Living in a smaller home or apartment often means getting creative with space. When you need a safe spot for your baby to eat but don’t want a bulky chair tripping you up all day, a folding high chair is the perfect fix.
We combined our hands-on parenting experience with thousands of user reviews to find the best space-saving solutions. We will help you weigh features like cleanability, fold style, and safety to find the right fit for your home.
- Lifetime guarantee
- Non-skid duck feet for stability
- One-hand safety release buckle
- Collapses like a beach chair
- Lightweight and perfect for traveling
- Swing-open tray
- Transitions into 3 types of seats
- Extra-large food tray
- Easily adjusts with one hand
- Comes in 10 different colors
- Inexpensive compared to competitors
- Deep cup hole in tray area
Key Takeaways
- Safety First: Always prioritize a sturdy 3 or 5-point harness to keep your wiggle worm secure.
- Easy Cleaning: Look for wipeable fabrics and dishwasher-safe trays to minimize mess.
- Compact Storage: The best folders stand up on their own when collapsed, making closet storage a breeze.
- Versatility: Some models recline for bottle feeding or convert into boosters as your child grows.
Product Selection Criteria
Finding the right gear involves more than just picking a cute pattern. Here are the specific features you should look for when shopping for a space-saving high chair.
- Safety Harnesses: This is non-negotiable. Ensure the chair has a seatbelt with a crotch post or strap to prevent your baby from sliding out (submarining). A 5-point harness offers the best protection for younger babies, while a 3-point harness is often sufficient for toddlers.
- Fold Mechanism: You might fold this chair multiple times a day. Look for a one-handed fold mechanism so you can collapse the chair while holding your baby. Also, check if the chair stands on its own when folded or if it needs to lean against a wall.
- Footrests: Dangling legs can cause discomfort and cut off circulation. A sturdy footrest provides support and helps your child maintain good posture while eating, which actually reduces choking risks.
- Comfortable Padding: While wood or plastic is easy to clean, a little padding keeps your baby happy during longer meals. Look for cushions that strike a balance between comfort and wipeability.
- Wheels: If you plan to move the chair from the kitchen to the dining room or pantry, wheels are a lifesaver. Ensure they have locks to keep the chair stable during mealtime.
- Recline Options: If you plan to use the high chair for a baby younger than six months, a reclining seat is essential. It allows for safe bottle feeding before they have full neck control.
- Cleanability: Mealtimes are messy. The best folding chairs have few crevices where crumbs can hide. Look for machine-washable covers or materials you can wipe down in seconds.
- Tray Type: A removable tray insert is a huge bonus. You can pop the top layer off and wash it in the sink or dishwasher while leaving the main tray attached for safety.
Product Reviews
We’ve tested and researched the top space-saving options to help you reclaim your kitchen floor.
Hiccapop Omniboost High Chair
Best Portable Folding High Chair For Toddlers
If you are an on-the-go family or just need a chair that disappears when not in use, the Hiccapop Omniboost is a top contender. It weighs just over 4 pounds, making it incredibly easy to toss in the car for vacations or visits to Grandma’s house.
This isn’t just a travel chair, though. It works well as a floor seat for playtime or straps onto a standard dining chair to function as a booster. The wide “duck feet” base adds significant stability, preventing tipping on uneven surfaces like grass or sand.
We love the versatility here. You can use it at the beach, at a campsite, or right at your kitchen table. The fabric is removable and machine washable, which is a massive plus for messy eaters.
It is best suited for children from 6 months up to 3 years old.
Pros
- Tray is dishwasher safe and fits in small sinks.
- Includes a carry bag for easy transport.
- Duck feet provide excellent stability on soft ground.
Cons
- Leg holes might be tight for babies with chunkier thighs.
Our Ratings
Graco Slim Snacker Folding High Chair
Best Folding High Chair For Babies
The Graco Slim Snacker lives up to its name with a design that prioritizes speed and storage. The standout feature here is the one-hand fold handle located in the seat. You simply pull it up, and the chair collapses vertically in one second.
Once folded, it stands on its own. This means you can tuck it into a pantry or slide it between the fridge and the counter without it sliding down. It also features a large mesh storage basket underneath, perfect for keeping bibs and wipes within arm’s reach.
Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed for speed, though. The seat offers three reclining positions, allowing you to find the perfect angle for a sleepy infant or an alert toddler.
Safety is covered with a convertible 3-to-5-point harness, ensuring your little one stays put.
Pros
- Fastest fold mechanism we’ve seen.
- Self-standing fold is great for tight closets.
- Large storage basket keeps feeding gear organized.
Cons
- Seat cover is wipe-clean only and not removable for washing.
- White straps can show stains over time.
Our Ratings
Joovy Nook Folding High Chair
Best Minimalist Folding High Chair
If bulky plastic baby gear isn’t your vibe, the Joovy Nook offers a sleek, modern alternative. The leatherette seat is stylish and incredibly easy to wipe down, avoiding the “crumb trap” seams found in fabric cushions.
The best feature is the swing-open tray. Unlike other chairs where you have to completely remove the tray and find a place to set it down, the Nook’s tray swings out to the side. This makes getting your child in and out a one-handed operation.
