The best foldable high chair with reviews. How to choose the best folding high chair or portable high chair – no matter what your budget is!
Best Choice | Best overall | The Best on a Budget |
JOOVY Nook High Chair | Baby Trend Sit Right Folding High Chair | Peg Perego Siesta High Chair |
If you’re short on space, don’t want a traditional high chair permanently cluttering your kitchen and dining room table space, or need a portable travel high chair you can throw in the trunk or pack for a plane trip and you think a traditional high chair won’t cut it, we’ve got you covered.
We considered some of the most popular foldable high chair models and chose the Joovy Nook as the best overall. Offering good value, the Joovy Nook is JPMA certified, giving parents extra confidence when it comes to safety. We love the 5-point harness, removable swing out tray, and the BPA/BPS/phthalate/lead free credentials. The seat has a wipeable seat pad for day-to-day cleaning but is also machine washable for larger messes (we recommend using fragrance free cleaning products for both). Among a sea of great choices, we think the Joovy Nook is the best folding high chair for most families.
If the Nook doesn’t work for you, there are some other great baby gear choices for families with specific needs:
- Best Overall – Joovy Nook
- Runner Up – Baby Trend Sit Right Folding High Chair
- The Upgrade – Peg Perego Siesta
- Best Mid-Range – Graco Slim Spaces
- Mid-Range Runner Up – Disney Simple 3 Position
- Most Affordable – Cosco Simple Fold
- Most Stylish – BabyBjorn High Chair
- Best Folding Booster Seat – Summer Infant Deluxe Comfort
- Best Portable Travel High Chair – Summer Infant Portable High Chair
- Runner Up – Portable Camping High Chair – Ciao Baby Travel High Chair
- Best Portable Travel High Chair (Booster Seat Style) – Summer Infant Pop N Sit
JOOVY Nook High Chair
Best Overall
Weight: 14.9 Pounds
Material: Faux leather, plastic
Item Dimension: 31.5 x 23 x 41 inches
Key Features
- Four adjustable positions
- BPA/BPS/phthalate/lead-free
- Sturdy non-scratch floor pads
The five-point harness and high back provide safety restraints like a car seat. And the JOOVY Nook‘s wide legs prevent babies and toddlers up to 50 pounds from taking falls.
A dishwasher-safe removable tray and an easy-to-wipe leatherette seat mean easy cleanup. You can also throw the fabric in the washing machine for a deeper clean. The non-scratch pads on the Nook’s wide legs protect your floors.
Stash the JOOVY Nook out of the way with a beach chair-style folding design. The compact size means that your family can take this high chair to go, for dinners at friends’ and family’s houses.
Baby Trend Sit Right Folding High Chair
Our Runner Up
Weight: 17 Pounds
Material: Alloy steel
Item Dimension: 27 x 22 x 39.5 inches
Key Features
- Six heights and three recline adjustments
- Dishwasher safe tray
- JPMA certified
The Baby Trend Sit Right High Chair has six different heights and the seat back has three reclining positions, making the chair easy to adjust to your child’s needs. The tray moves back and forth into three positions and is easily removed and stored when using the chair at an island countertop or table.
The high chair’s sturdy steel frame glides effortlessly across tile or wood floors. Your child will remain secure with the three-point harness when the chair is being moved. You can clean up messes by removing the seat cover to wipe clean and tossing the tray table insert into the dishwasher.
Peg Perego Siesta High Chair
The Upgrade
Weight: 20.9 pounds
Material: Polyurethane
Item Dimension: 41.17 x 23.66 x 29.5 inches
Key Features
- Mar-resistant caster wheels
- Eco-friendly leather upholstery
- Automatic safety lock
The Peg Perego Siesta High Chair adjusts to nine different heights and five reclining positions. This makes it easy to fit a child of almost any size. The mark-resistant wheels make the high chair easy to move from the room, without leaving scuffs on your floor. The storage net on the back of the seat keeps bibs, utensils, and toys close by, and keeps clutter under control.
