“Using child-sized tables and chairs makes it easier for them to complete tasks for themselves, giving them a sense of accomplishment and helping to build confidence,” says parent educator and play-space designer Alanna Gallo, founder of Play. Learn. Thrive. When looking for toddler tables and chairs, you should prioritize sets that will be safe for your child to maneuver in and out of on their own, meet their height and weight requirements, and be developmentally appropriate for their age range. Children this age can change rapidly, so Gallo says there are additional specifics to keep in mind, like making sure the seating set also fits your space and style and has the specific functionality you’re looking for. We looked at size, design, weight limits, price, and durability when selecting the table and chair sets on this list. We’ve reviewed the products on the market now, and these are the best toddler tables and chairs. One of our favorite features of the Lily and River table is the built-in storage pouch that sits underneath a circular cutout in the middle of the table. When your kiddos are done building with their blocks, they can simply slide them to the center hole to quickly clean up after playtime. Price at time of publication: $300 The removable umbrella can be used to keep UV rays at bay during the day and then tucked away when it’s not needed. This is a great option for those who like to spend a lot of time outdoors. Price at time of publication: $123 It’s styled in the same vein as a lot of popular farmhouse pieces and comes in a variety of colors, ensuring that it will be easy to find a version that goes with your home’s decor. Price at time of publication: $140 This set is made from a wood composite, which means there’s a larger variety of color choices than the other solid wood sets on our list. We think you’ll be able to find a version that won’t cramp the style of your smaller space while still providing the freedom for your toddler to gain some confidence. Price at time of publication: $149 “[The MySize set] is a great table if you’re on a budget and want something good for mealtimes, building, and arts and crafts,” says Gallo. If the two included chairs aren’t enough, you can add two seats to your order. Price at time of publication: $70 It’s available in seven different colors and works as a child’s desk, a mini dining table, or even a craft station. There is enough space to slide in four seats around this beautiful maple wood table. Price at time of publication: $321 The Scandinavian-style set is made with mealtime in mind and allows the freestanding seats to be pushed as close to the table as needed. However, your toddler’s fun doesn’t have to stop with food, as it’s also great for activities (it even comes with giant coloring sheets). You can choose from a variety of colors and mix and match to create your own style. Price at time of publication: $355 Following the advice Gallo gave us, we looked for seats that were lightweight, easy for kids to move on their own, and allowed kids to adjust how close they sit to the table (you’ll notice no fixed seating sets made our list). Then we used what we know about the needs of busy families to come up with categories we thought would be most important to you.
What to Look for in Toddler Tables and Chairs
Because many toddlers are similar in size range, the best seats are going to be the ones that work best in your space. However, there are a few key factors you want to keep in mind.
Size
It’s best to know where your toddler chair and table set is going to go before you start shopping. This way, you’ll know exactly how much space you have to work with. Make sure to account for the footprint of the table when your child is actually seated in it because they will require a little more room than when the chairs are tucked in.
Design
There are a variety of design configurations to take into consideration. Do you want a chair that can be tucked into a corner (square and rectangular shapes are the best choices here) or something that is going to serve as a bit of a showpiece (you’ll likely place a higher value on stylish color options here)? Unless you have a designated play area or room for your kids, the table and chair set will likely be a part of your home decor, so you should definitely choose a set that matches your personal style.
Main Purpose
Some toddler chair and table sets are inherently better for mealtimes, while others are better for activities. Consider how you want your child to utilize the table and shop with those characteristics in mind. And remember, an outdoor seating set can pull double duty and be brought inside when you can’t get into the yard, but an indoor set won’t hold up as well to harsh elements like sun, wind, and rain.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Lauren Wellbank is a mother of three small children, so she spends a lot of time trying to make sure she’s putting their developmental needs first. Sometimes, that means buying them separate seating options so that they can move more independently throughout their home. While Lauren hates to lose the space by adding additional seating, she loves to see the way her children can navigate life more freely when they have kid-friendly chairs and tables to use.