Travel high chairs provide your baby with their own space to eat solid foods while you're on the go. The best travel high chairs are easy to set up, equipped with many safety features, and, above all, portable.
From booster seats to clip-on to floor chairs, travel high chairs come in a variety of styles. Regardless of the style, you'll want to look closely at its durability, weight capacity, and how easy it is to clean. Many portable high chairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth or will have removable pieces that you can throw in the dishwasher or washing machine once you're home. We researched the top options from trusted brands with these features in mind. A board-certified pediatrician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding travel high chairs, safety features, and size limitations.
Here are the best travel high chairs on the market.
Best Overall
Summer Infant Deluxe Comfort Folding Booster
4.7
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Pros
Dishwasher-safe removable tray
Removable machine washable cover
Portable design
Cons
Not safe for use until baby is 6 months old
We love this booster because it's affordable, durable, and easy to clean. Crafted with BPA-free materials in three adorable designs, this chair has two height levels and two separate straps that secure it safely to a standard chair. It also has a 3-point harness to buckle your baby in and keep them secure. It's safe to use for babies 6 months and up and has a 33-pound weight limit.
Other features include a removable tray and fabric seat cover. The tray can be used for eating or removed so your baby can scoot right up to the table. It has three different position options and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Meanwhile, the seat cover provides some soft support against your baby's back. It can be removed and tossed in the washing machine when it needs to be cleaned. The bottom of the seat is made of durable plastic which can simply be wiped down if dirtied.
Finally, this seat folds down neatly for easy carrying, transport, and storage.
Price at time of publication: $28
Key Specs:
Product Weight: 0.82 pounds | Type: Booster | Weight Limit: 33 pounds
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Pros
Super lightweight
Has storage space
Folding design for easy transport
Cons
No food tray
Needs to be wiped clean
This seat is super lightweight and folds down compactly so it is perfect for travel. It features two straps to safely secure it to a chair as well as a removable pad for extra comfort and height.
There is a storage pocket on the back of the seat that can hold utensils or a small toy, and the seat is equipped with a strong three-point harness for extra safety. While it does not include a tray, this seat can accommodate toddlers weighing up to 50 pounds.
Price at time of publication: $23
Key Specs:
Product Weight: 1.83 pounds | Type: Booster | Weight Limit: 50 pounds
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Pros
Machine washable
Securely attaches to the chair it’s sitting on
Cons
No food tray
Does not provide extra height
It doesn’t get much simpler than this travel seat, which slides over the back of a chair and ties on for a secure attachment. Once the seat is secure, you just slip the baby through the five-point harness and let them sit directly onto the chair.
It’s made for babies and kids weighing up to 35 pounds and can be tossed into the washing machine whenever it gets dirty. When it’s not in use, this seat folds down to the size of a diaper and tucks away into a small bag, making it super portable.
Key Specs:
Product Weight: 0.7 pounds | Type: Booster | Weight Limit: 35 pounds
Best Clip-On
Inglesina Fast Table Hook-On High Chair
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Pros
Compact design is great for travel
Features storage pocket on the back
Cons
Might not be ideal for babies/toddlers with thicker thighs
Hand wash only
This lightweight seat uses adjustable, non-slip clamps to firmly attach to tables between 0.8 and 3.3 inches thick. When it’s not in use, it folds down compactly into the small carrying case that it comes with.
It features a storage pocket on the back of the chair that’s just the right size for utensils and small toys, and it has a high-back design to offer full support to smaller babies. The chair can also be combined with a removable tray (sold separately).
Price at time of publication: $79
Key Specs:
Product Weight: 4.2 pounds | Type: Clip On | Weight Limit: 37 pounds
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Pros
Super lightweight
Easy set-up/tear-down
Includes dishwasher-safe tray
Cons
Harness can be difficult to buckle/unbuckle
Available in several fun colors, this chair can be set up as a floor seat. It features a removable tray that is dishwasher safe and comes with a storage backpack for easy transport. The company also sells a nearly identical booster seat with a strap that will attach it to a standard chair.
Kids between 6 months and 4 years old (or up to 45 pounds) can safely use this floor seat, which is equipped with a three-point harness. When it’s not in use, simply fold the seat up like a camping chair and then pop it back up the next time you need it.
Price at time of publication: $55
Key Specs:
Weight: 5 pounds | Type: Floor | Weight Limit: 45 pounds
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Best Traditional
Lalo The Chair
4.2
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Pros
Removable cover is washing machine safe
Great longevity
Converts into play chair
Cons
On the pricier side
Does not include transport bag
If you want the option of traveling with a traditional high chair, this 10-pound option is perfect. It breaks down into several pieces (depending on the model you choose) so that it can be easily transported wherever you go. The high chair includes a removable tray that is dishwasher safe, comes with a removable pad, and has the option to convert into a play chair.
It’s equipped with a five-point harness and is safe for babies 4 months old (if they are sitting independently) up to 3 years old, while the play chair is made for kids at least 1 year old and weighing up to 200 pounds.