This high chair comes with an easy to remove tray that is dishwasher safe.
The manufacturer describes the covering as eco-friendly leather, a description we take issue with as there’s no further indication of what this means, exactly. However, the cover is easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. The tray can be taken off when it’s time to push the chair up to the family table.
And of course, this high chair folds down for convenient storage or taking it to and from grandparents’ houses, etc. when needed.
Graco Slim Spaces
The Best Mid Range High Chair
Weight: 21 Pounds
Material: Plastic
Item Dimension: 32 x 23 x 42 inches
Key Features
- Six height positions and three recline levels
- Easy-to-use snappable tray
- Most compact fold
You can adjust this high chair to six heights and three reclining positions. The padded seat has a plush pad to make the chair comfortable for your infant. As your child grows, the pad can be removed to accommodate children up to 40 pounds and three years.
The eating tray comes with a separate snack tray and a snap-on top tray, both of which can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The stain-resistant seat pad is also washable. The convertible high chair seat harness can be converted from three-point to five-point for added safety for smaller children.
Disney Folding High Chair
A Mid Range Runner Up
Weight: 14.17 pounds
Material: Plastic, alloy steel
Item Dimension: 25.8 x 18.8 x 6.2 inches
Key Features
- JPMA-certified
- Lightweight
- Adjustable full-sized tray
The Disney Folding High Chair has a release latch that allows you to quickly fold and unfold the chair. The eating tray is adjustable to three positions and has a removable insert that is dishwasher-safe. The seat pad and footrest can be wiped clean.
The high chair is equipped with a three-point harness to keep your child securely nestled in the seat. This chair is designed for children up to 50 pounds and older than four months. The chair also meets the government’s safety standards for high chairs.
Cosco Simple Fold High Chair
The Most Affordable
Weight: 13.32 pounds
Material: Plastic
Item Dimension: 25.3 x 18.3 x 6.1 inches
Key Features
- Wipeable seat pad
- Compact fold
- Three-point harness
This high chair offers a three-position easy-to-remove tray that adjusts to fit your growing child. Both the tray and the seat are easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
If you’re short on space, you can easily fold the chair for storage in a closet or pantry. The chair is designed to stand on its own when in the folded position.
Your child will be secure with the three-point harness and the reinforced legs. The chair also has a footrest to ensure it’s comfortable for your kid.
BabyBjorn High Chair
The Most Stylish
Weight: 12 Pounds
Material: Hard composite plastic
Item Dimension: 22 x 21 x 33 inches
Key Features
- JPMA certified product
- Smooth surfaces
- Ergonomic design
The BabyBjorn baby high chair is what you’d expect from a trusted European brand with loads of history: minimalist, stylish, safe, and functional. This is a great choice for families who want a functional chair that looks good, and don’t mind spending a bit more for a piece of furniture that will last through multiple children.
With a wide, stable base, you won’t have to worry about the chair tipping over. And the childproof lock ensures your little one is secure while they eat.
Mealtime messes are inevitable, but with the BabyBjorn, cleanup is a cinch. The high chair’s smooth surfaces don’t include awkward nooks or crannies that trap food. A detachable tray and compact folding design make storage a breeze. And the light weight (just over ten pounds) allows any adult to move and set up the chair.
Summer Infant Folding Deluxe Comfort
The Best Folding Booster Seat
Weight: 3.67 Pounds
Material: Plastic
Item Dimension: 13.5 x 17 x 12 inches
Key Features
- Three-point restraint system
- Dishwasher safe tray
- Two level height adjustment
The Summer Infant Folding Booster Seat can be safely and securely strapped to dining chairs at mealtimes, and then folded and put out of the way when not in use.
For babies, the seat mimics a high chair with a large, spill-containing, and easy-to-clean food tray.
