Is it safe to use a plastic high chair tray for a baby?
Based on 2 peer-reviewed studiesbaby
Verdict: Use Caution
Not ideal for long-term daily use. Food on plastic daily still adds plastic to a baby's diet.
What's actually in it
Most high chair trays are polypropylene. They see warm food, acidic food (fruit, tomato), and fatty food (yogurt, butter) three times a day. Over two years of meals, that's a lot of contact.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Agric Food Chem documented plastic particle release in hot conditions. A 2025 study showed microplastics disrupt gut bacteria and metabolism.
Use a stainless steel suction plate or silicone placemat over the plastic tray, so food doesn't contact the plastic directly.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Release of Nanoplastics from Polypropylene Food Containers. | J Agric Food Chem | 2025 |
| Mouse metabolic health and gut microbiota responses to microplastics. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
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