Price at time of publication: $280
Key Specs:
Weight: 10 pounds | Type: Floor | Weight Limit: Up to 4 years old (Play chair weight limit is 200 pounds)
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Pros
50-pound weight limit
Compact and easy to transport
Cons
Tray is not dishwasher safe
This chair attaches to a standard dining chair and features three height options to help your little one reach the table. It includes a removable tray with three position options and a three-point harness for safety.
When it’s not in use, this seat folds down compactly and features a carrying strap for easy transport. It’s designed for babies 6 months old who can sit unassisted, to kids up to 3 years old or under 50 pounds (whichever comes first).
Price at time of publication: $40
Key Specs:
Weight: 5.75 pounds | Type: Booster | Weight Limit: 50 pounds
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Final Verdict
The Summer Deluxe Comfort Folding Booster (view at Amazon) ranks top on our list because of its versatility and overall portable design. Cleanup is easy with the removable tray and cover, and it can hold toddlers up to 33 pounds, meaning it offers a few years of use.
What to Look for in a Travel High Chair
Set-Up Options
There are various types of travel high chairs which can be set up in different ways. The one that is best for you depends a lot on how you plan to use it.
Booster
Typically, booster high chairs will sit on top of a standard chair and attach to its back with a clip or strap of some kind. Keep in mind that boosters should always be securely attached to a sturdy chair in order to be used safely. Also, be mindful of your child's age and development before transitioning to a booster chair. Most babies are booster chair-ready by 18 months old while older toddlers are typically too big for them.
The booster may come with a tray that can slide on and off of the front of the seat, much like a standard high chair, or it may be designed for you to push the chair right up to the table without needing a tray at all. These types of chairs are usually pretty bulky, so they aren’t great for restaurants but work well for visits to friends or family members’ homes.
Clip-On Chair
Sometimes called “lobster chairs,” these chairs are usually super compact and attach to tabletops using clamps that can be adjusted to fit most tables. The clamps are what support the seat, and this type of chair is ideal for restaurants, counters, or high-top tables (as well as air travel) because it’s compact.
However, many of these kinds of seats are designed for babies, so they aren’t good for families with toddlers.
Floor Chair
Instead of pushing up to a table, this type of chair comes with a tray and sits right on the floor. They can be small or closer to the size of a standard high chair but easily break down for travel. Since there are multiple variations of floor chairs, there are a lot of different uses for them. They’re especially good for outdoors where there may not be a standard table and/or chair to attach a travel seat to.
Safety
Safety is the most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel high chair. If it’s a booster, you’ll want to make sure it has a strap that will securely attach it to the chair it’s sitting on and that it has a level bottom that will stay put even if your child is wiggling. For clip-on chairs, make sure the clamps are high quality and will not loosen as your child moves around.
Also, make sure the seat’s fabric is strong and secure since it will be supporting your child’s weight. Different high chairs have different weight and age parameters so ensure your baby meets these and is showing signs of readiness for a high chair before buying.
Finally, regardless of the type of high chair you get, it should have some kind of harness to keep your kid in the seat. Children shouldn’t be able to crawl or wiggle out of the chair due to the potential risk of injury. It’s also important to note that parents should never leave their babies unattended or let them sleep in any high chair.
Portability
The whole point of getting a travel high chair is that you can easily transport it. Depending on how you plan to use the chair, you may want it to fold down compactly for easy storage or travel. No matter what style you get, though, you will want to be sure that it is light enough to carry (most likely when you’re also carrying a baby and a diaper bag).
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should a child be out of a high chair?
There's no specific age when your kid should stop using a high chair. Instead, it depends on whether or not they're steady and strong enough to support themselves sitting through an entire (or most of) a meal. That said, generally, children use a high chair until anywhere from between 18 months to three years old.
What comes after a high chair?
So, your kid is finally ready to graduate from the high chair. Congrats! You can now move them to a booster seat, which secures to the top of a normal-sized chair and belts them in to enable them to reach the table comfortably and safely.
Does a high chair need a foot rest?
Ideally, your child's high chair should have a foot rest. This is because it gives them better support and stability while they're eating. (Bonus: This can also help develop their sense of balance.)
Why should babies be buckled in to high chairs?
When it comes to our little ones, safety is rule #1. By buckling them into their high chair, you can help ensure they don't slip or fall out of it and end up hurting themselves. So, always be sure they're snapped in snugly, but not too tight—you should be able to fit two fingers in between their body and the belt, no more, no less.
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Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products, and key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include materials, design, and user reviews.
FAQs
The 7 Best Travel High Chairs for Families on the Go? ›
Fold and portability.
Families on the go will likely prefer a travel high chair that folds down, making it easier to transport from one place to another. Keep an eye out for special inclusions like a carry strap or tote bag, too, if you need to make easy work of hauling your high chair around.
Fold and portability.
Families on the go will likely prefer a travel high chair that folds down, making it easier to transport from one place to another. Keep an eye out for special inclusions like a carry strap or tote bag, too, if you need to make easy work of hauling your high chair around.
Can I bring a pram, stroller, portable cot or highchair as checked baggage? Yes. If you have an infant or small child on your booking you may bring one of each of the following: A stroller, pusher or pram.
What age is Ikea high chair suitable from? ›This product is intended for children able to sit up unaided and up to 3 years or a maximum weight of 15 kg.