As your baby grows, this convertible high chair can be easily converted for use without the tray. That way, your toddler can pull up to the table and eat with the family.
The height of this convertible high chair can be adjusted to accommodate babies and toddlers of different sizes.
Summer Infant Portable High Chair
The Best Portable Travel High Chair
Weight: 5 Pounds
Material: Plastic
Item Dimension: 21.86 x 21.55 x 37.73 inches
Key Features
- Rear storage pocket
- Three-point safety harness
- Compact fold
This Summer Infant travel high chair seems to have taken customer feedback from a competing travel high chair, and worked to address it by adding a sturdy hard-plastic food tray for less mess.
The chair has a 3-point harness and can accommodate kids up to 45 pounds. The fabric is removable, and you can throw it in the washing machine for easy cleaning. It comes with its own storage bag for taking on the road, and for storing when not in use.
Ciao Baby Folding High Chair
The Best Foldable Camping High Chair
Weight: 7.13 pounds
Material: Polyester, plastic, metal
Item Dimension: 23 x 23 x 32 inches
Key Features
- Meets ASTM and CPSIA standards
- Easy wiping
- Five-point safety harness
Designed mostly for meal times outside of the house, the Ciao Baby Portable High Chair was made with convenience in mind. It easily folds up and can be carried in the included travel bag. Once it is unfolded, the chair features a dual-lock design that keeps it sturdy and safe for your baby.
Well priced, it is a great second high chair option for families who want a lightweight portable high chair in addition to a sturdier main high chair for everyday use.
This chair will last you and your baby for a few years. It has been designed to fit new eaters from 10 pounds and up (once they can sit) through to toddlers, giving your baby room to grow with it.
The vinyl material can be easily cleaned, no matter how messy of an eater your child is.
Summer Infant Pop N Sit Chair
The Best Portable Travel High Chair (Booster Seat Style)
Weight: 4.5 Pounds
Material: Plastic
Item Dimension: 15 x 14 x 15 inches
Key Features
- BPA free tray
- Storage pocket
- Three-point safety harness
The lightweight folding frame sets up in seconds to provide your baby a safe and clean place to eat and free your arms. The seat is constructed of polyester, which can be washed in a lake or rinsed in the sink when you get home. The detachable BPA-free tray is dishwasher-safe.
The chair, along with its carrying bag, weighs less than one pound. It’s designed for children ranging in age from four months to four years and up to 37 pounds. Safety features include a three-point harness, rubberized feet and safety straps for use on adult chairs.
Buying Guide
When considering the best type of high chair for your baby’s needs, you’ll consider several factors before making this important purchase. Here are a few questions you may ask yourself.
Why should you choose a high chair that folds?
A determining factor for buying any piece of furniture is how much space it will take in your home. This is especially important when you live in a small apartment or house, or you just don’t want your house to look like a daycare.
Just like the baby bath toys, toys, and diapers, baby furniture can make your house feel crowded and cluttered. A high chair that can be folded and stored out of sight will help make your home feel less cluttered and cleaner.
Folding high chairs also provide you a safe and clean way to feed your child outside of the home. Whether you’re having a picnic at the zoo or meeting friends for lunch, a portable folding chair is convenient and helps you avoid gross restaurant high chairs that never seem to be cleaned properly. It also opens up a wider variety of places to eat, since not every restaurant has high chairs.
Are all folding high chairs created equal?
Most folding high chairs offer similar features. All of the chairs will have a slim profile when folded. However, you will want to check the folded measurements of a chair to ensure it will fit in your storage space because sizes will vary.
Most are lightweight to make them easy to carry. Some added features, such as additional trays and steel framing, may add a few pounds to the chair. Folding high chairs will vary in how easy they are to set-up and take-down, which is dependent, in part, on the user.
Some folding high chairs will have varying adjustable heights, tray positions and seat reclining positions. Some folding high chairs don’t adjust at all. If adjustability is important to you, choose a chair that can be adjusted to fit your table and counter height.
