Best Folding High Chairs [2023]

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best folding high chair is, I’d recommend the JOOVY Nook.

Who knew having a teeny tiny baby would take up so much space? I know when I had my first child, I was shocked at how much stuff such a little person needed. Luckily, we had a spacious kitchen and a nice high chair that someone bought for us.

However, when we moved, we downsized, and there was no way that huge high chair, and our growing family of three kids now, were going to fit around that kitchen table as easily as they did before.

Enter: a folding high chair. It was a life saver, and I can imagine that even if we were no longer short on space, it would have been an awesome addition to our baby accessory collection. It tucks away so easily that it’s never in the way.

Even if you’re not running short on space, the versatility that a folding high chair offers is perfect for tidying up or storing it in a hall closet when you host your closest friends for a much-needed adults-only party.

Here are the folding high chairs I will be reviewing:

• JOOVY Nook
• Cosco Simple Fold Deluxe
• Primo Cozy Tot Deluxe
• Summer Pop ‘n Sit
• hiccapop Omniboost Travel Booster
• Evenflo Symmetry
• Jeep Classic Convertible 2-in-1
• Safety 1st 3-in-1 Grow & Go
• Baby Trend Sit-Right
• ciao! baby Portable High Chair
• Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat
  

How to Choose the Best Folding High Chair

The best feature of a folding high chair is just that – it folds. However, there are other attributes that can help you choose the right one for you. In fact, a folding chair with a variety of features has a lot of benefits for you and your baby besides the fact that you can move it out of the way when you’re not using it.

Collapsible

We’ve already addressed why this is a great feature. You can tuck it away in a corner or stick it in the closet. However, evaluate how it collapses and how easy it is to do so. Especially if you’re going to be folding it up multiple times a day, you don’t want to be caught struggling every time.

A high chair that’s easy to fold will save you a lot of time and frustration, and if it’s easy enough, you can do it with one hand, which is a huge plus when you have your arms full of a squirmy baby who just got mac and cheese all over his face and hands.

Carrying case

Some high chairs fold up so compactly that they fit in a carrying case. As an added bonus, you might find one that comes with its own carrying case, meaning you can take it anywhere. One of the benefits of a folding high chair is that it’s portable, and the smaller the better if you travel a lot.

Size

Consider the full size of the high chair when it’s set up. There are large high chairs that sit on the floor when they’re in use, but still fold up nicely so you can move them out of the way.

Other high chairs may sit on a kitchen chair rather than taking up extra room on the floor. They’re smaller than a full size high chair and often much more convenient, as long as you don’t need the extra kitchen chair for something else.

This smaller size also folds up quite a bit smaller and is more likely to be easy to travel with if you need to take it somewhere with you. It’s versatile, easy to set up and take down, and can even be a trusty companion at a restaurant for family dinner.

Comfortable seat

The best folding high chairs have padding in the seat that make it a bit more comfortable than sitting on hard plastic. Make sure your baby will be comfortable while eating their favorite meal.

Reclining seat

A high chair with a reclining seat is a great way to transition your younger baby into a high chair earlier than you might think. Even a baby as young as two or three months could sit comfortably at the table with the adults, as long as the chair reclines enough to support their wobbly head and allow them to take in their bottle.

A reclining seat also affords you the flexibility to allow an older child to recline a bit rather than sitting straight up all the time. The high chair will last through a wide range of ages and perhaps even multiple children if you invest in a reclining seat that gives you more versatility.

Material

In addition to making sure the seat has padding and reclines, you’re going to want to make sure that you choose a material that’s easy to clean. Plastic may not look super comfortable, but as long as it’s padded, your baby won’t mind too much.

Plastic is so easy to wipe down and clean after every meal, and it prevents you from having to take the entire high chair apart, treat it for stains, wash it, dry it, and reassemble it. Just imagine doing that three times a day and you’ll see why the material is such an important consideration.

You should also consider the material of the high chair itself. You may like the look of wood better than plastic, but you should once again be considering how easy it will be to wipe down, clean, or disinfect.

If you don’t mind putting in a little bit of extra work for one that looks nicer, you should get what you like best. However, for a busy parent of perhaps more than one child, you can’t beat something super easy.

