, or those who want a secondary chair for dining out or visiting relatives. It simply cannot compete with the Graco on features—it has no recline, no height adjustment, and no convertibility. However, for a parent whose sole priority is saving space and having a seat on the go, the Chicco FastLock is a superior solution. The Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair is for the family building a permanent “command center” at home.

2. Chicco Zest 4-in-1 Folding High Chair

The Chicco Zest is a more direct competitor to the Graco, offering a similar multi-stage, grow-with-me philosophy. As a 4-in-1 product, it transitions from a high chair to a toddler chair and youth stool. Its key differentiators are its ultra-compact fold and lighter weight, making it a better option for those who need to store their high chair away between meals. Where the Graco wins is in its sheer number of modes (6 vs. 4), particularly the ability to use the booster and youth stool simultaneously to seat two children. The Graco’s infant recline is also a significant advantage for very young babies. The choice here comes down to priorities: choose the Chicco Zest for a superior fold and storage, or the Graco EveryStep for maximum versatility and multi-child use.

3. Sandinrayli 3-in-1 Convertible Baby High Chair

The Sandinrayli 3-in-1 enters the ring as a strong budget-friendly alternative. It offers the core convertible functionality that many parents seek—transforming from a high chair to a booster seat and a small toddler table and chair set. This unique table-and-chair mode is a fun feature for playtime that the Graco doesn’t have. However, it achieves its lower price point by sacrificing some of the premium features of the Graco. It lacks the multiple recline and height adjustment positions, and its overall build and materials may not feel as robust. For parents who want the basic convertible benefits without the higher price tag and don’t need the infant-specific features or step-stool functionality, the Sandinrayli is a very compelling and practical choice.

The Final Verdict: Is the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair Worth It?

After extensive hands-on testing and combing through the experiences of fellow parents, our conclusion is clear: the Graco EveryStep 6-in-1 High Chair is a phenomenal piece of baby gear that largely lives up to its ambitious promises. Its true strength lies in its incredible longevity. This is not a chair you’ll be putting on the curb in a year; it’s a thoughtfully designed system that will serve your family through multiple stages and potentially multiple children. The blend of modern aesthetics, clever engineering, and parent-friendly features like the easy assembly and wipeable surfaces makes it a standout in a crowded market.

While it’s not perfect—the potential for staining and the slightly awkward ergonomics for smaller babies are valid points—its overwhelming benefits far outweigh these minor flaws. We wholeheartedly recommend it to parents who are looking for a long-term, all-in-one seating solution and are willing to invest in a product that prioritizes versatility and design. It simplifies life by reducing clutter and adapting to your child’s needs, making it a purchase you’ll appreciate for years to come. If you’re ready to invest in a high chair that does it all, you can check the latest price and explore the color options here.