A high chair with an easy-to-remove tray is a good option for those times you want to use it at the table and for cleaning.
Types of trays can vary from chair to chair. Look for trays that can be adjusted backward or forward, can be removed for cleaning or have removable inserts. Of course, we recommend double checking the trays are made from the safest plastics and free of BPA, BPS, etc.
For convenience, you also want something that’s easy to clean.
Many infants and small babies who can’t sit up on their own may be more comfortable in a high chair that reclines or has extra padding. The five-point harness provides added security for the little ones as well. A three-point harness is suitable for larger babies.
Each folding high chair is designed to hold a maximum weight and a certain age range. You should be aware of the weight and age specifications of a chair before choosing one for your child.
Are folding high chairs safe?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is tasked with developing rules for the safe manufacture and testing of baby high chairs. All companies that manufacture these chairs must comply with these requirements. You should look for folding high chairs that advertise their compliance with these rules and check to see if the product is compliant with ASTM safety standards.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an outdoor portable folding high chair?
An outdoor folding high chair can be a good option when you need to feed your child and still have the convenience of your home’s high chair. The chairs are lightweight and easy to set up on any flat surface. They are also easy to wipe or spray clean.
Some outdoor chairs can be used indoors as booster seats and come with safety straps for attaching to the sides and bottom of an adult chair. However, there are many safety precautions you should take when using this type of seat in addition to those you might use for a normal high chair. Typically, these chairs will be less expensive than normal high chairs.
What Are Some Essential High Chair Safety Tips?
Parents should always pay attention to a few safety tips when using their baby’s high chair, irrespective of the chair model and reliability. We recommend following the below mentioned five essential high chair safety tips during feeding time:
Safety tip 1
Ensure that the baby is at a safe distance while mounting or unmounting the high chair. You do not want to risk injuries like getting the child’s fingers, hand, or legs caught between seats and hinges.
Safety tip 2
Avoid leaving the baby on any high chair fully unattended. Since babies like to move a lot, they might topple the chair, hurt themselves or even choke while eating.
Safety tip 3
Buckle up the high chair with precision. Buckling the chair ensures your baby stays safe and doesn’t fall out of the chair during the meal. As each chair model is manufactured with several buckling options, choose the one that feels secure and comfortable at the same time.
Safety tip 4
Pay extra attention to the weight and height guidelines given by the manufacturer. Kids that do not fit the size and weight category can hurt themselves on such chairs. In addition, ensure that the base is heavy to discourage toppling over or any unexpected falls.
Safety tip 5
If your high chair has a pair of caster wheels, consider locking them before you start feeding your baby. These wheels are easily slidable and can move from one place to another with a bit of push.
What Are The Various Types Of High Chairs?
There is no doubt that the market is flooded with various high chairs. However, parents may find the selection process quite daunting if they aren’t aware of the main types of high chairs.
We recommend glancing at these types to help you select a style that fits your baby’s needs:
Plastic/ Metal Frame High Chair
These are the most versatile, standard, and lightweight options for parents who wish to buy a portable chair. The primary specialty of such frames is the ultra-portability, easy cleanup, and fuss-free storage. These chairs are also comparatively budget-friendly and great for on-the-go meals.
Traditional High Chair
The traditional high chair with multi-function features is perfect for more permanent setups. These chairs are comparatively heavier and come equipped with various extra features like swings, cradles, and much more.
Clip-on High Chair
Clip-on high chairs are the most portable ones as they do not possess any legs. Parents can easily clip the chair on the tables or any heightened surface to feed the baby with ease. Most parents prefer these clip-on high chairs when they are traveling.
Booster Feeding Chair
These booster feeding chairs can attach to your regular chairs and do not require additional space. Such booster chairs come in handy at space-starved houses and places where you do not wish to clutter the dining room with multiple chairs.