Dishwasher safe tray

The tray of your high chair should always be removable. For one, it makes it much easier to get your child out of it. For another, it makes it much easier to clean. However, if it’s dishwasher safe, that’s a huge bonus.

You can throw it in with your next cycle and take the work out of cleaning. Is this feature a must-have? Maybe not. But it is really nice. Even if you don’t have a dishwasher, a dishwasher safe tray indicates that it can withstand higher temperatures and is perhaps more durable than others.

Design

Look at the design of the high chair for a couple of reasons. First, and most obviously, you should like the design and it should work for your purposes.

Second, and a little bit less obvious, is something a first time parent might not think about. If your high chair comes with a lot of features and moving parts (which is great, don’t get me wrong), it probably has a lot of little crevices where food can fall and get stuck.

This makes it a bit harder to clean and increases the chances that those little fingers will get caught. I can also guarantee that they will find old, stale food and try to eat it again. Yuck.

If you choose a high chair with a more complicated design, make sure you’re up to the task of cleaning thoroughly after every meal. Trust me, your child may be an angel, but they’ll still try to eat leftover food, no matter how old it is.

Wheels

A high chair with wheels pulls double duty. You can wheel your baby quickly away from whatever they’re reaching for to keep them safe, but you can also fold it up and wheel it around to its proper storage location.

Rolling your chair easily rather than having to lift it just makes it that much easier, and I can personally attest to investing the extra money in a chair that has wheels rather than one that doesn’t. I’ve had both kinds, and trust me, you want the wheels.

Footrests

Footrests are a feature that make the high chair more comfortable for your child as they grow, but they’re not a necessary feature. It’s just something to think about if you want your child to have a place to rest their feet, which they may or may not need.

Seat belts

Seat belts are the most important safety feature of a high chair, and all high chairs today are required to come with them. However, you should always make sure that the one you choose comes with something that goes between your child’s legs.

Not all high chairs come with something to prevent your child from sliding down and out the bottom. Whether it’s a plastic piece that works to separate their legs or a seat belt that comes up between their legs from the bottom, there should be something there for them.

Shoulder harnesses might also be a good idea to keep your child safer, especially if they’re known to slump to one side or even try to climb out. Much like a car seat, this type of seat belt keeps them safe when they’re high off the ground.

My Folding High Chair Review

A folding high chair can be a great addition, and we’ve reviewed our favorites below.

JOOVY Nook High Chair

Not only does this one have a cute name, but it has a simple, modern design that’s very minimalistic. This is the best overall high chair on our list for several reasons. It comes in a variety of colors so you can choose the one that fits in best with your decor, which you shouldn’t have to compromise just because you had a baby.

The really great thing about the design of this high chair is that the leatherette material on the seat looks a bit more upscale than a lot of plastic high chairs, but it’s still super easy to wipe down.

The tray swings away easily to get your child in and out. It has four adjustable positions so it grows with your child as they get bigger and need more room. It’s also completely removable and dishwasher safe so you can clean up all of those messes.

The five-point harness keeps your child safe while they’re in the seat and can hold up to fifty pounds, so it will last as long as your child needs it.

It’s made completely BPA, BPS, lead, and flame retardant-free for the safety of your child, and it has non-scratch floor pads for the safety of your floor. It’s just another way this collapsible high chair means you don’t have to compromise on other nice things.

While the high chair doesn’t come fully assembled, it comes with everything you need out of the box and there are no tools required to put it together.

The biggest downside to this particular high chair is that it doesn’t have a reclining seat, so it’s best used with older children who can sit up on their own already. You can’t recline them to give them a bottle.

However, JOOVY has their Foodoo seat for infants, which is another fantastic option if you find that you like the JOOVY brand.

Perhaps the best part, and the part you’ve been waiting for, is the collapsibility. This high chair folds with just one hand. When converted to a standing fold, you can carry it with just one hand using the included handle.

Cosco Simple Fold High Chair

If you’re into bright patterns and fun colors, this chair has it all. It comes in eight different patterns so you can choose cute elephants, colorful poppies, groovy geometric shapes, or whatever else suits your fancy.

This chair comes at a median price point, so while it’s not the cheapest, it’s also not overpriced like a lot of other solutions. This comes from the fact that the brand is reputable, but not as well-known as some other big names.