It folds flat like a beach chair, making it compact enough to store behind a door or in a trunk. While it doesn’t have height adjustments, its standard height fits most dining tables well.
This is an excellent high chair for small spaces where aesthetics matter as much as functionality.
Pros
- Swing-open tray simplifies getting baby in and out.
- Leatherette seat is durable and easy to wipe clean.
- Folds very flat for easy travel or storage.
Cons
- Tray can be tricky to detach completely for dishwasher cleaning.
Our Ratings
Cosco Simple Folding High Chair
Best Compact Folding High Chair
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a functional folding high chair. The Cosco Simple Fold is a lightweight, budget-friendly option that gets the job done without extra frills.
It folds flat quickly and is light enough to carry with one hand. The tray offers three depth positions to accommodate a growing belly, and it includes a built-in cup holder for sippy cups.
The fabric is a wipeable material, often featuring fun, kid-friendly designs. However, the seat does not recline, so this chair is strictly for babies who can already sit up unassisted.
If you need a spare chair for Grandma’s house or a backup that won’t break the bank, this is a solid choice.
Pros
- Very affordable price point.
- Extremely lightweight and portable.
- Tray insert is dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Fabric is not removable for deep cleaning.
- Seat has a slight recline that isn’t adjustable, which can cause slouching.
Our Ratings
Graco Duo Diner Folding Highchair
Best 3-in-1 Folding High Chair
The Graco Duo Diner is designed to grow with your family. It transitions from an infant high chair to a traditional high chair and finally to a booster seat.
It offers five height adjustments, allowing you to pull your baby right up to the table regardless of your table’s height. The frame folds easily for storage, though it is bulkier than the Slim Snacker.
One of the best features is the machine-washable seat pad, which is a lifesaver after spaghetti night. The tray includes a removable insert that pops right into the dishwasher.
This system is perfect for parents who want one piece of gear to last from the infant stage well into toddlerhood.
Pros
- 3-in-1 design offers great long-term value.
- Height adjustable to fit different table sizes.
- Tray insert removes easily for cleaning.
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky with the provided instructions.
Our Ratings
Ciao! Baby Portable Folding High Chair
Best Folding High Chair For Camping
The Ciao! Baby chair brings the classic “camping chair” design to the high chair world. It comes fully assembled and unfolds in seconds, locking into place for a secure seat anywhere outdoors.
It features a clear vinyl tray cover that is easy to wipe down, though the tray itself is flexible fabric, so it isn’t ideal for heavy bowls of soup. It includes a built-in cup holder for hydration on hot days.
Weighing about 8 pounds, it is heavier than the Hiccapop but sits at a standard table height, meaning you don’t need a separate chair to strap it to.
It’s an excellent dedicated chair for tailgating, picnics, and camping trips.
Pros
- No assembly required; ready to use out of the bag.
- Sits at standard table height.
- Comes with a convenient carrying bag.
Cons
- The flexible fabric tray can sag if overloaded.
- Lack of a rigid base requires flat ground for stability.
Our Ratings
Summer Infant Deluxe Folding Booster Seat
Best Folding Booster Seat
Sometimes the best folding high chair isn’t a high chair at all, it’s a booster. The Summer Infant Deluxe is a compact seat that straps securely to most adult dining chairs.
It features two height adjustments and a three-position tray, allowing it to adapt as your child grows. The 3-point harness keeps your child safe while they enjoy family meals.
Cleanup is simple: the seat pad is machine washable, and the tray goes in the dishwasher. Because it folds down into a small, boxy shape with a carry handle, it is incredibly easy to take to restaurants or relatives’ homes.
It supports children up to 33 pounds and is a fantastic space-saver for small apartments.
Pros
- Ultra-compact fold is perfect for travel.
- Machine-washable pad and dishwasher-safe tray.
- Transforms any standard chair into a high chair.
Cons
- Does not have shoulder straps, only a waist belt.
Our Ratings
FAQs
Do Kids Really Need a Folding High Chair?
Not every family needs one, but they are lifesavers for small spaces. If you live in an apartment or want to keep your dining room clutter-free, a folding chair lets you reclaim your floor space between meals. They are also excellent for travel or for keeping at a grandparent’s house.
Are Folding High Chairs Safe?
Yes, provided you buy from a reputable brand. Look for chairs certified by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) or that meet ASTM international safety standards. Always use the provided harness, even if the tray is attached, to prevent falls.
What Age Should I Stop Using a High Chair?
Most children are ready to transition away from a high chair between 18 months and 3 years old. Once your child can sit up confidently and follow basic instructions, you can move them to a booster seat at the table. Check your specific chair’s weight limit, which is usually around 30 to 50 pounds.
What Is the Difference Between a Flat Fold and a Standing Fold?
A “standing fold” means the high chair stays upright on its own when collapsed; this is great for sliding into pantries or corners. A “flat fold” usually collapses smaller but must lean against a wall or be laid on the floor, which is often better for travel or trunk storage.
Which Folding High Chair Is Easiest to Clean?
We recommend the Hiccapop Omniboost or the Joovy Nook. The Hiccapop has removable fabric you can machine wash, while the Joovy Nook uses leatherette that wipes clean instantly. Both have dishwasher-safe tray components.