Fully Convertible High Chairs
Entirely convertible high chairs are ideal for families who wish to invest in a chair that serves them for years to come. The multiple heights and detachment options enable the chair to adjust according to the child’s height and physique without introducing a new chair every few months.
How Can You Choose The Best High Chair?
Once you have selected a particular type, the next step is to choose a high chair that fits all your necessary needs.
Thus, we have curated a few vital points to help you select your next high chair without any confusion. Consider following these points for a safer, fuss-free, and confident feeding experience:
Safety Assurance
Any parent should think about the high chair’s safety before diving deep into its features, colors, and patterns. Since babies are experts in moving and causing messes, the chair should tolerate all their mischiefs with utmost safety.
The most crucial safety feature is the passive restraint bar. Buy chairs that have this feature between the baby’s seat and legs to discourage them from sliding down the chair. In addition, the chair must have a 3 to 5 point harness that will keep the baby snug and tight during their feeding time.
Size And Dimensions
While considering a high chair, always pay attention to the size and dimension of the unit to avoid any space cluttering issues. If your house has a small kitchen or dining area, consider opting for booster seats or clamp-on chairs that take up no extra space.
Even if you wish to opt for a standard high chair style, look for sleek and foldable designs to a greater extent. Search for collapsible chairs that you can easily store in a bag.
Convertible
No parent wishes to constantly buy new chairs as their child grows every few months. To avoid the constant routine of spending hundreds of dollars, consider opting for a convertible chair.
You can find numerous high chair models on the market that are fully convertible till the child learns to self-feed. These convertible chairs have height adjustment knobs and various attachments to mount and unmount based on the child’s needs. Thus, purchase a durable chair that will adapt to your child’s growth.
Cleaning
All parents will agree that baby and hygiene are two inseparable words. Parents always strive to keep the baby and its surroundings clean and hygienic so buying a chair that is easy to clean is quite crucial.
You should always research and look for chairs that are easy to clean, do not stain, or cause any permanent damage to the high chair. The crumbs, spills, and messes should be easy to wipe. Opt for a tray that is dishwasher safe to cut down on your cleaning time. Leather-based covers are equally easy to wipe, clean, and wash regularly.
Tray Size
Another essential feature of any high chair is the feeding tray. Pay extra attention to the feeding tray to see if it is easily removable or not. As kids will always create a mess while eating, you need to find a chair that has a detachable tray for quick cleaning.
Buy chairs that have a plastic surface so you can run them under the water and dry it within minutes. Lastly, don’t forget about the size of the tray. Go for a chair with a decent width to accommodate the plate and other side dishes without falling.
Caster Wheels
It goes without saying that wheels are excellent for moving the chair from one place to another, especially outdoors. Most chairs do not have caster wheels, but you can purchase a model with wheels if you have to push your baby constantly from one place to another. These wheels also have a sturdy locking mechanism that keeps the high chair secure while feeding the baby.
Comfort And Style
Comfort is yet another point that no parents should forget to focus on. Ensure that the high chair you are selecting is highly comfortable for your baby. Purchase chairs with extra padding, so the kids feel swaddled in their respective chairs while eating. The seats should be wide enough and devoid of any sharp points. Lastly, if you are particular about your decor- find a color, print, and style that matches your overall house interior.
What Is The Safe Way To Clean A High Chair?
Many parents fear that they might be over-cleaning or under-cleaning their baby or toddler’s high chair. To help parents, we want to share a few cleaning steps that are a time saver and provide a hygienic surface during every meal.
Always brush off (dry-brush) all the crumbs as soon as the child is done eating. Use a non-toxic disinfecting wet wipe to brush over all the primary surfaces of the chair lightly. If the trays are removable, detach them and run them under water or place them in a dishwasher.
Lastly, ensure you deep clean your child’s high chair every two weeks by removing the cushions and wiping the legs and exterior part of the chair with disinfecting wipes.