The plastic seat is easy to wipe, as most plastic-coated high chair seats are, but the back is made of soft and durable fabric. The upside is that it will keep your child more comfortable. The downside is that it can be tougher to clean because it’s not as simple as just wiping it down.

The removable tray makes it super easy to clean, but there’s no tray insert like you might find on other high chairs, meaning you have to remove the entire tray to clean it. But you may find that you enjoy the built-in cup holder, making it easy for your child to learn how to keep their space tidy.

The tray is a three-position tray, allowing the chair to grow with your child as they need more room. The three-point harness keeps your child safe and the chair can hold up to fifty pounds, lasting your child for as long as they need it.

It folds flat and can stand on its own so you can tuck it away without worrying about it falling over. It’s also very slim and compact, so you can take it anywhere. However, you do have to remove the tray before folding it up.

There’s also a comfy, built-in leg rest for little feet. This helps keep your child more comfortable than other chairs that allow their feet to dangle.

Primo Cozy Tot Deluxe

For the best minimalistic design, look no further than this versatile seat. It has an ergonomic seat, making it more comfortable for your child, but because it doesn’t recline, it’s ideal for older children who can sit up.

It has a three-point safety harness that’s perfect for keeping your child in the chair, but is not as safe as a five-point harness would be. It won’t work for you if your child needs the extra shoulder restraints.

It comes in black and white or teal and white, so if you enjoy simple colors without a lot of distracting patterns, this is a great choice. It helps your child to relax and enjoy meal time without all of the unnecessary stimulation that comes from other products.

The removable tray is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and the entire chair is made of plastic, so all you have to do is wipe it down. The downside to this is that the lack of padding means it’s not as comfortable as some other high chairs.

It’s also a double feeding tray so rather than removing the whole thing, you can just take the messy top insert off for cleaning and leave the rest intact and attached to the chair.

It folds down to just nine inches wide for easy storage or transportation. While it’s not as compact or slim as other designs, it has some other unique features you may find advantageous.

When you’re done using the Primo Cozy Tot Deluxe as a high chair, it converts easily to a toddler chair, so your child can continue to use it for meal time, reading, play time, or something else.

Summer Pop ‘n Sit

If you enjoy the warm summer sun and sandy beaches, you’ll love this design. The design and the fabric make this chair a great outdoor companion. It’s bright and fun, durable, and versatile.

This is the perfect solution for both indoor and outdoor use because of its sturdy construction and durable fabric. While fabric can be a bit harder to clean, it will also last your child a lot longer and hold up better under heavy use.

It comes in two bright colors, aqua and mango, with black and white striped trim for fun flair and a vibrant design. A two-zipper storage bag is attached to the side so you can keep extra snacks, supplies, or toys within reach.

The big zipper compartment is big enough for extra eating utensils and a big bag of essential baby wipes, and the front compartment is a mesh, wet/dry compartment that makes it perfect for a day at the beach.

As if the extra storage wasn’t enough to make this the perfect travel companion, you’ll also enjoy how this high chair folds. It folds up so tightly that it fits in it’s own travel bag, which is also included.

Fold it up, pack it away, and use the handle to throw it on your shoulder and go. The plastic tray is removable and easy to wipe down while the three-point safety harness will keep your child comfortably seated.

It holds up to 45 pounds so your child can use it for a long time, but the seat is not adjustable, so your child needs to be able to sit up on their own before using it. If you find that you enjoy the high chair, it makes for an easy transfer to Summer’s booster seat of the same design.

hiccapop Omniboost Travel Booster Seat

This high chair has the best low-profile design for better portability. It sits low to the ground, keeping your child even safer, and is perfect for a picnic in the park or another outdoor adventure.

This seat is a great solution for outdoor use because it is compact, easy to carry even when expanded to full size, and makes your child feel secure. They can rest their feet on the ground, even when strapped in, so they can have a more tactile experience while snacking.

The frame is sturdy and durable, but pops up and folds down easily for a frustration-free experience. Fold it up in seconds and put it in its carrying case so you can take it anywhere.

The removable tray is easy to wipe and dishwasher safe. It also swivels so you can let your toddler out of the seat without removing the tray completely.

The fabric and the carrying bag are machine washable. Just remove the fabric from the frame and toss it and the carrying bag into the washer.

The buckles are ergonomic and safe for your child while being easy to unsnap with one hand.  The large feet give the chair stability on any surface, including grass and sand, so you can take it anywhere and be sure that it will stay put. Both of these things are life savers when you have a wiggly toddler.

As an added bonus, there is a rear wet/dry storage compartment for all of your extras. Utensils, sippy cups, diapers, wipes, toys, and more will all be out of your toddler’s reach but ready when you need them.

Evenflo Symmetry

If you have an infant or a supported sitter on your hands, this seat may offer the easiest adjustable seat back. One of the best things about it is that you can adjust the seat to three different positions by simply pulling the lever on the back of the seat with one hand.

You can feed your child solid food sitting upright and then lower the seat back for their bottle. It will grow with them and hold up to 40 pounds, so it doesn’t have the capacity that other chairs do. It’s better for smaller children.

It comes in five different color options so you can choose which you like best. The full fabric machine washable seat pad slides off of the frame for easy cleaning, no matter where or what you’re eating.

Three tray positions also allow this seat to grow with your child, keeping them comfortable all the time, while the five-point harness keeps them safe. It also has a footrest to keep your child’s feet from dangling.

The front wheels give you easy portability while the chair is expanded to full size, but it folds up to eight inches so you can tuck it away in the corner, a closet, or your car. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry.

The tray is removable for easy cleaning or taking your child in and out of the chair. While the tray isn’t quite level, it’s not so uneven that flat-bottomed items will slide. However, round items placed on the tray will slide toward your child, which can be frustrating.

The great thing about this chair is that it comes from a reputable, well-known brand who has great customer service. They’re dedicated to helping their customers in any way, no matter what might go wrong with the seat.

Jeep Classic Convertible 2-in-1

If you’re a fan of the Jeep brand baby items like jogging strollers, this is one of the most sleek and versatile high chairs you can buy. It only comes in black, making for a rugged look that provides the durability most Jeep lovers need.

One of the coolest features of the Jeep high chair is that you can take advantage of six adjustable height positions. You can raise your child up to your level when sitting at a table, or you can lower them closer to the ground when picnicking or spending the day outdoors.

It reclines to two different positions, adding comfort for infants or supported sitters who can’t yet sit up and need to lay back for a bottle. What’s even better is that you can adjust the height safely with or without the baby in it.

The footrest is also adjustable so you can keep your child’s feet from dangling or touching the ground. The three-position plastic tray is also removable so you can wash it, but the fabric is a bit harder to clean. Thankfully, the black color won’t show stains as easily as others.

You may also enjoy the removable tray insert, making it easy to clean in the sink without taking the entire tray off. It’s also dishwasher safe, if you don’t want to put in the extra effort. However, removing the tray does take two hands.

It folds upright and stands on its own so you can put it anywhere, but it doesn’t fold down as tightly as some other collapsible chairs. What’s really great, though, is the tray storage when it’s folded, which is something that not a lot of others offer.

Safety 1st 3-in-1 Grow & Go

This is another great product from Safety 1st, offering durability, simple design, and quality. It’s one of the most comfortable high chair solutions for your child. The seat is padded and removable.

While they don’t advertise that the seat is machine washable, you would likely be safe on a gentle cycle and laying flat to dry. You can certainly wipe it easily or take it outside and hose it down if needed.

It has three versatile modes of use. You can recline the seat for giving a bottle to an infant, making it much safer and more comfortable. It has three reclining positions so you can put it exactly where your child needs it and where you feel comfortable.

You can also use it as an upright toddler high chair as they grow. It has six adjustable height positions so you can lower it and allow them to get in and out themselves. This is also a really great way to put your child low to the ground while outside.

When they get big enough, it converts to a child seat with tray storage so you can push it right up against the table, keeping them securely fastened, but allowing them to eat like the rest of the family.

The tray is easy to remove and dishwasher safe. You can also remove the tray insert for easy washing while leaving the tray attached to the chair. As an added bonus, the footrest is also adjustable.

The high chair folds to stand on its own for storage so you don’t have to worry about it falling over. While it’s another high chair that doesn’t fold down as small as others, it’s still a versatile solution for a growing child.

Baby Trend Sit Right

This high chair has the best steel frame available, making it ultra durable. It also comes at a price that’s better than a lot of the plastic frames you’ll find. Surprisingly, despite its steel frame, it’s still only rated for 40 pounds, which means it’s great for smaller, lighter kids.

The weight restriction, coupled with the reclining seat and height adjustments mean it’s a good solution to grow with your child, at least until they get too heavy for it, which will come at a different time for every child.

There are three recline positions so you can recline your infant for a bottle however you feel comfortable. There are also six different height adjustments so you can convert it to a toddler seat that they can get in and out of by themselves when they’re ready.

The convenient tray storage means that you can push it right up to the table when your child is ready to eat with the rest of the family, while still keeping them securely fastened in their seat.

It folds to stand on its own for easy storage when you’re not using it. You can remove the tray and throw it in the dishwasher. Easy operation means you can do it all with one hand, making it perfect for parents who frequently wrangle a squirmy child.

Many users rave about how sturdy this chair is and how easy it is to clean. The fabric is removable and comes in an adorable pattern, making it both attractive and functional. The design is a bit more simplistic than others, while still offering the versatility you need.

ciao! Baby Portable High Chair

The ciao! baby portable high chair is the best all fabric solution if you want something that’s totally collapsible and doesn’t have a hard plastic tray getting in the way. It comes in too many colors to count and is super affordable.

This lightweight, completely foldable high chair is made of durable nylon material that you can easily wipe or hose down when it gets dirty. Much like an adult lawn chair, it folds and unfolds easily with one hand so you can take it anywhere.

It’s built for your baby with a five-point safety harness and leg holes to keep your baby secure and comfortable. For larger children, the leg holes may be a bit restricting. The built-in tray is lined with vinyl so it can be wiped easily and still fold up tight.

It folds and locks in seconds so you can carry it without worrying about it opening back up. However, it does lack a carrying case, which is a nice feature of some of the other small, collapsible high chairs.

It sits lower than a full size high chair, making it a great choice for all outdoor activities, but making it a bit shorter than a kitchen table. If you want your child to be able to eat at the table with you, this isn’t the right solution.

You can take comfort in the fact that this chair meets all US American Society for Testing and Materials requirements. It meets Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act guidelines, and if it matters to you, it also meets all EU European requirements for high chair safety.

Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat

This high chair features the best fulls-size high chair design in a booster seat size. You’ll get all of the features you love about a full-size high chair seat, but with shorter legs, making it much easier to take with you wherever you go.

The legs are made of sturdy metal and adjust to three height positions, so while it doesn’t expand to full-size, you can place it on an elevated surface and then adjust as needed to give your child access to the things they need.

The three-point harness isn’t as secure as a five-point harness, but it’s intended for use a bit closer to the ground. The seat is wide and comfortable, allowing your child a bit more flexibility and freedom than other high chairs.

The feet are anti-slip and non-marking, so you can be confident that the chair won’t ruin any surface, no matter where you put it. And despite its small size, it can hold up to 50 pounds. With the built-in straps, you can secure it to any adult chair, giving you height versatility in a small package.

This chair lacks a reclining seat, so it’s best used for older children who can sit up on their own. The seat and tray are easy to wipe down, the tray has three adjustable positions for even more comfort, and the tray is completely removable.

The chair folds completely flat with tray storage. While it doesn’t come with a carrying case, it does come with a built-in strap, so you can throw it over your shoulder and take it anywhere. It’s also very lightweight.

While it may be slightly less comfortable due to a lack of padding on the seat, it’s just one more feature that makes the seat itself super easy to clean. There’s also no assembly required because the seat simply snaps open and closed in seconds.

The Verdict

The JOOVY Nook is my best overall pick because it’s the perfect mix of full-size high chair and portable solution. Of course, it all depends on how you’ll use it, which is why there are plenty of other really great options, too.

The Nook has plenty of color options, a simplistic, lightweight design, and it folds down compactly for storage. JOOVY also offers the Foodoo seat for infants if you need a solution for your younger child.

The whole point of a folding high chair is to save space, but traveling is an added bonus, and this option offers the best of both worlds because of how easy it is to fold with one hand and store in tight places.